I was flashed once by a girl in Tampa, threatened with a beating in Colorado Springs, handed a room key by a beautiful blonde bookstore manager in Atlanta, and told that God only speaks through me by a woman in West Palm. These people all waited until the lobby was empty and the crowds were gone before talking to me. The “off” ones always wait to be last. It gives them all my time and attention and that, really, is what they want. So, after a show, the thinner the crowd gathered around talking with me gets the more alert Brody and I must become…just in case.
This past weekend in Florida, an hour after one of the shows, only five people remained in the lobby talking with me while Brody packed up the last of the Compassion packets and CDs. These five folks and I were standing in a circle talking, laughing, having a good time when I saw her, over one guy’s shoulder, head slightly tilted down, eyes staring intensely into mine, holding a clipboard against her chest, clicking a pen rapidly with one hand and tapping her foot on the tile floor. She was irritated or impatient or crazy and I couldn’t tell which. But she was purposefully last so I guessed crazy and kept the conversation I was in going in hopes that she would give up and walk away. (I’m not a good person, especially toward Christians, especially when I’m tired. I’m working on this always.)
What I didn’t notice was the four year-old girl hidden behind those gathered around me, standing at this woman’s side. I didn’t notice her until her mother handed her the clipboard and pen and pushed her through the crowd toward me. “Go ahead, ask him,” she said nudging the girl forward.
I knelt down, thinking I’d read her mother all wrong. “What’s you’re name, beautiful?” I looked her in the eyes and stuck out my hand.
“Will you sign this to get God in school?” she asked, and handed me a petition.
“Let me see,” I said, taking the clipboard in my hands and standing to read it. I saw the words “prayer,” “evolution,” “homosexuality,” “Christian founders,” and “condoms” and scrambled inside to figure out what to say to this woman in front of these strangers and her daughter.
The five sensed the awkwardness of the moment, said their quick good-byes and walked away. It was just me, this lady and her little girl left in the lobby.
“I admire you for doing something about what you believe. Most of us say we have convictions but are really pretty apathetic. I know I am. So, I applaud you for acting on your convictions.” She didn’t say a word. She just stared blankly at me. I continued. “But I don’t agree with everything in this petition so I can’t sign it. It would be lying. I wish I could help but I can’t. I’m sorry.” And I handed it back.
She thrust it back into my hands and crossed her arms. “What’s wrong with wanting God back in public schools? They hand out condoms and teach homosexuality and the Big Bang and that we came from monkeys and my kids can’t pray and -”
“That’s not true,” I interrupted and immediately wished I hadn’t. “Are your kids Christians?”
“Yea.”
“If they’re Christians,” I said, “then that means they take God with them wherever they go right? God is in them and with them right?” She cocked her jaw and stared through me. I kept going. “If your kids are in a school then God is very much in that school too, and everyone knows it when they act like Jesus – when they love people, do their work like it matters to God, sit with the lonely kid, respect their teachers, laugh, stop fights instead of starting them. Even if your kids weren’t there God would still be there really. You can’t kick God out of any place on earth right? The earth is God’s foot stool the bible says. It’s all his right?”
“But things are so bad today. Wasn’t like this when my parents were kids and that’s because they took God out of school. We’re founded under God and now we let liberal atheists say you can’t even pray in school and they don’t even say the pledge any more and…” On she went.
Brody was through packing up by this point and giving me the “we need to get going” look. And I wanted to. We had a long drive ahead and had to get up early the next morning, so I tried to end the conversation. “You obviously feel very strongly that you’re doing the right thing here but I don’t agree with everything on the petition. You have lots of signatures and you’ll get lots more I’m sure so you don’t need to convince me of anything. You’ll do fine without my name on this petition.” I shook her hand and invited her to e-mail me if she wanted to continue the conversation another time and I turned to walk away.
That’s when a volunteer for the radio station that was hosting us, apparently eavesdropping on us the whole time, chimed in. “Are you even a Christian?” he asked me…
Was he serious…?
I’m gathering the story continues…?
I like ellipses, too…?
Seriously, was he serious? If so, would it be going to far to say it’s time to “get God back into” church culture?
Probably too far…?
Man I guess I walked away at the wrong time, I totally agreed with everything you said to that lady and I missed what that guy said. I am blown away that he said that considering your reasoning was beyond impressive. Dang I wish I could have heard that guy, maybe he didn’t think you were a christian because you kept plugging way-fm at a show they jump on, by all accounts, for free.
Riveting story! I love it when I hear people’s tales of speaking truth into good, but skewed, places.
But c’mon, Shaun, you just brought a Christian radio station into this story. I want you to finish the story…
Crazy. You try to expect things like this, but they seriously surprise me every time.
I try to remind myself that God’s grace is even big enough for people like that too.
You know, by HIS definition of “Christian” you probably aren’t. (Neither am I.) A lot of people have a lot of different definitions of “Christian.” (Think: the Crusaders, Pentecostals, the KKK, Baptists, etc.) Did you ask him his definition?
Did you tell him that the “I hate Jesus” tattoo was a temporary one? That’s probably what threw him off.
I think you must emit some sort of musk that attracts the less gentle-tongued Christian.
It’s like you are some sort of sexy wildebeest alone in a herd of steaming randy bucks.
Maybe as the crowd dwindles you could pop some sort of vile breath mint in your mouth that would drive away the most adamant weirdo in a 10ft. radius.
I’m sorry you had that encounter and even sorrier that you were asked that question. Did that radio station guy even listen to one word you said or sang to think that your refusal to sign a petition that you didn’t agree with meant anything? I also don’t sign that type of petition. Your choice to not sign and give extremely valid feedback was not the eavesdropping radio station guy’s business nor basis to question you. Keep the Faith and God Bless!
Kevin
Was the radio guy “Brant Hansen”?
I keep trying to think of something to say, but how do you explain to someone who perceptions are skewed what it really means to be a Christian. In a petition like that, your signature would carry no more weight than the signature of her cousin’s neighbor’s sister. No offense, of course, but the only reason to have you sign it is for bragging rights; to say “Shaun Groves agrees with me.” and, no offense again, that really isn’t worth anything unless God gave that vision/idea to you.
“radio guy” was only a volunteer. He isn’t an employee.
Wow – I was really loving this story until the last line… It drives me NUTS when people jump in and judge b/c your belief don’t line up exactly with theirs… I can’t wait to hear the rest of the story – Especially your response as you called down the thunder! ; )
How can you be expected to be a Christian if Mother Teresa wasn’t?
OK. . . . JOKING!! WOW!
All I can say is, WOW! I was in total shock as I read your words…you got flashed AND handed a room key by a hot librarian? Totally awesome.
Seriously, that comment is pretty sad. How did you respond?
some occupational hazards you have!! It seems like you handled this situation very well.
Hey Shaun …
NOTHING surprises me anymore … NOTHING.
Godspeed,
Fred
Shaun, Shaun, Shaun. You’re forgetting your scripture.
“…If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, and sign the petition, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, with the mouth he confesses, and with the pen he writes a series of meaningless letters, resulting in salvation.”
(Romans 10:9,10 – Tampa Standard Version)
While it could be said that being able to teach religion in public schools would make things easier, I for one, am glad they don’t. Who exactly would define “religion?” Would it be protestants, Mormons, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, satanists, etc? I want my children to be taught the tenants of our faith by my husband and I and our church leaders with the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit. As far as evolution goes, after MUCH research, study, prayer, etc. we’ve adopted what we believe as true and have passed this along to our children in many ways over a period of time. During parent-teacher conferences, I gently, but firmly explain our family’s stance and ask that teachers respect this. When questions arise on tests, etc. in an area that is disputed by Creation, I’ve asked that my children be allowed to answer based on their beliefs, or to leave the question unanswered. I’ve NEVER had a teacher respond negatively to this approach and in fact they usually respond quite positively! This is a fantastic opportunity to SHOW Christ to others by our actions. My children know what they believe and WHY. They also know that a difference in beliefs or curriculum in no excuse for rude or disrespectful behavior and does not give them “carte blanc” to skip questions, or engage in disruptive behavior. ALL students (and teachers too for that matter) have the RIGHT to bring up alternate beliefs and opinions in school. Doing so is NOT establishing a religion, teaching a religion, or placing one above the other. Students can bring up Creationism or any other tenant of their faith, etc. in school at anytime. If a teacher stops this line of questioning or discussion, THEY are in violation of federal law. It’s really important to discuss these things with our kids so that they can act appropriately, respectfully and most of all, Christ-like in handling any of these things that arise. I like to think that my children being in public schools has helped not only make them stronger witnesses, but that they have planted seeds along the way.
Beth
I am floored by the DJ.
But hoping there is more to the story. Something that better puts into context the words that came out of his mouth.
You raised a good point in your response. And one I support.
My first thought is wow….but I am also not surprised. I am the kind of person who won’t sign petitions when people hang outside the grocery store. But I also don’t stop to read them either.
I like what Beth/grovesfan said. It’s encouraging to know that you can work with the teachers that way. I’ve always wondered about that, because my dad always just rolled his eyes when someone brought up evolution or, when you go the Grand Canyon or a Museum and you read the “facts” or history. And he would say that stuff was baloney. Still, I think I turned out ok. Sometimes I have to work on the way I respond to other’s beliefs and convictions. I love that we are to be salt and light, we just have to remember not to dump the whole salt shaker. Season gently!
ps. this is one of the reasons I rarely stay to talk to an artist. because I don’t want to be one of those (not that I am) but I don’t want to seem weird because I really just want to let them know that I really do appreciate their music + ministry and what the heck, they can sign this while I’m here, right?
That’s what called messy Christianity.
Jesus never said it would be easy,
only that He would be with us.
I pray He always travelling with you
Again…
That’s when a volunteer for the radio station that was hosting us…
Just covering my proverbial butt. The station helping out that night was great to work with and I don’t want it to appear that I’ve said otherwise. Volunteer, not DJ.
I can’t believe the OWNER of the station said that to you! However, it is a question I have thought silently many times.
What a smart a** Brian. But then again, someone’s got to keep Shaun honest!
Beth
I can’t believe the DJ from AIR-1 said that to you.
It amazes me how truth can become distorted when the facts may not be visible and we ASS-U-ME certain things about what we are seeing that may not necessarily be truth. For example, there were ONLY 3 people from the radio station there Saturday night. . . the programming director, his wife and his son. There were NO volunteers. So the ‘volunteer for the radio station’ guy . . . could he maybe have been just a guy in a radio station t-shirt . . . a t-shirt which he caught at the break during the t-shirt and cd toss? hmmmmm….. maybe. So let’s not draw conclusions.
“ . . . and not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.” 1 Timothy 5:13
I can’t believe Billy Graham and George Bush asked if you were really a Christian.. wow..
You know.. you could have saved a lot of hassle, and made some extra money by just signing Brant Hanson’s name to the petition.
Im full of great ideas, call my people, we’ll do lunch.
Bob
UM Wow!
There’s a lot I’d like to say.
And let me be clear, that I do (Often) have the gift of interpretation. . .but to the person who linked the crusaders, KKK and baptist together -Are you kidding me?
My other thought is –really you drag your 4yr old into this fight? People are weird and/or stupid.
I know lets boycott the radio station. . .
“Volunteer” later said, when I introduced myself, “I’m _______, just here helping the station out.”
I didn’t get an official job description, check his I.D. or verify his identity with the station manager. My apologies.
Let it hereby go forth that Shaun Groves recants his statement that “volunteer” was in fact in any way affiliated with a Christian radio station. “Volunteer” is a liar and people who help Christian radio stations in any way never ever ask dumb questions or in any other way offend, disappoint, or make mistakes.
-Shaun Groves.
Just a thought here. Did you do more than one Florida weekend show? Maybe “concerned” is mistaken?
I find it interesting that concerned missed the point altogether.
I recently had a similar conversation with my grandmother. I knew better but the devil made me do it, I think. Or wait! Maybe Jesus made me do it. She handed me a petition to pass a certain amendment – a movement that the church feels is a necessary and valid use of our time and resources and has nothing to do with widows and orphans – and I respectfully declined. “what kind of world do you want your children to grow up in?” was the answer she spouted back. I wish I’d been as eloquent as you. Can i get you on the phone next time it happens? thanks.
I was a bit put off with the crusaders, KKK, and Baptists being lumped together too, but thought I might be “overly sensitive” because I’m Baptist. While I have to doubt that people can call themselves by names and titles and it can mean very different things to different people. I’m less “Baptist” and more Christian now than I was growing up and that’s OK, but I’ll admit to it being a long, hard road that I still struggle with at times. Not that being Baptist is wrong. It’s just that I was choosing to be Baptist FIRST, and place any non-Baptists on a somewhat lower rung of the “Christian ladder” I’d somehow created in my mind.
I can only hope that I’m shaking that salt shaker gently enough now so that people won’t turn away.
Beth
I can’t believe the issues you have with your “volunteer” statement. I understand he was not associated with the radio station that had you there.
Regarding the “Christian” values in school subject. My wife, a 4th grade teacher and christian put it best.
‘Do you really want a non-christian teaching your child about prayer, christian values, GOD?’
Although I believe that Jesus is God’s son and through his death we are saved I also believe that I’m best served teaching my children that at home where I control what goes in. And for those kids who don’t have parents like my wife and I, I’ll ask them to come over and play with mine and let them see my little one live it out.
Take care S.
PS – Did you hear/read that LOS moved to ATL?
My husband and I were at the show… we were asked to sign the petition too… we kindly declined also and found ourselves engaged in a similiar conversation. It is amazing how easily Christ’s follwer’s can be distracted by “good causes” that lead us to judge more than we love.
On another note, we were encouraged by the time of worship last Saturday. Thank you for the rich lyrics and testimony that you shared.
hey Shaun,
I overheard a little of your conversation that night as I was packing up. I’m not sure who that lady was, but you guided the conversation well. If the church would only do the things you said in the Compassion segment, the world would be in a different place. The gospel is still just as counter-culture and revolutionary as ever! Thanks for helping point the church towards north again.
-Chris
Community of Hope 8/25 event organizer
P.S. I would try to be funny, but it gets me in too much trouble.