David & Tamela Mann Interview

DAVID & TAMELA MANN DISCUSS LIFE AND THEIR ACTING DEBUTS IN TYLER PERRY’S MEET THE BROWNS

David and Tamela Mann are an anomaly. In a nation where divorce is at an all-time high, this young couple have defied the odds by not only remaining married, but also in love after nearly 20 years. April 2008 marks their 20th weeding anniversary.

The Mann’s have spent two decades touring the nation spreading the word of God through music and theater. From their humble beginnings in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area where they first met and formed their singing group Humble Hearts, to overcoming seemingly insurmountable personal struggles including poverty and a brief period of homelessness, they have become one of the most successful husband and wife performing duos in the gospel world today.

This down to earth couple believe their trials have brought them closer to each other and to God. Their career highlights include touring the country with gospel sensation Kirk Franklin, releasing several self-produced gospel albums, performing with Tyler Perry in a number of his hit stage plays and now making their acting debuts in Perry’s upcoming film MEET THE BROWNS, which debuts in theaters nationwide on Friday, March 21st.

Who is God to you and how has your faith grown over the years?

(Tamela) God is everything to me. He has proven over and over to me that he is God and that there’s no mountain too high that I can’t reach with him…and no valley too low.

Describe the dynamic of working together as husband and wife?

(David) Sometimes we agree that we simply disagree.

As you approach 20 years of marriage on April 24th, what helpful relationship advice do you have about marriage?

(David) For me, it’s to stay in love. Remember that feeling you had when you were first trying to make a great impression. You would do anything to keep that fire alive and make that person happy. Well, do whatever you need to do to keep that feeling.

(Tamela) It’s about honoring your commitment and remembering that marriage is 50/50 from both partners.

What should women always do for the man they love?

(Tamela) Don’t stick a knife in a wound that is already open. If you don’t like something they’ve done or something about them, have more compassion when you try to resolve things.

(David) Try to make her happy at all times. I always say there’s no way Tamela could love me more than I love her and once you take the attitude that you can’t outdo me making you happy, you’ll have two happy campers.

How do you remain supportive with one another?

(David) At one point in our marriage, Tamela was on the road touring for a whole year while I was at home playing house husband (they have four children). I would call her about 10 times a day especially while I was in the grocery store because I didn’t know what to buy. I washed clothes, made sure the kids homework was done and cooked all the meals while Tamela was on the road touring with Tyler’s “Diary of A Mad Black Woman.” I was so happy she had an opportunity to fulfill her dreams. After she came home, I had a new respect for housewives!

What’s something David does that drives you crazy despite your bringing it to his attention?

(David) He repeats himself when we are in an argument because he thinks I don’t listen to him.

What is true love and how do you recognize it?

(David) For me, it’s somebody who you know will be there to weather the storms and enjoy the good times. No matter what the circumstance you can see yourself saying til death do you part.

(Tamela) For him to be able to look at me with unconditional love regardless of what the circumstances are…I wrote down what I wanted in my mate…I didn’t want a smoker or a drinker. You want God’s perfect will in your life not your own permissive will…because if it’s God’s perfect will, he will be perfectly molded for you.

What’s one of your favorite bible verses and why?

(Tamela) All things are possible if you believe Phillippians 4: verse 13

(David) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Who are your heroes and why?

(David) My mom because she only has a seventh grade education and was able to take care of us five boys. She had her first son at 14 and to go through what she went through made her my hero. My grandfather is another one…he was the sweetest man, always kind and full of grace. He lived what he preached. Arthur Primus, our promoter is another hero. He has mentored us through a lot in this business and has been someone who we could go to for advice.

(Tamela) My mom is my greatest hero. She only went to the third grade and raised 14 kids. She pushed me to love the Lord and to know that all things are possible. I remember waking from my sleep as a child and my mom would be there praying over me because I was ill from the high fevers I got from my tonsils. My mom died this past June. She was a holy woman. David, my husband, is a another hero. I’ve found so much joy in having him as my husband and my friend. His kindness is awesome and he has pushed me to be my best…he is my everything. He took that spot that my mom left open.

What’s next for you guys?

Our marriage ministry. We’re teaching a class: Biblical Marriage in a Practical World. We’re starting it at our church to encourage couples and family’s to come together. We’re teaching another class called The Art of Arguing. Some of the things we cover include never trying to solve a problem while you’re in the midst of an argument because it’s not about being right and most of us want to be able to say ‘look you idiot, I told you I was right.’ But do no gloat because the point is not to be right. The bible says “get an understanding.”