Since Michael Jackson passed, news of This Is It, the documentary detailing his preparation for his comeback tour, has swept the world and became one of the most highly anticipated theater releases of the year.

I thought it might be cool to compile the Twitter reactions from some of our favorite gospel artists who were among the multitudes to see the first showing of the film’s limited two-week run…

Kirk Franklin, who apparently had to catch an early flight this morning, said that he was dragging his wife, Tammy, to the viewing with him.  After it was over, three simple sentences– “Just saw the M.J. movie.  Incredible.  Go See It.”

It seems that J Moss had quite a crew with him, including Karen Clark-Sheard, Kierra Sheard, Paul “PDA” Allen and more.  After leaving the movie, he sent a tweet that he “just left Movie Heaven… WOW.”

PDA, himself, said that the movie was great, a “must see fo’real… go ppl go!”

Deitrick Haddon tweeted that he had to be one of the first to see the movie.  Afterwards, he reminisced that Michael Jackson had a gift that was “out of this world.”  He urged that ”everybody must see this movie… I’m inspired all over again!!”

Songbird Onitsha said that she “loved the Michael film,” and said that we need to check it out.

Donald Lawrence mentioned that he was planning to hit the theatre last night as well, but he hasn’t returned to Twitter with his reaction yet.

My wife and I are going next week cuz we don’t do crowds well.  Who already saw it?  Who’s got tickets to see it?  Who’s passing on it, and why?

TALK TO ME!

“All Gospel singers are not Gay as I don’t have a sissy bone in my body.”

Deitrick Haddon typed these words on Twitter today during a rant about the now-infamous interview between Lexi and Tonex, in which Tonex acknowledged his same-sex attractions.

I’m not going to use this post to bash Deitrick, but really to ask that all of us, as CHRISTIANS, take a moment to examine our hearts and live life more carefully.

As I’ve stated before, I disagree with Tonex’s position as it relates to his interpretation of Scripture, the term “fornication,” and the things to which he feels entitled as a result.

But I don’t care how wrong we believe Tonex is in his lifestyle choices– the standard of holiness that we’re trying so hard to uphold does not give us a free pass to use hate-filled words.  Quite the contrary, WE are responsible for LIVING OUT the standard of holiness by addressing people in love.

God is not pleased with the anger we exhibit, and the venom we spew, just because we say “I’m doing it for YOU, Lord.”  We condemn other religions for committing hateful acts in the name of God, we have seen (as a nation) racial oppression premised on people’s errant interpretation of Scripture.  And we’ve not liked it.

Yet here we are.  And we’ve become so engrossed with judging every little thing that happens on this Earth that we easily become distracted from the greatest commandment– LOVE.  I’m willing to guess that God would rather we simply keep quiet than demonstrate hatred in His Name.  It’s not okay.  Why?  Merely because I never ONCE saw Christ do it.

Our task, then, is to humbly throw ourselves at the Father’s feet and say “Lord, I see injustices and I see things that displease You.  They make me angry too.  I hate what you hate.  But in response, teach me to LOVE the way YOU LOVE.”

Let’s do better.

Lots going on In The Twitterhood, as usual.  A quick recap…

Antonio Neal (@antonioneal) has a new studio for those who want to record without a lot of cash.  Email him at ansharforeverstudios@gmail.com for more info.
 
BeBe & CeCe Winans (@bebeandcece) taped an episode of Bobby Jones Gospel and are putting the finishing touches on their album this week!
 
Deitrick Haddon (@deitrickhaddon) wrote a movie that he’ll be filming in 2 weeks.  He’s apparently in the studio now for the soundtrack.

Kim Burrell (@kimburrelllove) says to check her out on WLIB 1190 in New York from 10am to 2pm Monday through Friday.  You can listen online at http://wlib.com/pages/3889969.php.
 
Mary Mary (@therealmarymary) is on tour with R&B singer Maxwell.

And last but not least, Donald Lawrence (@DonaldLawrence) gave public props to GospelPundit.com, saying  ”I sooo appreciate the way u run your site. Professional and integral but still news! Kingdom-style!!!”  WOW. Me so happy.

Okay, that’s it for this week.  You’re followin’ me, aren’t ya? http://www.twitter.com/gospelpundit.

Y’anna Crawley (@yannacrawley) tweets that she’s in the recording process, telling Donald Lawrence that it’s “going well.”

Ton3x (@t0n3x) started a campaign against pornography called “NO MO PO” (which CRACKS ME UP… the title, not the campaign).  Apparently, he was tempted with it the other day, used a YouTube preaching video to help him resist, then got so mad that he launched a campaign.  Gotta love the transparency.
 
George Huff (@georgechuff) is using UStream.tv to stream his rehearsals… he streamed band rehearsal yesterday and will be streaming his background rehearsal online this Thursday.

Anson Dawkins (@adawk), of Dawkins & Dawkins, is on Day 51 of his 100 Days of Prayer.  He’s been ”praying for a wave of humility and worship 2 overtake our nation; and rejoicing at how quickly God brings breakthru.”  AMEN!

Eric Dawkins (@edawkins), the other half of Dawkins & Dawkins, is working stuff for Isaac Carree and the gospel group Christopher.  Lookin’ forward to THAT.
 
Antonio Neal (@antonioneal) just opened a studio in Nashville.  Contact them via email at ansharforeverstudios@gmail.com for more info.
 
Finally, heads-up:  Deitrick Haddon and JJ Hairston have just joined Twitter.  Head over to the TwitterRoll to follow them.

Lots going on in the Twitterhood within the past week, folks.  Here’s just a small sampling…

Israel Houghton (@israelhoughton) is plugging a sale on his Facebook page– his latest project, The Power Of One, for only $7.77.  Visit http://www.facebook.com/israelhoughton.

Coko Clemons (@cokoclemons) is super amped about the release of her new album today (and she SHOULD be!).  She’s in NYC doing some promotion and she’s being featured on Essence.com.

Warryn Campbell (@babydub0) tweets that My Block Inc. (his production company) is taking songs for JoiStarr right now, but he says, “No Trash Please.”  Email songs to myblockmp3@gmail.com.

And finally, Kirk Franklin (@kirkfranklin) made a very transparent and blatant plea to men– honor the institution of marriage and let’s get ourselves (and our… *ahem* male situation) under control.  So many folks weighed-in on his tweet that he was inclined to do a video blog about it… watch it below.  It’s honest, heartfelt and true:

Ok, that’s it for now.  Lemme know what you think about what’s going down in the Twitterhood.

And remember, you can follow me here: http://www.twitter.com/gospelpundit.  And visit the GospelPundit.com TwitterRoll to follow some of your favorite artists!

It occurred to me that, while many of you are already on Twitter, not everyone is interested in joining, for various reasons.

Still, in this new digital media age, MANY of your favorite artists are on Twitter, and are making announcements on a daily basis.  I try to fill you guys in as much as possible, but sometimes artists do stuff that isn’t “press release” worthy, but you’d still be interested in knowing it…

Like the fact that, to prepare for her album release this coming Tuesday, Coko was hitting the gym HARD (sometimes twice a day), to be in top form.

Or, did you know that Kirk Franklin holds “twurch,” a Q&A church service of sorts on Twitter, whereby people send him theological/practical questions about their walk with Christ, and he answers ‘em?

Or, did you know that 21:03 regularly speaks at Detroit area Career Day programs in the public school system?

Now, I realize that I’m adding a lot to my plate… but it’s for you guys, so it’s worth it. It’ll be a weekly recap deal… dunno which day yet.  But consider this your first installment.