David and Tamela Mann talk break up with Kirk Franklin, marital struggles in new book 'Us Against the World'

The "for poorer" part of their vows was tested when Gospel Music producer Kirk Franklin told David and Tamela Mann the group they were singing in had dissolved. They had just bought a house. On a separate occasion they returned home to their electricity being cut off in the cold of Winter when they has a small baby. These experiences drew them closer to God and each other. Married since the age of 21, this couple has been making marriage look good for thirty years through their ups and downs.   The entertainers have expanded their empire hand-in-hand since their start with Franklin and rise with Tyler Perry.  They opened up to the Essence Magazine Yes, Girl crew sharing their vulnerabilities and nuggets of relationship wisdom.  "It's really a blessing to have somebody who is with himself and with God,:Mrs Mann reflected with tears welling up in her eyes.  The Texas born couple  wanted to show that they have had snags --such as shacking up--just like everyone else. The Manns eventually had about ten people remain after church one day and got married. The sacrifices they made as a young couple paid off as they both gre spiritually, emotionally and financially.    "Writing the book for us was therapy.  There were some times even writing the book when it got tense for us.  You know how we got through it.  We had to go back and read our own words," David said.
Their mission is to give hope that the institution of marriage and the family unit is worth it.
They also have also done their first duet on a CD (not gospel, but "chill: love songs) that accompanies the book. Next us for the Mann's is “Merry Wish-mas” on TV One and Tamela's leisure wear line in Ashley Stewart stores. Take a listen to the fun, insightful and 100% transparent interview below.