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Goodbye, Good Friend

Singer and actor Christopher Simpson died on Saturday, June 29th in Dallas, Texas. The 36-year-old succumbed to injuries he sustained when he was hit by a car on June 19th. Although he appeared in several David E. Talbert plays and sang with John P. Kee, he's best known as the lead singer of Jesus is the Reason from Kirk Franklin & the Family's Christmas album.

My connection to Chris was more personal. I met him at the Gospel Music Workshop of America in 2000. Normally, I wouldn't have given him a second glance, but I had to when he told me that I, quote, "flowed in the ministry of sexiness." Prior to our meeting, I didn't even know there was such a ministry. He assured me that there was, and that I was a Bishop or at least an Elder in it.

We dated for a couple of months. Even though I was living in New York City and he was between Dallas and Philadelphia, we were close. I found him to be a charming and thoughtful man. Ultimately, though, we stopped seeing each other because we wanted different things at the time.

When I heard about Chris' accident, I never thought he'd die. I just thought he'd be banged up a bit. Obviously, God had other plans. I'd like to extend my sincere condolences to Chris' family. I know they'll miss him dearly. As for me, I'll do my best to flow in my ministry in Chris' honor.

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