Years ago, in a church green room, another singer asked me why I was traveling with a road manager. There was some friendly ribbing from him about how important I must think I am to need an entourage. “My wife trusts me,” he joked. So I told him a story.

I was in college, serving as a worship leader at the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, Texas. A kid got cross with me and got even by telling my boss I’d touched her inappropriately. She was specific in her allegation – place, time – too specific. The inquiry only lasted a few hours – I was able to quickly prove I was in a class taking an exam at the time this girl claimed I’d misbehaved.

That was a close one. And I learned a valuable lesson.

My wife does trust me, but I’m still human. Alone, I’m more likely to mess up in a million ways – look at something I shouldn’t, succumb to cynicism and negativity, waste time being unproductive, get a big head from the kind words of “fans”…

But even if I do everything right, there’s always the possibility of being accused of doing wrong. And isn’t that all it takes to destroy a ministry? An allegation doesn’t have to be true. It just has to be made. So I almost never travel alone.

But I had to this past weekend. And I didn’t like it. Nossir. Not one bit. I felt vulnerable. And the music I made solo just wasn’t as good as what Micah and I create together.

Two is better than one – for too many reasons to travel alone.

By the way, Micah and I would love to visit your neck of the woods. If you’re interested in bringing our two-man show to your church, email Micah (he handles all my booking) at booking AT shaungroves DOT com. There’s no honorarium if you let us share about Compassion International. We’re booked up for March and April but we’ve got room on the calendar this Summer. We’d love to hear from you!

Oh, and here’s a free chord chart and lead sheet for this arrangement of Just As I Am.