Shaun Groves
I’m sipping some apricot decaf tea in Perk Up, a little coffee house near the campus of Toccoa Falls College. Resting up for tonight’s concert…and tomorrow’s…and the next day’s…
This week I’m talking on behalf of Compassion in college chapel services across the Southeast in the mornings and then playing full concerts each evening.
Tyrus Morgan
Usually when I travel it’s just me and my road manager Ben out here. This time around though, I’ve asked my friend Tyrus Morgan to join us.
It’s hard to get used to calling him Tyrus. To me he’s always been Ty, one of the worship leaders at our little church, an elder there too, dad to two of the cutest little girls on the planet, and the guy who married the dental hygienist my son has a crush on (power of the acoustic guitar, folks). He’s just Ty.
But this week he’s Tyrus, the opening act I hope many many people start following and listening to. And he’s a great speller. Who knew? Check him out.
Alba
The first tour I ever did was with Bebo Norman and Katy Perry – then going by Katy Hudson. I wore hip clothes my label bought me, colored my hair, bleached the tips, sported hip glasses and a wrinkle-free face. Nowadays I drive a minivan, my hair’s its natural shade of wisdom, I’m not even in hip’s general vicinity and, well, around my eyes…
I’m amazed these days that any college student still listens to me. Astounded. Honored.
This morning, after speaking at Toccoa Falls College chapel, a girl named Alba shook my hand. With tears in her eyes, she told me about her life as a missionary kid in Spain. I won’t betray her confidence here but, suffice it to say, as the only Christian kid in her school she had a hard go of it.
On a furlough from the mission field, she was given my first CD. It was the only CD she had. This was ages ago – in 2001 – and she remembered the one song she listened to on one very bad day in particular. She remembered what she prayed when the music stopped.
It’s humbling to think that God comforted a scared and broken girl in Spain using the words of some singer guy half a world away. What an honor. And this is called my “job?”
Pray
A couple hours more of rest, a few more sips of tea, and I’m back on the job. Pray for us this week will ya? Pray for safety as we drive through the rain and into the night every day this week. Pray for the family we’ve left behind. And pray that this “work” we’re doing makes a lasting difference in our own lives, the lives of college students and lots of Compassion kids.
Thanks.
Lindsay says:
Praying. And I think “Wisdom” is the best hair-color of all.
Yes, it’s humbling to think that God uses the words of singer guys. It’s humbling to think that God uses any of us.
But I was reminded this weekend that God doesn’t use experts…he simply uses the obedient.
Thank you for being obedient, to the best of your ability, Shaun. It’s praise-inducing to watch God work in and through you.
Mela Kamin says:
Absolutely praying … Tyrus & I crossed paths via Twitter. When I saw he was going to be in my area, I contacted him and was privileged to chat with him about music, ministry and his heart for adoption. Very talented, humble guy.
Amy @ My Friend Amy says:
just had to pop by to say, awww! I went to TFC and i haven’t been back for 7 years. I”m a little jealous.
Stacy Sublett says:
As a proud TFC grad, I’m praying for you, and for the hundreds of students you’ll be addressing. May the God who calls himself the Father of the fatherless move mightily tonight, and may thousands of fatherless children find themselves overwhelmed by the outpouring of love.
Emily Woodmaster says:
IT’s awesome that you took the time to write this. I work with Alba in the Office of Admissions at TFC. She was so excited when she heard you were coming here, and then she got to meet you! Keep being awesome, sorry i could not make it to the concert, but unfortunately i am work in the office. GOd bless and keep spreading his word!!!!! You rock brother!
jen says:
“Wisdom,” what a great hair color!
Jeanne Taylor says:
Dear Shaun, I was one of the lucky students at Toccoa Falls College who was able to hear you at both chapel and at the concert that evening! What a blessing you and your music have been to the Christian Community! I love your music and its so amazing to see how God has gifted you with such a wonderful gift, not only in music but in words and compassion! Thank you again so much for all that you have done and are doing… you have touched my life in ways no one but God and myself could know and understand! I pray that you and your cohorts receive full rest and refreshment of mind, body and soul and that you pursue on in his strength and will! God bless! 😀
Rick Orrell says:
Umm….this may be off track a bit, but any idea what happened with Katy Perry after she toured with you and Bebo? I’m assuming that when you were touring together she wasn’t singing “California Gurls”…. 🙂 Just wonder if she received the same treatment from the “christian” music industry that made Jessica Simson get discouraged and strike out for ‘greener’ pastures……..
Shaun Groves says:
I’m in no position to judge or blame an artist or entire industry. I’m no better.
Rick Orrell says:
Sufficiently rebuked…..Sorry, I should’ve known better than to ask……..
Deirdre says:
I went to TFC as well. Great school
Carrie says:
SO disappointed I missed this. I need to check dates on your site. I live really close to Toccoa and would have loved to meet you and hear you speak! Of course, I was in Rome that night for work but I could have totally skipped it! lol
I’ve bene following the blogger trips for about 2 yrs now…so inspiring.
Any chance you’ll be back in GA soon?