I was born in Oklahoma. My father was stationed in Lawton and, being as small as I was and dependent upon a womb and all, I didn’t have the option of relocating before delivery.
But I got bigger.
When I was two, I smelled fajitas and crawled South.
Mom and dad and big sis followed.
I love Texas. But Oklahoma and I are still pretty good friends. Especially, Tulsa. Because of KXOJ.
KXOJ is arguably the most successful Christian radio station in the country. It doesn’t have the most listeners, but it has (or did the last I heard) the largest percentage of potential listeners actually, you know, listening. It’s a dang good station.
It also happens to be the only station in America that’s played every one of my singles over the last nine years (including my new one). So I might be biased.
KXOJ and I have been partners for nine years. My relationship with Tulsa is unlike my relationship with any other city because of it.
Glitter Girl, for example. I first met her when she was fifteen. Now she’s twenty-three, about to finish college and become a teacher.
When we first met in a book store all those years ago, she was carrying a sign written on with glitter – lots of glitter – too much glitter. I’m horrible with names but I remembered the glitter and so her nickname was born.
Through the years, KXOJ has brought me to Tulsa to play lots of concerts. At every one of them, Glitter Girl and her mom stuck around afterward and filled me in on the most recent chapters of their lives. In a way I got to walk with Glitter Girl through high school and college. Through health problems and surgery and healing.
Tonight we met again. I know I’m a sap but being prayed for tonight by a woman I’ve known since I prayed for her as a girl, well, it got to me.
I remember the first time I heard my song on the radio. Sometimes I wish I could feel that feeling again. But it’s nothing compared to what happens when you’re privileged enough to have songs played thousands of times in one place. There’s no feeling like being part of someone’s life. Over time, fans can become something pretty stinkin’ close to friends. At least in Tulsa they can.
Thanks, Bob, KXOJ and everyone who’s been coming out to visit me in Tulsa for so many years. See you again soon.
I’m heading home in the morning and will take the day off when I get there. See you on Wednesday, Interwebs.
Kellie says:
Shaun, I looked forward to your concert and meeting you for weeks when I found out you were coming to Jenks. (What KXOJ does with the Riverwalk concerts is such a blessing.) I am heartbroken that I did not make it there last night. My family is going through some really tough times with an impending move and nowhere to go. I just couldn’t gather up enough emotional strength to get there. It is a regret that I will have to pray away in order for it not to haunt me!
I have loved your music since I first heard “Welcome Home” years ago and found out that you were a fellow Texan. 🙂 I am encouraged and challenged by your blog. And I am so impressed with the work you do with Compassion. Simply Amazing. To see someone that has truly listened to God’s call and taken the steps that you have leave me awestruck. (Don’t worry… no pedestal.)
I know that the concert must have been wonderful and would have certainly blessed my family. For now, I will continue to read your blog, listen to your music on our Mac, pray for you and Compassion, and look forward to the next time… when I can finally meet you in person.
Kenyon says:
It was a great night. Thanks for making the time to come to Tulsa!
Lauren Kelly says:
This was great….
PS:Makes me want to visit OK 🙂
CardsFan says:
As a Sapulpa, OK (home of KXOJ) grad, I couldn’t agree more. KXOJ was there for many of my awkward high school moments. Too bad we don’t have something better than a positive alternative in OKC … but our fajitas have gotten better in the past 30 years!!
Rachel says:
Shaun, Thank you so much for coming out to the Riverwalk! I work at the Melting Pot and I always look forward to KXOJ’s concert series cause it gives me good music to listen to while working! was so cool to see you there two nights ago! I also was able to see you when you came to my church (who knows how long ago! lol!) Southern Hills Baptist. Love your music and your passions! God has done great things to you and you are definitely an inspiration! Thank you.
Megan says:
I grew up listening to K-eXcited Over Jesus (you forgot to mention what KXOJ stands for, or did in the late 80’s…)
Ahh…memories… You know, I listened exclusively to that station until Bill Gothard told me not to. Burning my Amy Grant and MWS tapes was a sad day for me.
But I’m over that now.
Glitter Girl says:
speechless!
Cannot wait till you come back here 🙂
My mom, dad and I had a great time!
My dad made the comment when we got home how encouraged he was at the show and said I did not go to a Shaun Groves concert I went to worship God with Shaun Groves
Be blessed– Glitter Girl