Imagine giving millions of dollars to people who need help, and still having someone say you are not good enough. That is what happened when a critic named Blake Martin went after the singer Jelly Roll. He did not think Jelly Roll belonged at the Dove Awards, which celebrate Christian music, saying the singer has “no business whatsoever speaking on Christian matters”. The critic even called the award show a kind of “golden idol” that people should not support.
The criticism was rough, going straight for Jelly Roll’s past and choices. Blake Martin said the singer was a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” which is a very strong and condemning phrase. He condemned Jelly Roll’s personal life, mentioning that he has an “open relationship and gets high and speaks at recovery events”. This attack felt like a gate closing on someone who is trying to change their life and share a positive message with the world.
Josh Catlett Responds: Why Would Anybody Wanna Bash Jelly Roll Like This?
A fan, Josh Catlett, was quick to jump in and defend the artist. He saw the critic as a “Mr. hypocrite” and a “Christian gatekeeper” who was being too quick to judge others. The creator stood up for Jelly Roll by pointing out that he has “donated millions and millions of dollars to the homeless people in this country”. It seemed like the critic was hating on the singer simply “because he is successful and he is talking about God”.
The conversation about judging people’s faith quickly became bigger than one award show. Another artist, Forrest Frank, found himself right in the middle of the debate over Christian success. Jelly Roll had made a statement questioning why Frank did not accept a trophy, but would “take the profits from something from Jesus for Jesus”. This sharp question needed a thoughtful answer, and Frank decided to finally address the tough issue of money and faith.
Forrest Frank’s Honest Answer to Jelly Roll
Forrest Frank explained that for many years, he did not want to make worship music because he “did not want to make a business out of worship music”. He only released the song because he “felt like God was telling” him to. Frank then calmly said that he will never talk about what he does with the money. He believes “your left hand is not supposed to know from your right hand” when it comes to giving to those in need.
This whole story is about being real and honest in your journey, no matter what others say about you. Jelly Roll has shown the world that people can change, and Forrest Frank shows that faith is a private journey, not a public show of money or fame. Both men use their voices and their struggles to connect with millions of people who need to hear their message of hope. Follow Jelly Roll on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.