Diddy & Jakes: Run for Cover.

Should a Pastor separate themself from you when you're in trouble.

New York, New York, Big City of Dreams:

I grew up right outside New York City, immersed in a rich and vibrant culture; from street vendors on 125th Street selling Black artifacts to block parties hosted by the likes of Heavy D, to nearly every car blasting Hot 97: “If you don’t know, now you know!” The excitement and promise of those moments were through the roof. After all, New York was on top, and everybody wanted our sound. That’s what drew me in, like a fish taking the bait. But guess what? I didn’t mind the pull. I loved what I saw and was determined to one day work in the music industry.

When I started high school, I shared my dream with my guidance counselor, who then connected me with the school’s career counselor. Before I knew it, they helped me secure an interview for an internship at Bad Boy Records, the hottest label around. But just as we were locking in dates, Biggie Smalls was gunned down, and the school quickly distanced itself from the label. I was crushed, but I knew the entertainment industry was where I belonged.

Later, I built a career in the TV and film industry, where I encountered individuals my grandmother would define as two-faced. These people projected a public persona of kindness, while behind the scenes, they were the polar opposite. Yet, if you want to excel in any facet of the industry, you have to navigate through the ugliness—an ugliness where nothing and no one is quite what they seem, including your favorite actor, producer, or even director, and in this case, allegedly “Diddy”.

Mountain Top

Diddy started from the bottom and worked his way to the top developing a unique blueprint with ventures spanning from fashion to owning restaurants to his partnership with Diageo, where he branded Cîroc and made it a household name. He even launched his own cable network, Revolt; a rare feat for a Black man. Most of the programming on Revolt seemed to be music-centered and socially relevant, leading to a unique partnership with renowned Pastor T.D. Jakes to bring sermon-based messaging to the network with the hopes of inspiring millions.

This partnership was personal for Diddy, who credited Jakes with having a "profound impact" on his life. He called Jakes one of the most transformational leaders of our time, revealing that his teachings helped him during a dark period where he lost everything: his long-term girlfriend Cassie, his children’s mother Kim Porter, and his best friend Andre Harrell, all within a short span. During that period of loss, Diddy found solace and guidance in Jakes’ messages, which he described as leading him "out of the darkness and into the light.”

Their relationship seemed to grow closer over time, with the two being photographed together in various settings, from the Potter’s House (Jakes church) to Diddy’s infamous parties, which are now under federal investigation. Diddy reportedly considered Jakes his pastor and spiritual advisor. However, things took a turn when Jakes was named in a sexual harassment lawsuit against Diddy, with claims that Diddy intended to use their relationship to enhance his public image. The situation worsened after a video surfaced of Diddy violently assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie. Jakes condemned the footage from the pulpit, calling it “atrocious, degrading, and demeaning debauchery.” He later addressed rumors linking him to Diddy’s parties, where he was allegedly involved in inappropriate behavior. This series of events seemed to fracture their mentor-mentee relationship, leaving Diddy pastor-less. But did he ever really have a pastor?

Key Role of a Pastor:

• To lead and guide the sheep, make disciples, and promote spiritual growth.

• To counsel and address the needs of the people and serve the community.

• To teach and preach the word of God, encouraging as needed.

Bonus: Prophecy (Prophetic)
This can help warn of danger to come. For example, God called King David a man after His own heart, yet David committed egregious acts, sleeping with another man’s wife and setting him up to be killed on the front lines. This led to David’s punishment, but before that came the warning from a spiritual advisor, the Prophet Nathan:

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes, I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’”

David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.”

Warnings to Diddy:

I’m obviously not privy to any conversations Jakes might have had with Diddy regarding his personal life. However, there were at least two people currently trending on social media who either warned Diddy or stated they were praying for him in response to something they saw in his future. The first is a pastor who posted a video on YouTube THREE years ago telling Diddy to repent, saying that God was giving him a chance essentially to get it right.

The second was a pastor who went live on IG TWO years ago, claiming that God called her to pray for Diddy. She faced “pushback,” with some believing she was clout-chasing. Fast forward to now, and that particular pastor circled back, stating that people tore her down for having prophetic insight where she saw Diddy sitting in a cell. Her name is Shavon Smith (www.shavonssmith.com).

These warnings and insights came while Jakes was “spiritually mentoring” Diddy, attending parties he threw, and partnering with him on his network to bring light to those living in darkness—all while Diddy himself was allegedly full of the devil.

The right Pastor:

This brings to light the importance of having the right pastor and insight in your life when you’re living in darkness. Remember, even people on death row, who have committed despicable acts and are preparing for execution, often have a pastor or spiritual advisor by their side, someone to guide them as they prepare for judgment. That support can lead to transformation. Perhaps that transformative pastor could have helped Diddy. And maybe there’s still a chance for the right pastor to come along and lead him as he confronts his “alleged actions.”

Who is your pastor? Can he or she help you, or could they lead you astray? Or will they leave you when you need them the most?