Tyler Perry writes an open letter to one of the sexually abused boys that filed against Penn State coach Jerry Sadusky.  The letter was touching, and aims to encourage abuse victims to speak out and become survivors.  Read it below.

Tyler Perry:

I don’t know your name, but I know your face. I don’t know your journey, but I know where you are. I am your brother!

I must tell you, what you have done is so courageous. The strength that it must have taken for your 11-year-old voice to speak out about such a horrible act is something that I didn’t have the strength or courage to do at that age.

I was a very poor young black boy in New Orleans, just a face without a name, swimming in a sea of poverty trying to survive. Forget about living, I was just trying to exist. I was enduring a lot of the same things that you’ve come forward and said happened to you, and it was awful. I felt so powerless. I knew what was happening to me, but unlike you, I couldn’t speak about it because no one saw me. I was invisible and my voice was inaudible.

So to think that you, when you were only 11 years old, spoke up—you are my hero! I’m so proud of you. You have nothing to be ashamed of. I want you to know you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not your fault. Please know that you were chosen by a monster. You didn’t choose him. You didn’t ask for it and, most of all, you didn’t deserve it. What a huge lesson that was for me to learn. Your 11-year-old self was no match for wicked, evil tactics of this kind. You were hunted like prey. A pedophile looks for the young boys he thinks he can manipulate. The ones who have daddy or mommy issues, the ones who are broken, and the ones who are in need. But this wasn’t you.

Do you know that at the young age of 11 you had more courage than all the adults who let you down? All of the ones who didn’t go to the proper authorities, all of the ones who were worried about their careers, reputations, or livelihoods. All of the ones who didn’t want to get involved. Or even the ones who tried to convince your mother not to fight. You are stronger than them all! I wonder what they would have done if it were their own child.

I had a few of those adults in my life, too. They knew and did nothing. One of them even said to me that it was my fault, because I allowed myself to spend time with the molesters. And yes, this was someone who was in power and could have called the police, but instead this person allowed this criminal to go on molesting other young boys for many years. When I did tell a family member, I wasn’t believed. I suffered in silence. But not you, my young strong hero, you have done what many of us wish we could have done. You used your voice!

You know, now that you’re older you need to be aware that the aftermath of abuse may affect you for a very long time. But that’s OK; just know that the strength it took for you to talk about it then will help you get through it now. I often tell myself that if I made it through that experience as a child, then surely as a man I should be able to get past it. It still may take you a while, but that’s OK too. I have known people who have gone through the same things that we have, but unfortunately they were never able to admit it, and it destroyed them. They never went for help, and they let the abuse defeat them. Some of them went to prison for crimes, some are addicted to drugs, and some have even committed suicide. I know that none of these things will happen to you. You are too strong for that!

No matter what happens next, just know that the hardest part is over. I wish the coward and very sick individual who hurt you would have the courage to admit his wrong and not put you through a trial. But he will most likely profess his innocence until the bitter end. And probably, all the while, yelling at the top of his lungs about all he has done to help troubled young boys.

You may have to go through with that trial, and you may feel all alone when you’re on that witness stand, but just know that there are millions of young boys and grown men who are standing with you—including me. If every man who has ever been molested would speak up, you would see that we’re all around you. You may not know all of our faces and names, but my prayer is that you feel our strength holding you up. You will get through this; you’ve already endured the worst part at age 11. Now fight on, my young friend, fight on! We are all with you.

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Maurette Brown Clark, often called “The Princess of Praise & Worship” makes an historic splash on the Billboard charts with her latest album, The Sound of Victory, garnering the highest album debut in her storied career thus far. Debuting at #7 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart, and rising to #6 in its second week, the two-time Stellar Award-winning gospel star released her fourth solo album November 8, 2011 on Atlanta International Records/Malaco Music Group. Recording The Sound of Victory live before an enthralled audience in Norfolk, VA, the twelve tracks pack a powerful punch with Brown Clark’s signature lyrical gifts that have made her one of gospel’s most beloved artists.

Encompassing the best of Brown Clark’s artistic and performance talents, the longtime Baltimore resident delivers an uplifting praise-filled album that envelops fans with a mix of buoyant melodies, reflective lyrics on faith, hope, strength and more. Featuring the hit first single “I Hear The Sound (Of Victory),” Brown Clark also gives fans some timeless favorites on The Sound of Victory with special performances of her hits “Breaking of Day” and “Even in the Rain,” as well as dynamic songs such as “Don’t Be Discouraged (God Will See You Through),” “Awesome God,” among other soul-stirring, standout tracks.

A native of Long Island, NY, Brown Clark began singing at a very young age with her family group, The Brown Singers, and she counts legendary artists including Pastor Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans and her mentor, Richard Smallwood as major influences. After graduating from college, she released her first solo album, How I Feel, in 1998 and earned a Stellar Award for Best New Artist in 2000. She went on to release two more acclaimed CDs, By His Grace in 2002 and The Dream in 2007. She continues to be an influence for multiple generations and expand the boundaries in gospel, bringing the gospel and joy of God’s gifts, love and guidance to reach others struggling through life challenges.

With an impressive 20 years in gospel music, Brown Clark has amassed hits including “Breaking Of Day,” “Just Wanna Praise You,” “Even In The Rain,” “One God” and “It Ain’t Over (Until God Says It’s Over)” and “Calvary” and “Angels” with Richard Smallwood and Vision. Recently appearing on TBN and Bobby Jones Gospel, Brown Clark continues to tour regularly, in-demand to share her musical ministry and is currently nominated in the category of Best Female Gospel Artist of 2011 for the First Annual Digital Gospel Music Awards, with voting taking place at: http://elev8.com/gospel-music/darnelladunham/gospel-women-gospel-female-artist-best-female-gospel-artist-2011-poll/.

The Sound of Victory Track Listing: 1. Breaking of Day 2. I Live to Praise Him 3. I Hear the Sound (of Victory) 4. Awesome God 5. He’s Alive 6. Don’t Be Discouraged 7. Worship You Lord 8. Jesus I Love You 9. Earth Has No Sorrow 10. My Faith Looks Up to Thee 11. Even in the Rain 12. He Is Able

To learn more about Maurette Brown Clark, please visit:

Official Website: http://www.maurettebrownclark.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/maurette-brown-clark

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/maurettebclark

GMC, America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment, announced today that it will partner with Verizon Wireless on a pair of upcoming gospel choir competition specials: “The How Sweet the Sound Road to the Finale” reality special premiered over the weekend on GMC and Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound Finale” from the Staples Center in Los Angeles premiering on Saturday, Dec. 3. Both GMC specials will be hosted by Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child.

The weekend airing of “The How Sweet the Sound Road to the Finale” reality special will chronicle the excitement, drama, triumph and struggles of choirs competing in Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound” choir competition, which was held this fall in Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Oakland, Calif., Charlotte, N.C. and Washington, DC. The competition is the country’s most prestigious gospel music experience, paying tribute to gospel music while providing choirs a platform to showcase their talent. Competing choirs had the chance to rejoice in song and praise, sing in front of gospel greats and fans, and win up to $50,000.

“Verizon’s ‘How Sweet the Sound’ inspires communities across the country through the power of gospel music and celebrates the impact these choirs have on the community,” said Marquett Smith, vice president, corporate communications, Verizon Wireless. “With this documentary, we wanted to capture the choirs’ talent and passion and share the uplifting grand finale with viewers across the country.”

“Gospel-centric programming has been and continues to be a strong ratings driver for the network,” said Mary Jeanne Cavanagh, GMC’s executive vice president, ad sales. “Verizon will surely benefit from the increased brand affinity with our audience and heightened levels of engagement these two specials will undoubtedly deliver.”

GMC camera crews traveled from city to city to capture highlights of the choirs’ public performances as well as compelling behind-the-scenes human interest stories and emotions.

The Dec. 3 airing of the finale from the Staples Center will feature a star-studded lineup of performances and presentations, including a duet from Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton from their upcoming movie, “Joyful Noise”. Other celebrity talent appearing in the show includes, Donald Lawrence, CeCe Winans, Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton, Shirley Caesar and some of the nation’s best choirs.

In last year’s competition, the choir Voices of Destiny won the “How Sweet the Sound” grand prize, plus an opportunity to perform at the 2011 Stellar Awards and Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. The choir is using its prize money to build a youth center.

For more information about Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound, please visit www.HowSweetTheSound.com.

“I Don’t Look Like (What I’ve Been Through)” by Deon Kipping is a truly inspirational song, and you appreciate it even more when you take a look at the lyrics in the video.

Kipping has recently signed with Verity Records, and is currently touring the country with Kirk Franklin. 

See why this song is inspiring so many in Deon’s lyric video for “I Don’t Look Like (What I’ve Been Through)” below!

Arise: The Live Worship Experience from William McDowell celebrates its second week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also enters at #14 on the Independent Albums Charts and #84 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts.

Le’Andria Johnson‘s The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson holds to the #2 position on this week’s charts. Kirk Franklin‘s Hello Fear moves to the #3 spot followed by Uncommon Me from Isaac Carree which enters at the #4 position. Jessica Reedy‘s release From the Heart rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Andrae Crouch‘s The Journey jumps seven places to #11 while Something Big from Mary Mary leaps eight places to #12.

The Rest of the Top 10 in SALES:
6 | Maurette Brown Clark – The Sound of Victory
7 | Lecrae – Rehab
8 | Kierra Sheard – Free
9 | WOW Gospel 2011
10 | Marvin Sapp – The Best of Marvin Sapp

In the world of radio, “I Need Your Glory” from Earnest Pugh spends its eighth consecutive week at the top of the radio charts. Isaac Carree‘s “In The Middle” moves to the #2 spot while “Spiritual” from Donald Lawrence & Company takes the #3 position. Yolanda Adams “Be Still” moves to the #4 spot while “Still Able” from James Fortune & FIYA rounds out the week’s top five songs.

In a new faith based book, Bobby Brown’s older sister, Leolah Brown shares her story of obstacles, violence, and faith.

Entitled “My Journey to God,” she discusses her life’s journey of overcoming domestic violence, gang banging, homelessness, and low self esteem. But it was by the grace of God that she was saved and now lives life with a lot more appreciation.

But life isn’t all flower and roses. Her brother still battles depression and she has to stay on alert for the well-being of her kids Kelsey and Jairam who are both in the music industry.

And most recently, her father Herbert, was diagnosed with cancer and her sister Tina mysteriously disappeared, but reappeared after four weeks.

Brown is an author and motivational speaker. She’s also the president and CEO of The Here and After Foundation – an organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless and troubled youth.

Jordan and Victory World Music just released their debut CD, Shake Heaven, which has become the #1 most requested song at The Fish/Atlanta. The album has already garnered coverage with TBN’s 1 Music Village, CCM magazine, NewReleaseTuesday.com, ChristianMusicZine.com, AlphaOmegaNews.com, and Gospel Music Channel.  Upcoming coverage includes The Denver Post and Worship Leader magazine.

For more information about Victory World Music please visit online at www.victoryworldmusic.com.  Additional information on Victory World Church is available at www.victoryatlanta.com.

Kenneth Copeland is a popular televangelist based out of Fort Worth, TX.  The critical site KennethCopelandBlog.com is maintained by Rich Vermillion, who used to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries for 17 years.  He reports that God has sent him on a mission to expose the MEGA-church Pastor.  He’s asking the Copeland’s to repent.

In the past Copeland has been criticized for preaching what some call a prosperity Gospel.  A label often given to Pastors who preach on the importance of tithing.

The panelist in the case ruled that Rich Vermillion has rights or legitimate interests in the domain name KennethCopelandBlog.com because he’s using it for criticism and not for personal profit.

The blog owner describes himself as a minister and has been mentioned several times by Kenneth Copeland in past sermons when relations were good between the two parties.  It’s not exactly clear what caused the falling out in the relationship, but Rich is aggressively maintaining the criticism website.

To understand the size and scope of Kenneth Copeland’s ministry you have to look at a few telling numbers.  The Copeland’s oversee 500 employees, and 10,000 letters are sent into the ministry each week with donations and prayer requests.  The Copeland’s own a private jet, and 18,000 square feet of personal living space on the shores of Eagle Mountain Lake.  The ministry does require a vigorous travel schedule, but the numbers surrounding the success of the ministry or staggering non-the-less.  

The fact that a few employees are disgruntled is not unusual no matter what business you run.  However, the ex-employees of Kenneth Copeland’s ministry are aggressively seeking to get what they call the truth out there.  Appearing on Dallas area TV networks that garnered un-wanted national attention from the Federal Government. 

Employees claim that out of the 10,000 letters that the Copeland’s receive weekly, none are read and prayed over by the Copelands.  Viewers are made to think that the letters will be prayed over by Copeland personally according to ex-employees of the ministry.  In response, Copeland contends that he does read many of the letters, but has a team to help him.  The Copeland ministries have not been found guilty of any wrong doing legally.

You can view the ministry of Kenneth Copeland at www.kcm.org 

During her second acceptance speech at the American Music Awards, rapper Nicki Minaj revealed that her mother Nina Minaj was going to be releasing a Gospel album.

Nicki Minaj won the AMA award for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album, and mentioned that her mother had already found a publicist.

Despite her racy image, Nicki Minaj did thank God for her award.  No word if Nicki will make an appearance on her mother’s forthcoming project.

Well here we go again saints. I waited 24 hours to report this story to gather up the most accurate details concerning it. It appears Actress Lisa Raye McCoy is in a serious relationship with MEGA-Church leader Bishop Noel Jones.

According to several online reports, McCoy and Jones have been in a serious relationship for a good while and were considering making it official. 

Bishop Noel Jones leads the widely known City of Refuge Church in Gardena, California and Lisa Raye is best known as an actress and reality TV star.

Lisa Raye took to twitter to address the rumors saying, “Come on come on y’all…IF I was engaged u would see a ring 1st of all AND that wouldn’t b a secret becuz 1 would b happy u think?….Thanks.” Lisa Raye denied the engagement but did not deny the relationship with Bishop Noel Jones.

In the past, Lisa Raye has struggled to find a religion as documented in her Reality show “The Real McCoy.” Back in April 2011, Lisa Raye mentioned that she experimented with Buddhism and Scientology but said “I know I want to be a Christian, but I’m still trying to figure out the rules.” Looks like she MAY have figured out the rules! =)

As written on the actress’ website: “As former first lady of the Turk’s & Caico’s Islands she has survived the heartache of divorce and has reestablished her life as an actress and single parent with the strength and endurance she has always shown.”

I’m curious to read everyone’s comments. Is this an appropriate relationship for Bishop Noel Jones? Does Lisa Raye have any idea of what it takes to be a Pastor’s wife and first lady?

• UPDATE: LISA RAYE SAYS SHE’s NOT DATING BISHOP JONES