‘From Darkness to Light: The Donnie McClurkin Story’

By Celia C. Peters
AOL BlackVoices

In this 95-minute docudrama, gospel star Donnie McClurkin tells the fascinating but heart-wrenching story of a hard life turned around. Interestingly, it is also a piece that does not say almost as much as it does say.

Beginning with the title, there is the clear allusion to a troubled past and a turning point. McClurkin’s trouble began at the age of 8, when his baby brother was hit by a car and killed while under McClurkin’s watch. From that point on, the close-knit and jubilant family of 10 siblings and 2 parents who had sung, played and done most everything together became “volatile and violent” for the next 10 years.

At the birth of this pain and chaos -- two days after his brother’s funeral, in fact -- McClurkin’s life changed again. A maternal great uncle staying at the family home raped McClurkin, and went on to habitually molest McClurkin and two of his sisters. Five years later, the same relative’s son began to molest 13-year-old McClurkin, as well as his two sisters. By his own admission, these two events shaped McClurkin’s sexuality. He is surprisingly forthcoming in referring to his homosexuality and his 20-year struggle with it.

Disturbingly, the fact that his sisters were also sexually assaulted by the same two male relatives is only mentioned on a couple of offhand occasions. There are no explicitly anti-gay statements here -- but as one can imagine, within the context of evangelical Christianity, homosexuality as perversion is certainly the subtext of this story (which again, begs the question: What about the sisters and the perversion visited upon them?).

On top of the tremendous guilt and remorse that McClurkin felt over the death of his younger brother, after the molestation began, he felt very alienated, shy, withdrawn and ashamed. Not unlike many others in the midst of conflict, guilt and confusion, McClurkin became saved -- at age nine. After a pivotal (albeit strangely described) meeting with gospel great Andrae Crouch, McClurkin says that he literally heard music with a new ear, because he had received “the gift.” Over the next several years, McClurkin threw himself into music as an escape; his mother had always been a church vocalist, so church was a natural home for McClurkin’s musical interests. It was also a refuge for him when home was chaotic.

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Comments

[DOC]

Good article on Donnie McClurkin. However, your more recent article on Juneteenth did not mention the National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign (www.Juneteenth.us).

Juneteenth is America's 2nd Independence Day celebration. 29 states recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or state holiday observance, as well as the District of Columbia and Congress of the United States.

Together we will see Juneteenth become a national holiday in America!

"DOC"
Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.
Chairman
National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign
National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF)
National Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council (NJCLC)
www.Juneteenth.us
www.19thofJune.com
www.njclc.com
www.JuneteenthJazz.com

[mayy2k]

what more can i say ,Donnie ride on with the work you are doing a tireless soldier of christ, you fell down but grace raised you up again you will remain up to bear the amour of He who has called you.
may God keep strengthening you, may your path shine brighter unto a perfect day as it helps the down trodden to know that there is hope for he that truely believes thak God for using you to strengthen me.
i start my day with your music and god takes me to fulfilment every day with your voice. Thank you Lord for Donnie.

[Kgosi]

Dear Ps Donnie,

Writing u, and listening to you is an awesome experience, I feel you have been send by God to be a messenger of Hope, We fall down but we get up, and this has been my song since i heard it,it somehow sums up how my life is at the moment.. I have gone thru stuff myself and it has been tough, but u know jst listening to u and reading bwt ur experience makes me feel lyk i cud jst sit next to you and u wud understand all that im going through, sometimes i feel like there is no future for me, but im reminded that God brings happiness and sadness for a reason. and that everything that i go through is for a purpose, and i always feel like im mean to experince wat im its meant to make me strong so that i can help someone going through the same thing as me in the future. Wat i jst want to say is that may God continue to bless u, Kirk Franklin, TD jakes, Joyce Meyer, u guys inspire me to the core.. God bless and may he grant ur long lifes jst lyk Abraham etc

From and inspired young man
Kgosi
South Africa

[Greg Onwuegbuzie]

Dear Donie,
for me to say i am always blessed when i listen to your songs is an understatement.I see a brigther future for and your family 'cos God is taking you somewhere you would nver expect.And you know what?You just be ready for that greater explosion.You are my mentor,i love to sing your song everyday because it keeps the Spirit of God in me ALIVE.Thank you so much and God bless you.May you continue to soar higher.
Greg Onwuegbuzie
Lagos,Nigeria.

[tenise]

Donnie

you went through a lot growing up. there is a reason for every thing. i sorry for what u went through. i having a problem myself i use to be with the same sex and at times i want to be back with the same sex. i married as well. at first my husband use to turn me own but not no more. i make like it good. but really iwant to be with the same sex. i know it wrong. what should i do.

[Kwazi]

You have inspired me as a man of 17 years to love God and Gospel Music. May God bless you as you minister with your voice to thousand and thousand of saints.

Kwazi
South Africa

[RUDY]

Donnie I am struggling homosexuality for about 25 years now I am Married for 1 year love my wife alot enjoys sexual intercourse with her, But still has craving for same sex. Can you please help me, If GOD will is for me to meet you I will. I really really need your help. There isn't enough info from books that will give me the strenght to win this battle.

please assist.
Your friend Rudy

[mirriam mututo]

Donnie,
I wish to let you know that you are more than an unspiration to me,i have no words to describe what your voice and music have done to me.You are my role model.I cant wait to attend one of your greatest concert this year,i want to experience it live.Please let me know when.I praise God for what your life's experiences have bore,your life is a restimony and a treasure of immeasurable worth.i appreciate you.

SHALOM,
MIRRIAM,
KENYA (East Africa)

[franca]

Hello Pst Donnie, God bless the womb that conceived such a soilder like you... You are an inspiration to me. Every word of your songs gives a better picture of wht you went through in life and it has made me have a better understanding of God. I must say that you are a VOICE to reckon with.

[john B]

Dear pst Donnie

I'm so blessed when listening to your music , you have been such an inspiration to me , and looking at what has happen to your life , you are a real testamony to the world ,God bless

[Karyl Peart]

Donnie McClurkin, you have given me the true meaning of a saint. I use to think that a saint is a perfect being. Well you and I know those don't exist. I am indeed a saint because I have fallen but thank God He has helped me to get back up. You continue to be a tremendous blessing to my life. At this point I am forcing to be composed because all I want to do is to cry my heart out in gratitude to God. I listen to your CD's and watch your videos ALL the time. Again thanks for your openess and transparency. You are indeed God's chosen and anointed Man of God.

[Sherri Boone]

Dear Donnie,
Here is a poem (?) that I wrote about the life of someone such as your self. I hope that your heart is strengthened as you read it.
All God's best to you.

The life of a chosen one is, many times, not a life of ease or comfort.
It is, however, a life that is rich beyond measure.
The life of a chosen one is, many times, not a life of predictability.
It is, however, a life that is challenging and filled with wonder and possibilities.
The life of a chosen one is, many times, not a life lived on cruise control.
It is, however, a life filled with faith and gentle leading and molding of one greater than he.
The life of a chosen one is never a life of mediocrity.
It is a life of purpose and miracles – big and small, and filled with examples of how life is truly to be lived.
The life of a chosen one is, many times, not a life of calm existence.
It is, however, an inspired life, leaving its mark that cannot be denied; and we are all the better for having been graced with a moment in time with that one who has been chosen.

[shirley taylor]

From darkness to light is just what Paster McClurkin has done for me in so many ways, my relationship with father became my salvation, because it is so personal,My father is not just my father,but my provider,my best friend, my love, my mate, all that i need to survive in this world today. I sing to him, I talk with him, I wait on him,I rejoice in all that he brings to my life. And Donnie's voice and praise help to develope this wonderful relationship that i have with my Father God. Thank you Donnie,for your contribution to our lives.God loves you,I love you to.

[Marcia Donaldson]

I thank God for Donnie McClurkin being a gift to the world. His witness is a testimony in itself. He is living proof that when we are honest and real with ourselves God cant help but to show-up and show-out.

Your Sister in Christ,

[olalekan oladetohun]

You are such a blessing that I cannot explain. The words of your songs are my strenght. your voice is also a blessing. Your faith in God as shown in your songs is a great challenge to me. I so much love you. I cannot stop listening to the song"I will trust you lord" from the live In london and more album.

[Leo Ezeogu]

Pst. Donnie McClurkin's music has being a source of strength in my times of despair. What I have to say is beyond words. The miracle of his life makes me believe in the inexhaustible power of God. He is a living testimony of what God can do with what the devil meant for evil. I thank God I ever came across the music generated by such a man. I look forward to meeting him soon. My life has been bettered for the best. Thank you Sir. I cannot imagine what would have transpired in my life if I had not heard your testimony.

[valeria slaughter]

I've been a listener of Donnie McClurkin's music for years. The first time that I ever saw or heard him, he was on TNB and I wondered who was this man with the great voice. I've loved him and his music ever since.

God Bless

[valeria slaughter]

I've been a listern of Donnie McClurkin's music for years. The first time I ever say or heard him, he was on TNB and I wondered who is that with that GREAT voice. I've loved him and his music ever since. God Bless.