Kelly Chapman is an acclaimed gospel artist and author. Her latest CD is titled Real and that’s the approach she takes both as a recording artist and as an author. Her latest book, Real: The Truth About Being Single,
addresses some of the hard lessons she’s learned and the wisdom she has
to share as a single woman. Chapman wants women to understand that they
must learn to love themselves and accept themselves; and they can’t
allow their significant other to define who they are.
What advice do you have for women in unhealthy relationships?
I know you love him and I know he makes you feel good, but I know
there’s someone out here who’s being abused, and not just physically. I
know there’s someone out here getting calls at 3 o’clock in the morning
when they know that’s disrespectful, and I know there’s someone out
here who’s getting a text when they need to get a personal phone call.
I know someone’s dealing with someone who’s married. I just want to
say, it might feel right now, trust me — been there, done that — but
let it go. It might feel difficult today, but you will be all right.
Open yourself up to what God really has for you.
How have your experiences shaped your book?
I’m very honest. I’ve been abused, I’ve been called things I shouldn’t
have been called, and I stayed. Because maybe he cried or maybe he went
to my father and said ‘I’m sorry I won’t hit her again.’ I’ve dated the
married man; I’ve messed around with the minister. I’ve been through it
all. [The book] talks about how you can love yourself and value
yourself and [know] your value in God … and know that He loves you. Do
you love you?
What’s been the male response?
My book is written for women, but men read it. I have men come up to me
and say, ‘Women aren’t the only ones being abused and going through
things, men have the same issues, too’ and I thought about that. If I
had it to do all over again I might’ve written the book for men and
women; but the book is written in a female voice. But I’m sure [men]
have some things [they] can tell me as well.
–todd williams
