Shaun Groves
There’s a little girl from Ethiopia who goes everywhere with me.
She just stands there expressionless, her skin ashen, her hair falling out, her feet missing toe nails, her tongue swollen, her two fingers pointing into her mouth in a silent plea for food.
When I want. When I say “I need,” “I’m poor” or “I’m starving.” When I’m tempted to buy something for someone this Christmas who already has everything. She stands there. She always stands there.
She represents the almost 30,000 kids under the age of five who will die today from poverty.
Every night I put her picture on the big screen and tell her story. I ask people to care, to give. So far, on this Christmas tour, a smaller number than usual have. In five years of speaking for Compassion International I’ve never seen so few people willing to give.
“I’m sorry,” they’re telling her, “but I really need to see The Office, and the game on Monday night, and the latest news on Tiger Woods.”
“I’m sorry,” they’re saying, “but my son really needs an X-Box…and have you played Halo 3?”
“I’m sorry,” they’re saying, “but I want a Merry Christmas and you’re a downer.”
“I’m sorry but I already give to my church.”
“I’m sorry but my stocks are down.”
“I’m sorry but I just can’t.”
I don’t know, but I think it’s easier for them than for me. They only have to see her face for a few minutes. Then it’s intermission, then on with the show, then buy a CD, then back in the car, then back to the house and back to life. But for me? She follows me to the bus and when the lights go out in my bunk she’s still standing there and I wonder…
Is it me? Is my heart not in the right place? Am I communicating badly? Am I saying too much? Too little? Is it the economy? Are people unable to come up with $38 a month? Is it generational? The crowds on this tour are a little older than I’m used to. Does my parents’ generation just prefer to give to church instead of a “cause?” Are they skeptical? Can I do anything about that? What’s going on? What more could I have said? I’m trying. I really am trying.
I’m spending time alone this morning, praying, listening, asking God to forgive my arrogance – forgive me for thinking I can do His job and move and inspire people to sacrificial generosity. I’m asking God to make this little girl so real to the audience tonight that they say “yes” to her and “no” to the never-ending list of wants we all carry around with us. I’m asking Him to give me as much compassion for rich grown-ups as I have for poor children. I’m asking him for a miracle.
I’d appreciate your prayers. So would the little girl standing beside me.
Becky B says:
Thank you Shaun. I appreciate your heart. May I link to this post?
Shaun Groves says:
Always.
Prairie Rose says:
Awareness is hard. I often have these same thoughts when working the Compassion table at events. The people who come to the table, look at a child, and then give an excuse as to why they can’t afford it — an excuse that seems so ridiculous compared to the vast need. And I just have come to the conclusion that the people who think they can’t give just have no idea of the need. Even seeing it, they somehow just aren’t aware.
And maybe this event, this video, this picture, that child’s folder will heighten their awareness just a little bit so that the next time, or the next, or perhaps the time after that, their eyes will clear and they’ll see the need, and rush to meet it.
So keep raising awareness. You never know how much of it goes home with the people you’ll never see again, or what impact it might have for them later on.
Cheri says:
Thank you, Shaun!! I followed a link you had posted earlier in the month and Bart and I are now sponsors for a beautiful little girl named Sentayehu from Ethiopia. If anyone else out there has been considering this, don’t wait! The need is great and the cost is so small. Just think of the life you will be changing. “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
Kristie says:
As much as I admire and respect my husband, he says, “We can’t give to Compassion right now.” And he handles the money and works the paying job at our house. I’ve tried “What if…” (what if we drop netflix, what if we stop eating out, etc.)…but so far, no convincing…but like you, I must also remember I can’t do God’s job and make him see the need and want to do something about it. He DOES give…to so, so many causes, so I’m not dissing him for saying we can’t sponosor w/ Compassion right now….but yet, I really, REALLY want to sponsor a kid–for the sake of helping a kid and furthering the Kingdom and all that–but also because it will make “ministry” and “giving” a personal experience for our children. So…I’ll pray for you, but please do keep praying for us, too!
Danny says:
“I think it’s easier for them than for me”
That’s because it is.
Janie says:
Shaun –
A little encouragement…. I am the resident “Compassion lady” at my church and I was walking by one of our child packet displays two or three weeks ago when I saw a friend and her child looking at the packets. I stopped to see if she had any questions and she said “no, I’ve been thinking about this since that guy was here talking about Compassion”. That guy was you and it was way back in May. That’s a long time to think, but Praise the Lord she finally acted on what God was moving to her do! Another child’s life is changed because of you – and you never even knew it. I can’t even imagine how many more out there have you moved to “think”…….
Janie
Lisa says:
Shaun,
Thanks so much for your work with Compassion. My family and I became sponsors of a little boy in Columbia last night at the concert in Monroe, NC. We have sponsored in the past, but let it slip by. My husband and I have been feeling we need to do more, so thanks for the opportunity. We, too, were confused as to why more people don’t do this. Just wanted to let you know that there was at least one family changed last night. Thanks.
Jonny Solari says:
Thanks so much for this! I think i haven’t seen enough of this girl! It gets blocked out by the greed and the bright lights of christmas. The tv telling me need things to be happy. Every year im left feeling disappointed all this build up for some stuff i dont even want then i forget and do it all again next year. I pray i would break the cycle. Shaun keep doing what your doing good to see someone so genuine stand up for something that really matters with very little reward for yourself. Love it!
Gaetano says:
Shaun,
Don’t know if this will encourage you or not.. but it came into my heart as I read this blog…. What you do is very important and very necessary…. Your call to have folks sponsor kids is similiar to a call to accept Christ….. and people react and respond in the ways they do for many reasons as you have stated… sometimes with sponsorship …. and sometimes without sponsorship……but please remember…… prayerfully remember… that people respond to God…. not us…. just like when you put forth a call to accept Christ…. so when you feel tired and like things are not as fruitful….. remember God is the one tugging their heart strings … and their response, or lack thereof, has to do with their heart’s condition….. and take good pleasure knowing there is still a response…. and each time there are lives positively affected… don’t stop… because this is your calling… and every child sponsored makes a difference…
Thomas says:
First of all, praying …
Let us be careful about judging those who are attending these concerts. How many people there would love to sponsor a child, but because if this bad economy they have lost their job, took a major pay cut, or about lose their job.
It took almost a year after hearing Shaun talk about Compassion and sponsoring a child before I felt in my heart that I needed to sponsor a child. I truly believe if I would have sponsored a child because of a emotional plea instead of being led by the heart I would have stopped sponsoring the child I am sponsoring. I would rather have someone think about this over a year and be led by God to sponsor a child then a person making a quick emotional decision. One child is liable to have a committed sponsor and the other is liable to have a sponsor who does not follow through with their commitment.
Thomas
Casey says:
Sponsoring our child in India was one of the best gifts I’ve ever given my daughter. I can’t think of a better Christmas gift than the gift of helping others.
Thanks for all that you do to show the rest of us how much these children need us.
Tamara Munger says:
Am praying as I type and will continue to pray that you will be able to look back and give a mighty heartfelt praise regarding this beautiful child and her relationship with her new sponsor. We support and love two Compassion children at the moment and are trying, albeit inadequately at the moment, to find a sponsor for another child this Christmas. Thank you for the passion you have for these kids as it was the inspiration I needed tonight to not give up on a sponsor for this child.
Kelly @ Love Well says:
My husband just returned from a four-day trip to Haiti. It was, he said, some of the worst poverty he’s ever seen. And he grew up in poverty, living as an orphan on the street. So that’s saying something.
“I saw a little girl there,” he told me with obvious pain in his eyes. “She probably wasn’t even two. And her hair was orange. I didn’t even know that could happen. But it was a result of malnutrition. She probably won’t live another month.”
I told him I’d seen a little girl just like that once. It was the little girl in your picture. She might not walk with me everyday, as she does with you. But she does stand in the hallway, next to the car, outside of Target. Because of you and your testimony, she is a constant reminder.
I’m a sponsor. And these days, I’m an advocate. But the rest? It’s in God’s hands. So I pray. The least we can do is also the most we can do. I try to remember that.
We are THAT family says:
Shaun,
This post touched my heart so deeply. You bare the burden of the world on your shoulders. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I read this post to my hubby and we decided that we can find another $38 a months to sponsor another child.
My new niece is from Ethiopia and I can’t help but think of her when I look into “your girl'” eyes.
Your effort is not in vain.
Noelle says:
Hey Shaun,
Thanks for never stopping to give the message that we are saved for something. I’ve been reading your blog for some time and my heart has been spoken to over and over again. Thank you for not letting us forget that perhaps we are living in a priviledged society so that we can help those who aren’t. I really just want to let you know that I appreciate it, and I know those kids do as well.
Cathy Davis says:
I wish I had some great words that would make all of this make sense and give you the encouragement you need, but I can’t seem to find them.
Thank you for all of your hard work and for bringing little angels like this to the forefront of our minds.
I just returned from an e3 trip to India and those little ones get me every time. It’s hard for people (North Americans) to realize just how little other people (non-North Americans) have. And how the government does not help them at all. When they have nothing, they mean they have nothing. They don’t mean there’s nothing because I didn’t make it to the gov’t office or through the red tape or whatever – they mean, I got nothing.
Oh, I’m stepping on my soap box – sorry.
When God breaks your heart for what breaks His, it’s quite the break. My encouragement is to keep on doing what you’re doing in His name’s sake and the rewards will be multiplied 10-fold (or more)! Anything we do for Him does not happen in vain.
Praise HIM!
Shaun Groves says:
Thank to all of you for the encouragement. Your words pushed me through yesterday’s concert and yet another very small number of sponsorships. I feel your prayers and I’m so thankful for them.
Amy says:
Hi Shaun,
Thank you for your ministry to children across the world. God did move our hearts to become Compassion sponsors after hearing you speak at last year’s Gloria concert in Jacksonville and my family was again there last night.
One lesson that God has been teaching me for the past couple of years is that it is my job to be obedient, not successful. There may not have been many children sponsored last night, but I believe that God used you to plant seeds in the hearts of many people there. I have no doubt that God will cause people to think of your words, your example, and the pictures of that little girl in the coming days and weeks. I pray that you can find peace in your obedience.
Also, please know that as the longest and most confusing year of my spiritual life comes to a close, your music (and Travis and Cindy’s) last night ministered to me.
Thank you again for your example and ministry. I will pray for you and those who have heard and will hear your message in the coming days.
Amy
Princess Leia says:
What things of this sort come down to for me is God’s will. As long as _I_ am being obedient to His will for my life, then I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. It’s between the other people and God what they do in response to His callings in their lives. Numbers, while nice, are irrelevant.
It’s so hard to let go of that though. We want the affirmation RIGHT NOW that what we’re doing is having an effect on people and/or eternally.
So anyway…don’t worry about the people. Don’t worry about the numbers. Worry about being obedient to the call of God in your life. Tell your stories, sing your songs, do it with all your heart. God’s got the rest.
Debbie G. says:
Will continue to pray for the softening of hearts and the opening of pocketbooks.
I was happy to pick up an additional child to sponsor last night (Emmanuel – so fitting for the Gloria tour) and I am excited to get to know him. FWIW, I think our culture has become commitment-phobic. Sponsoring a child is a commitment – it requires relationship. My experience has been that sometimes folks would rather throw money at a problem and have it go away, then to have to make a longer term emotional commitment, as certain types of mentoring ministry require. Anyhow, just my 2 cents.
Was fun to see both you and Ben in person last night and shake your hands. Your passion for the poor and for the Lord comes through in your words. It may not seem like you are making a difference, because the need is so great – but I’m sure that Emmanuel in Ecuador would have a different take on that. Because of your words, his life will be changed. Hang in there.
John says:
Shaun,
My wife Amy is the Amy who posted earlier. I just want you to know that hearing a guy with a haircut like yours was proof enough that my family could manage to sponsor a child.
You put many people with small children in a position that they avoid like the plague…seeing the faces of starving kids and then being told how they can make a difference. And that, my friend is a very good thing. We take our kids to church each Sunday and tell them to obey their parents and pray to God every night, but when an opportunity to really make a difference is put in front of us, we will come up with any excuse possible to weasel out of it.
You put me in that position last year and I finally realized that I was not in that seat by accident. There was a purpose for me to be there with my lovely wife and two sweet little girls. We were there to make a difference in the life of a little boy name Joel.
When we talk about Joel it is hard for my little girls to believe that someone might have a dirt floor. It is even harder to believe that a child might not have a father and their mother is gone day and night working to keep food on the table. Then they find out that Joel likes soccer and kittens just like they do. And he loves to color just like them.
But you know what Shaun, even though we already sponsor Joel and send a little extra when we can, it is still important to hear the numbers of children. To see those stacks of packets waiting for someone to make a difference. Feeling that urge within us to do more.
Your words reminded us that Joel needs to be more than just a picture on our refrigerator. We need to continue to let Joel know that someone thousands of miles away is curious about him, cares about him and loves him. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve.
Carole Turner says:
I think it is the Economy and like you said, our American mindset has the sponsoring of children going before the cable TV goes. Our priorities are whacked. BUT I do think this economy will shake the people of God to reevaluate what they care about.
Anne Jackson says:
today i was with you. it was never so hard to pack up 22 out of the 45 children back in the box, back to ship…
one got missed.
he is in the back of my moleskin – the packet i used as an example.
blank stares, a rush out to lunch, or dinner…must hit the mall before the crowds do…must catch that sale…can’t stop now…do you have a website?
still….i must remember…17 children have new relationships with the very kind people in eustis, fl. it is kind of like arkansas, but in florida. i’m grateful. but my pictures of annette and brenda and the video we shot in uganda haunt me as i go to sleep…
Rebecca says:
praying – for you, for the children, and for those who will hear your message
misty says:
Shaun, what you do is so important for this little girl and all the ones whose lives will be impacted by God! Do not lose heart. God uses you, even when it seems like only a little. It is HUGE.
I kind of know how you feel, on a much, much smaller scale. I signed up to get a childs name, picture, info and agreed with Compassion to help find this little boy a sponsor. He is 6 years old from India. I am very saddened to say that as of today – not one person I know is willing to sponsor him. Granted, some already have sponsored kids through Compassion and World Vision but most do not. I feel like $38 can be spared by not going to McDonald’s, Starbucks, buying sodas daily, etc but others do not share my same thoughts. I think that unless something directly affects them they just chose to ignore it. They chose to close their eyes, their ears and their hearts because they aren’t affected by the poverty.
I find it very hard to be understanding because I do not understand their ability to block it out.
Keep up the good work Shaun!
Dave Haupert says:
Hey Shawn,
You’re an inspiration to all of us, and a gift to those children. And you’re absolutely right that people/we don’t see the need with the same set of eyes you have. This world is filled with so many scams and people asking for money that it’s hard for people to decipher what’s real and what’s imagined. I recall even hearing comedians make jokes about ‘those’ commercials on TV, with a cynical attitude that does nothing but make someone wonder if the situation is even real or is it staged.
But remember this- no one believes as much in your cause, job, music, etc as you. That may sound disheartening, but it shouldn’t be- there is a reason it’s your cause, your job, and your music. They are things you felt the most strongly about to put your time and effort behind, and so passionately I might add.
I can’t speak for God, but knowing that Jesus wept for Lazarus’ death (even though he knew he could raise him out of that situation), I think that God, who is the only one who could really end poverty and inequity once and for all- still weeps as you do watching suffering and pain like this. And He asks, who will care for the least of these in my name. And that alone should keep you going even if there is no one signing up for Compassion at some of your concerts!
Thanks for all you do Shawn. Because of your blog, my family has sponsored 4 Compassion kids, and I will say it took me several years of reading before I acted upon it.
Sherri says:
Shaun I was at your concert last night. To answer your ponderings of questioning your presentation, suffice it to say, it was great. Your heart before us was authentic. That church in particular is in a more affluent town, so hopefully there was greater participation. If not, keep going. Keep putting 1 foot in front of the other. Your voice is needed.
Shaun Groves says:
Last night’s crowd was the smallest of the tour, Sherri, but sponsored more children than any other on this tour! Prayer, pep talks, encouragement, lots of silent reflection, and all these motivational comments work ; )
E-Jayjo says:
Will pray for you.
Jill Foley says:
Wow….it’s actually encouraging to hear that you struggle with these thoughts, too.
As an advocate, I struggle with thoughts like this every week. I have several family members and friends who tell me every year that they want to sponsor a child, but now is not a good time.
Remember Compassion’s motto….one child at a time. Even if only one person responds every night, it’s completely worth it. One child can change one family. One family can change one church. One church can change one community. One community can change one country.
You are being obedient in speaking up. That’s all God is asking you to do.
You are an inspiration to me – keep on speaking up.
Shaun Groves says:
Thanks, Jill, The inspiration goes both ways.
I’d be sunk without you advocates every night.
Michelle Warren says:
Continue your response to the excellent calling you have. I was one of those who turned around and went home not choosing to sponsor for so long. When God has prepared their hearts they will respond… I just sponsored my first Compassion child and I feel like it’s not enough. I am so happy to help him and I want to do more. All you can do is obey. God will make the harvest!
Keep strong!
Michelle
Micha says:
I was talking to your sister ( she is my teaching partner) this morning and your blog came up in our conversation. So, of course I had to go check it out 🙂
My little girls name is Diana from Tanzania. She tugged at my heart this past weekend at the Point of Grace concert. Thank you so much for all you do and being such an awesome man of God!
Jen says:
Shaun, you (OK, OK, God THROUGH you) wreaked havoc on my budget last year. Through a glitch of the Internet, I wound up sponsoring two kids, Nupor and Jenifer (with only one “n”, thankyouverymuch). They’re 6. Jenifer and her family pray for me and for the ministry that my friends in Russia are doing, and that God will grant me my dreams of returning to help with their ministry in Russia; Nupor is a spitfire who likes candy and hopefully will heed my advice to brush his teeth better. I celebrated the day that I got a picture from him that included smiling people (his previously drawn people all had frowns). My company cut our salaries this year, and to be honest, it has not affected my ability to sponsor Jenifer and Nupor. I don’t think it could. Thanks for what you do.
Tom says:
Manipulating me into giving doesn’t make me want to give, it makes me walk away. I’m sorry, but there is a big difference between conviction and manipulation.
Shaun Groves says:
Are you accusing me of one or the other, Tom? Or speaking in generalities?
Speaking generally I think we’d all agree with you: Manipulation is bad and conviction is good. Problem is all of us – me included – cry “manipulation!” when conviction gets too uncomfortable. We’re not the most objective creatures. Or is that just me?
I first heard about Compassion in college when Louie Giglio spoke to students at Baylor University about the ministry. I felt manipulated. He made me cry. Or did I just cry because I’d heard about stuff that would make Jesus cry?
What I was actually experiencing was conviction, anger that this guy was telling me Jesus wanted my money and not just my sin. I felt a deep desire to preserve my rights to my stuff and continue on as before. I’m glad today that Louie said the things he did. That was the seed many more watered.
Again, maybe that’s just me.
Would very much like to hear where the line between conviction and manipulation is for you, Tom.
Erin McCoy says:
you should make this a whole separate post.. great answer.. great honesty 🙂
Stacy says:
Keep up the good work.
Thank you for your faithfulness~ even when the fruit isn’t what you’d like to see.
My parents have sponsored a new child every Christmas they’ve been married. If my math is right, that’s 27 children. God has been so faithful to provide for them to continue to do this… (and they have always lived on one income.)
May God soften the hearts of those who see the faces of these children. May they not be able to walk by without being compelled to help. May He continue to encourage you and so many others who advocate for these children. May God bless you.
Erin McCoy says:
wow.. what a neat way to look at it… i do feel like a lot of people say, well we already do one, and help through others.. but mult children thru this awesome organization…. I love it!
Sara says:
We sponsor a little girl from Ethiopia, Mehret, through Compassion. She is the same age as our son Asher. Actually today is her birthday. Her fifth birthday.
As each of our children turn 3 or 4, we hope to find another child from Ethiopia whom we will sponsor.
We have been so blessed. We are not rich, but there are so many ways to come up with $38 a month. This year we’ve tried lots of things to save money so we can be more generous. I make my own coffee and we seldom eat out. I’ve learned how to cut our children’s hair and get mine done at a training salon for free. We drive old cars and ride bikes when we can. We shop at goodwill for ourselves so that we can buy new clothes for families who really are in need. We spend a little more money on food to support local farmers, but eat simply so we can share. We eat a lot of rice and beans, but I’m so thankful we never have to worry about being hungry. The more we give, the more I love giving. God is so faithful to provide everything we need and I just love participating in his work providing for others.
Recently our son celebrated his fifth birthday. We went to a party store to buy favors for his party guests. But come on, those stores are full of junk NO one needs. We went home and made a donation to a ministry in Ethiopia buying soccer balls for a pastor to play sports with kids in his community. Our kids and their friends don’t need more stuff, but what a joy to give. And what an example to the friends who came to the party.
Seriously, this Christmas I don’t want or need anything. What I want is a little girl in Ethiopia to have shoes, clothes, the chance to go to school, medicine, hope, Jesus.
Cara says:
It’s worth it, Shaun. And every little child who gets sponsored through your efforts to manipulate, er, convict people who have more than they could possibly ever want gets credited to God’s account of “the least of these”.
Don’t give up, don’t let despair at the overwhelming needs overtake you. God is in control. “The poor you will always have with you” said Jesus. Sometimes I wonder if the “poor” could be us North Americans, knowing the “cost” of many things (like Child sponsorship) and the value of nothing.
I just got my “5 Year” pen from Compassion in the mail. 2 kids, one in Haiti and the other in the Dominican. We do what we can – a drop removed from the ocean of need… but God is bigger than that ocean. You are a good and faithful servant, do not give up.
Shaun Groves says:
Thank you.
Michael Boyd says:
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Shaun. For this post & so many others (especially the Christmas gift-giving ones). The fact that you care about these little ones & are burdened for them reflects what we read in the Bible about what our attitudes toward the poor are to be, what genuine love is. My wife & I are so appreciative of you for sharing this burden & love with us. We are also burdened, & we want you to know that your message does not fall on deaf ears. Be encouraged & strengthened in the knowledge that God has called you to this & He is accomplishing His purpose. Be encouraged & strengthened just as you have encouraged & strengthened us.
Kris says:
I’m sorry for your frustrations, and your anger is understandable. Please let me offer some testimony that I hope will be encouraging and uplifting to you.
I know that your goal when you travel and speak is to save children’s lives, and you have my utmost admiration for that, however, that is not the only way God uses your speaking and singing engagements. Plus the other ways He uses you sets people up to be moved to a place in their lives where they are able to help save children.
In 2007, I left my husband because he was abusive, neglectful, and adulterous for years and years. I decided to grow a back bone and stand up to him. That didn’t go over too well, and the marriage fell apart. I was suddenly a mom with two kids, a part-time job that paid 150.00 bucks every two weeks, and an ancient car that was about to kill-over. We moved in with my mom so we had a place to live and food, for which I am grateful, but the situation was not too cozy feeling. I was overwhelmed. My children were confused, scared and looking to me for direction…I had none, except that I believed in Christ, I wanted a healthier life for my kids and me, and I loved the music of this artist named Shaun Groves.
In October of that year we got a flyer in the mail that you were doing a concert in our town, and it was free. I couldn’t afford much, but I could afford free. That was awesome. Thank you.
I had left my younger child at home, but brought my 9 year old. He was the one most hurt by his father out of my two children because he was the oldest. He was physically abused and emotionally torn to shreds by the things his father would say to him.
My son was so enthused about this concert. He had never been to one before. He was getting some one on one time with me. It was a very nice diversion from our situation we were facing. It was amazing to see him that happy.
He and I listened to you speak between songs and at the end…I hung on every word. Before us was a man who truely loved his wife and his kids, and other kids with so much passion and tenderness. I heard that men like this existed, but I hadn’t experienced it in my personal life, niether had either of my sons. I sat there amazed and thinking, “this guy is for real.”
You might remember this night because it was near your home where you grew up in East Texas. It was at a Cowboy Church, and you teased about being disappointed because there weren’t a lot of people wearing cowboy hats. Your parents were in the audience. But the thing that would probably stand out most in your mind is that your child was very ill that night. You were upset about being there instead of with your wife and child. It was a hard concert for you to perform. I believe you put a picture of your son in the hospital on one of your blog postings. That night was a great sacrifice for you. I want you to rest assured that God used that sacrifice in a huge way for me and my son.
After the concert we got to talk with you a little bit. My son got your autograph. You listened to him talk. His dad would usually yell at my son for trying to speak to him. You looked at my son like what he said mattered. His dad usually wouldn’t even look up at him from the computer screen unless it was to yell at him, then he would turn back to the computer. You had been very concerned about your sick son. My son’s father would get mad at me when I took ours to the Dr., and my son would hear a fight between the two of us over whether or not I could buy him medicine because his father didn’t want me to. His father would not even call to check on him; you couldn’t wait to get to your child.
I had so much emotion stirred up inside me. I wanted to blurt it all out to you. I settled for simply telling you that I had been a fan since your Invitation to Eaves Drop CD, that I listen to it every night, and my favorite song is “Abba Father.” You looked surprised and apologetically pointed out that you didn’t sing that song that night. It was OK. I could hear it every night anyway.
There was so much I wanted to say, but I didn’t want to take up your time, your son was sick, I wasn’t sure what was appropriate to share and what wasn’t, and my son was with me.
I already respected you as an artist. That night I met you as my brother, and I saw good in a man. It was so much good that it obviously came from God. You were God with skin on for us. It helped me get through the next week…month…year…and still even now. I read your blog and listen to your music most days. I need the lyrics you wrote. They help me pray, compel me to keep seeking God, drive me to repentance, aide my expression of love and gratitude to the Lord. God uses you to help keep me going and clinging to Him.
Its been a little over two years. I’m divorced now, and working full time. It is only minimum wage, but it is amazing how the money stretches and stuff gets provided even if the money isn’t there. God has blessed us a great deal in stabilizing us financially and emotionally. We still struggle, but it is so much better than it was before. Right now he is helping me work out my budget and juggle around finances so that I can use what He is giving to us more wisely, and no, we don’t have cable TV. I refuse to pay money for it for multiple reasons. In this budgeting, I’m trying to work in giving to Compassion International. I’ve wanted to since the concert two years ago. My son does, too. There will be alot of budget tweaking comming our way.
That night, what you did mattered. It made an impact. God blessed us through you in ways you didn’t even know. I will be forever grateful.
So, yeah, there will be the guys who check their watches and the girls who text…but there are also people like me and my son. Quietly listening, soaking it in, desperate for more. You may not hear from most of us, but we are there. We may not write a check for Compassion International on the night of the concert, but we need to hear what you say, see how you live your life, receive the healing God has for us, and the check will follow.
I love you, Brother, and I could never say thank you enough.
Marilynseyes says:
I know I’m a little late to this topic, just discovered it. But I felt the need to say a few things.
I don’t consider myself a christian. I don’t believe in the bible or prayer. But I do believe in humanity and morality. I believe all people have an obligation to help each other. It offends me as a human being to see someone turn their back on a person in crisis. It offends me as a woman and a mother to see children neglected and starving.
Imagine the how much better the world could be if people worked together alleviate suffering and meet the needs of all people.
Perhaps Compassion would recieve a greater reponse if people could make a one-time donation. Times are tough. I can assure you people feel for this little girl. But I know many people scared for their own well-being — out of jobs, without insurance, behind on bills. Its a much easier to drop a $10 or $20 in a collection plate during a feel-good song than to commit to paying another bill.
Willy says:
Shaun, please don’t question yourself. You are doing a great job; you inspire a lot of people!
We sponsor a beautiful little girl named Harriet and last week we decided to sponsor another chiild, a gorgeous little boy named Hilary. I wrote a blog about it on my site. This morning I read your blog and posted another blog with a link to your post about sharing.
You inspire me and as I read the comments to my blog a lot of people overhere (The Netherlands).
Thank you so much!
Stephanie says:
Beautifully written, Shaun…and so inspiring.
Thanks for reminding me to “get in the game,” to do something…anything…to help the poor, the distressed, and the hurting.
There is a little boy on MY refrigerator that reminds me of that every day. In fact, I think I need to write him a letter…
Keep up the excellent work that you are doing to show mercy and compassion…to our future…our present…our children.
Casual Friday Every Day says:
I’ll never understand why it’s so easy for people to turn the other way and act like they don’t see the pain around them.