But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my Glory, and the Lifter up of mine head. (Psalm 3:3 KJV)
FATHER KNOWS BEST
Jay “4G” Gathers remembers all too well that memorable, effectual conversation.
Such a dialogue, by all accounts, literally changed his life.
“A brief, but in-depth conversation with Bishop James Kelly who has been my spiritual leader for over 30 years,” said 4G, when asked how God imparted in the vision to compose his first book. “During this discussion, he stated, ‘If you were to write a book, you’d become a millionaire.’ He went on to say that ‘I’d never seen anyone go through situations like you have and not come out of them. I think you need to call it Bounce Back, because I’ve never seen you not able to bounce back from anything.’ At that moment, a light bulb went off in my head because basketball was always my first love. This made the title more fitting.”
And so it came to pass, the ceremonious production of 4G’s Bounce Back, his highly-anticipated new book that is scheduled to officially debut in the coming weeks, the Atlanta-area entertainer told Making Headline News this week.
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As part of MHN’s advance coverage of Bishop T. D. Jakes’ International Leadership Summit May 4-6 in Orlando, 4G spoke at length about a spiritually-empowering written work he began producing sometime in October 2021 and completed approximately six months later.
The official release of Bounce Back will take place approximately two months after the death of Bishop Kelly, who passed away March 22 at the age of 75.
NEVER, EVER FORGET
A native of Mobile, Alabama, Bishop Kelly was the leader of the Free Spirit Singers, a gospel established in 1974. Consequently, he founded Free Spirit Community Church in 1986. Interestingly enough, Bishop Kelly served as an overseer of other churches and pastors in ministry and was the founder of the Agape Fellowship of Independent Pastors (AFIP).
During the production phase of his book — and even as he looks ahead to its official release — the CEO and Founder of GrandMaster Entertainment LLC frequently spoke about the impact his late spiritual father had on his life. More than anything, amongst the things about which 4G is grateful is that Bishop Kelly lived long enough to witness his new book come to fruition.
A PROVEN LEADER
“In essence, Bishop Kelly spoke these blessings over me when the idea for the book was given,” said 4G, alluding to Acts 10:28; 34-35. “He died a blessed man while leaving a legacy. As a part of his legacy, I intend to do the same.”
To 4G’s credit, he’s certainly gotten off to a favorable start, as evidenced by how he heeded the wise counsel of his beloved spiritual father, the man who’s responsible for helping lure him to Jesus Christ.
“From a personal standpoint, writing the book was therapeutic,” said 4G, referring to 3 John 1:2-3. “It allowed me the opportunity to face all my demons by telling my story. By being able to confront those demons head on, I was able to begin my healing process.”
As for the divine message he aspires to send to his reading audience through Bounce Back, 4G said:
“The message that I want to drive home here is that no matter what you go through, you can recover from it by being resilient. For example, one of my favorite chapters is FLOP: Fall, Learn, Overcome, Persevere. Just like in the game of basketball, in life, we fall, whether it’s intentional or unintentional. One might ask, ‘How can someone intentionally fall in life?’ Real simple, by knowingly making bad choices that could potentially cost one their livelihood. Regardless of the severity — or lack thereof — of that bad decision, hopefully, one could learn from it. Now that he or she has overcome what could have been a potentially life-changing situation, they have now persevered and been given a new lease on life.”
Named Making Headline News Man of the Year for 2022, 4G has not ruled out composing a sophomore book project.
“I’m sure at some point, I will write another book,” he said, adding that plan to host a book tour and promote Bounce Back on TV networks, podcasts, and with other media outlets. “There aren’t any (book projects) currently on the table now.”
Continued 4G: “After much anticipation, I’m super excited to finally be releasing my first authorship project. I’m even more excited about the film that will follow. I took the blueprint of two prominent individuals: Bishop (T. D.) Jakes and Steve Harvey. In (the movie) Woman Thou Art Loosed, Bishop Jakes gave Biblical principles and gave advice on how one could be emotionally healed. On the other hand, Steve Harvey gave everyday work scenarios while give relationship advice in his best seller, Act Like A lady, Think Like A Man.”
“God is no respecter of persons means that God will provide every opportunity to receive the blessings available through the plan of salvation.”
A life-altering promise 4G has emphatically embraced unlike never before, thanks in large part to the wise counsel disclosed by his beloved spiritual father.
A memorable, effectual conversation he recalls all too well.
A RELATED STORY
For more information on Atlanta’s Jay “4G” Gathers of GrandMaster Entertainment, LLC, to inquire about his book, or to schedule him for a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 402.603-2404. Also, connect with him via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/jay.gathers or send email to: [email protected].
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.