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Do you feel gospel music is generally afraid of venturing out of its comfort zone?

Adams Oh, definitely. So many people have been afraid to step out of the box. Ever since BeBe & CeCe [Winans] did their thing in the '80s, church folk starting criticizing them. How can you judge someone's ministry when people are coming to Christ in droves? Young people have been afraid to step out because they're eventually ostracized by the community they grew up in. The thing is, criticism will come, whether it's something traditional or something out of the ordinary. You'll never ever satisfy everybody. Someone will always have something negative to say. It's unfortunate. But we're all called to a unique ministry. We're called to be salt and light in our own way.

How do you retain your composure and focus in the face of opposition?

Adams I encourage young people all the time, from Tonéx to Dietrick Haddon and those who are just getting into [gospel music]. I tell them, "This is your ministry, your purpose, what you've been called to. Nobody is going to 'get' your ministry but you. If it's upsetting some, maybe you're doing something right." Not everybody will agree and love it and think it's the best thing since sliced bread. Look at Jesus' ministry. But he himself said, "Don't worry, for I have overcome this world." You have to go by faith. That's how you have to live.

You have been quoted as saying that your new album, Day by Day, takes you into your private life. What aspects of it, specifically?

Adams My praise, my worship, my contemplation in making decisions. The "joy" part of me. The silly part of me that jumps up and down and dances. My listeners deserve to know how I worship, how I praise, what I do when I find myself questioning my own decisions. I wanted to show them how I make it through, how I go about it.

Songs like "Be Blessed," "Someone Watching Over You," and "This Too Shall Pass" sound like you're exhorting someone, that you're intent on giving hope. Was that intentional?

Adams It was definitely intentional. In our society, there are many things that come as a result of tragedy, emotional things. I feel like we don't address depression, grief, and loss in gospel music. We should because we have the answer to those questions. Whenever I'm directing a lyric to a person, it is to get them to overcome, to get them out of their position. I'm speaking directly to them. The only reason that I can sing that is because I've lived through it.

You have endured some difficult circumstances. Not long ago you went through a divorce. How has the gospel community responded to this difficult time in your life?

Adams The gospel community has been absolutely fabulous. My pastor and first lady have walked through it with me without divulging my private life. They know the deal that led up to that. It was not a haphazard, quick decision. This was not a decision I hastily made. By the time I started doing media again, the divorce was already over. As a result of my relationship with prominent first ladies and prominent bishops and pastors I was able to find strength. People were praying for me and praying for my daughter. I've had such an embracing from the Christian community.

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