Shaun Groves
In the middle of the bedtime story Becky’s phone rang. Everyone we know also has kids and would never call at that hour unless it was something important. And it was. An Amber alert had been issued for a little boy in our community. No one had seen him in several hours. “Would you help spread the word?”
I have a large-ish internet audience, scattered all over Tennessee. She asked for our help because she wanted to reach as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, because a child’s life was at stake.
I just announced who will be traveling to Uganda in January with Compassion Bloggers. I chose these bloggers from the thousands who’ve visited CompassionBloggers.com/take-a-trip to tell me they’d be interested in traveling with us some day.
Every time I make such an announcement I get this question, or some variation of it:
I’m thankful Karen asked so kindly. That’s not always the case. Hell hath no fury like a blogger (feeling) scorned.
It’s really two questions, isn’t it? First, why do you only take “A-list” bloggers on your trips? (I don’t like that label, by the way.) Second, why invite everyone – “A-list” or not – to sign up for the chance to take a trip when everyone doesn’t have a shot at going on one really?
The first question is easier than the second. Lives are at stake. I want to alert as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.
But let me clarify something. I’m not after the biggest blogs.
I’m looking for bloggers who…
- treat everyone with respect
- are open to some degree about their orthodox Christian faith online
- do not attract an audience with free stuff or controversy
- have written in the past about Compassion or children or poverty or missions etc
- interact daily with an engaged audience
- utilize multiple forms of social media well
- tell a personal story expertly
Now, if a blogger does all this, yes, they will likely have a larger audience than most. But it’s not the audience size I’m after. The smallest blog we’ve partnered with had roughly 3,000 unique visitors per month – who were highly engaged.
So, the second question: If I know a blogger with 10 readers has little chance of traveling with Compassion Bloggers, why do I invite all bloggers to sign up for a trip? Because you never know.
Out of the 4,000 bloggers who’ve asked to be considered for a future trip I’m currently watching (sounds creepy) 196 blogs. I watch them (still creepy the second time) because they have a chance, no matter how small, of becoming the kind of blogger that reaches the most people in the shortest amount of time with the call to save lives.
You never know.
Does’t all of this come down to trust? If you trust Compassion’s ministry like I do then please trust that they wouldn’t put me in charge of Compassion Bloggers unless they trusted me. (I have to tell myself this every time I have a humbling hard day at the proverbial office.) I’m asking you to trust me. Trust that I want to make the most of every penny of Compassion’s marketing money. I want boys and girls to be released from poverty so badly…that on these trips I lead I must partner with bloggers most likely to reach the most in the least amount of time.
The boy was found, by the way. Only took a couple hours. The employee at the Pappa John’s recognized the boy when he went running past his store. Because the alert got out to four people here and 4,000 there. A community came to his rescue.
Just because a blogger doesn’t travel with Compassion Bloggers doesn’t mean they aren’t making a huge difference for Compassion’s children. This month alone over 1700 children have been sponsored through Compassion’s blog network – blogs of all sizes. 1700 kids! Sign up to take a trip and join the network of bloggers supporting Compassion every month. BOTH make a real difference in the lives of children.
I’m always up for learning something new. So teach me. Have you got a better way to go about this? I’m listening.
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says:
Small world. I know Karen personally (as in, in real life and pre-blogging), and am glad she asked – and that you answered. Thanks, Shaun!
I might say, though…that often what has launched a smallish blogger into one with a much larger audience isn’t simply following all the “how to blog better” rules. Sometimes (a better qualifier than often, I suppose) it’s luck. Or circumstance. Or being well connected.
I don’t say that to complain. It’s simply how the blogging world is. That doesn’t mean that smallish or mediumish bloggers like me don’t need to keep learning and working hard! Of course we do. I guess I’m just pointing out that sometimes, that’s not enough – or not what it takes at all.
But seriously – thank you for being open to questions, even the hard ones.
karen says:
Hi Mary! I’m so glad you popped in over here… and couldn’t agree more. You and I are clearly case studies in this. 🙂 I’m a lazy writer and blogger and openly (overly?) admit to it. I don’t know, even, that I want to blog better or grow my blog. I just want to write, and write well about things that matter. And I’m blown away with where you and your blog and work are at. I don’t think you’re medium at all! Well done, for reals! 🙂
Shaun Groves says:
Mary, I think “luck” can give a blogger a break but doing the right things makes the most of that break. A video might go viral, for instance, and suddenly a blogger has a lot of traffic. But if that blogger posts three times a week instead of every day, doesn’t make use of SEO, moderates comments horribly, makes posts difficult to share, doesn’t facilitate conversation, never links out to others and writes about nothing but their cat every single day…well, that traffic won’t stick around for long.
I really believe that doing the right things works almost always. I say this as someone who has NOT done the right things but works with many bloggers who have.
As far as being connected goes? Connecting is just a conference, an email, a tweet, a link away. The only thing preventing bloggers from connecting with other bloggers is fear, time and introversion don’t you think?
And that’s the way every industry or hobby is. We’re as connected to like minds as we dare to be.
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says:
All true. 🙂 And I certainly don’t mean to disregard the amazing hard work that so many bloggers put in – and are then rightly rewarded for!
As for being connected, I would say that yes, we have tons of ways to connect with others in the blogging world (just like other industries – actually, possibly even more!). And I’m incredibly thankful for the friendships and relationships I have made through blogging!! But even I can’t take credit for the most influential of my connections. God was completely in control the day I sat next to Holley Gerth (at, yes, a conference I chose to attend), who just happened to be scoping out bloggers for what would turn into (in)courage. So, I shouldn’t have said luck. I know better. It’s hard work – and it’s GOD. Who always trumps our abilities and efforts (or lack of)!!
I stand behind my original comment, though, because a lot of us DO the things – or at least many of them – you’ve mentioned and haven’t {yet?} hit it “big.” And for a lot of us, that’s frustrating enough that hearing, one more time, “Just follow these 10 tips and bam! You’ll make it!” is hard.
Still, I’m splitting hairs and don’t mean to. At all. The bottom line for me is that I love Compassion, I think the work you do with bloggers is AMAZING, and as a former fundraiser, I completely support the choice to take bloggers with the biggest influence on trips.
And really, I just wrote about my cat that ONE time… 😉
Kris says:
I really appreciate this, Shaun. And I do trust your methods and reasons for choosing who you do. I feel confident every time I read along, that the *right* people were selected. While we’re on the subject, if you have any advice for me, related to my blog and consideration, I’m all ears 😉 I will be praying you all there and back to Uganada. I cannot wait to see how God will use this trip to change lives both here and there!!
Shaun Groves says:
Shoot me an email. You’re doing a great job – especially like your last redesign – but I do have suggestions if you’re really open to some.
Kris says:
email sent!! thank you!
alison says:
Yep, you should have picked Karen. I guarantee she meets all of the criteria. Have you read her blog?
Shaun Groves says:
I have and she’s a wonderful blogger.
alison says:
OK, one more comment. Your response here is at the very least “bait and switch.” I wonder who your “boss” is who will kill you if you are truthful. I’m not a blogger, but I am an avid reader of blogs. It’s just wrong (and mean) to let bloggers think they have a chance if they don’t.
Shaun Groves says:
The whole “kill” thing was tongue-in-cheek, Allison. I’ve removed it now to avoid further confusion.
And I sure don’t want to do anything while representing Compassion that even might seem mean or like a “bait and switch.” Never thought about it that way. So I assure you I’ll rethink the way I’m handling this whole “open call” thing for sure. Thanks for the push to do so, Allison.
karen says:
Thanks again for the open discussion and the thoughtfulness you showed here in answering my question. I do wish, though, you had linked to my blog: it could really help me with my growth! 😉
In all seriousness, as I clarified during our lengthy tweetfest, I think you’re quite right to send high-profile bloggers who can bring the message of child sponsorship to a large audience in a timely, strategic way. Definitely. I’m not sure I fully embrace the idea of still having an open call for people to apply to take a trip under the pretense of possible selection to go… if it’s more for compassion exposure, to find more bloggers, or to tend to a group of up and coming blogs.
I originally asked the question not just for myself (I can confidently say I hit all those bullet points above, even if I only have 77 facebook followers and a small, loyal readership), but I was wanting to ask for all in the compassion bloggers network, so I really am thankful you responded to it here!
Shaun Groves says:
I’m not sure I embrace the open call thing after our discussion today, Karen. Eye opening to say the least. Thanks for the fresh perspective. Rethinking for sure.
So how would you do it? Would you do away with the whole online form submission thing altogether? Would you put some kind of minimum requirement disclaimer by the form?
You know some orgs don’t have a network of bloggers and they don’t allow anyone to submit their bog fro consideration. They just go after “A-list” bloggers and the rest are just out of luck with no way to support the org. I don’t like that either. I thought I was embracing more people, giving more bloggers a voice for Compassion.
So how would you do it better?
Sara McNutt says:
I’m glad you addressed this. I too have wondered about this. It can seem as if there is this Elite Blogger Status throughout the internet world and it just feels icky.
In answer to your last comment question – maybe just being straightforward that while you have to meet the other requirements, you also have to have X number of readers, in order to make it worth Compassion’s investment.
I know you can’t win for losing and at the end of the day, I’m just thankful that more children will have a better chance at life in the name of Jesus. 🙂
Shaun Groves says:
I got far more complaints when I put a minimum number above the form to take a trip. FAR MORE.
And what’s wrong with there being an “elite” level of blogger…or anything else for that matter? In every field there are those who excel more than most – by whatever measure that field uses. Professional quarterbacks, schools, singers, public speakers, television shows, banks, car makers…
What exactly feels “icky” about that for you?
Sara McNutt says:
That’s a good point. I’m all for excelling and doing what you do with excellence. Hard to put my finger on it. It’s more the attitude behind it. Last year I attended a well-known faith-based blogging conference and I just left with a distinct bad taste in my mouth with what felt like a lot of Ego.
I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t even really care that much. Like I said before, I’m just thankful that kids are being sponsored. I personally don’t feel slighted or left out. I just want to live a life that bring’s God’s kingdom to earth and glory to him, whether that’s influencing 30 people or 30,000.
Kristen says:
Hi Shaun, I’m glad you’re talking about this. I can attest that your choice is way more than numbers. I think it’s more about community and trust bloggers have with their readers.
I think your formula is pretty successful, whatever it may be. I don’t love seeing the open call because I think it gets the hopes up of bloggers you won’t choose based on that formula. I get it, just don’t love it. I think the pressure to choose the right bloggers for each trip must be enormous and no one envies you that.
Have you read the latest post from one of the WV bloggers? Oh my. Made my stomach hurt. Not because there wasn’t truth, but because these kinds of trips CAN backfire. Ya know?
Saw you’re going to be in our small town of Magnolia this weekend…honk if you love Jesus.
Shaun Groves says:
I did see the WV blogger’s post. My worst nightmare. Great case for not only considering a blogger’s audience size but also how they grew it. I’m not interested in blogs that have grown even partly from controversy. Because there’s a chance Compassion will be the subject of their next one.
Mel says:
Whoa! I think to say that the blog in question is only popular due to controversy is a pretty unfair assessment.
Regardless, every NGO (particularly Christian ones) should welcome honest and thoughtful criticism, as it is a major means to realizing positive change and growth. Particularly in this line of work, where trial and error and mistakes are the norm. (Believe me, I know, having been in the field for over 20 years.)
And there is absolutely no shame in it, and therefore no need to gloss over it, or fear it. The only shame is in trying to portray a perfection in our work that does not exist.
Shaun Groves says:
Mel, you’re absolutely right: It would it would incredibly unfair (and inaccurate) to say the blogger in question is only popular because of controversy. And I didn’t say that.
I said I’m not interested in partnering with blogger who have grown their audience EVEN PARTLY due to controversy.
I totally agree that all NGOs should welcome honest and thoughtful criticism. No shame in that at all. Absolutely.
Kelli says:
I can see this being tricky, Shaun, and I appreciate your grace in this post. I can speak as a medium-ish blogger who was asked to travel with Compassion and say that I understand the frustration some may feel. I’ve been blessed with amazing opportunities as a blogger, but admittedly, I’ve worked really, really hard to make the right connections. I’ve attended the conferences, met the “right” people, faced my deepest darkest fears by outright asking for opportunity. (Seriously, just the thought of it makes me nauseous even now).
And that effort has paid off in some great opportunity and yet I still remain a small/medium-ish blogger. It is what it is. My reach is not massive, and sometimes that frustrates me.
But the truth of the matter is I really, really love to write. I am a writer. It’s what I do and how I process the world and if I can make an impact on one heart with the words that are spilling from me, then I will be thankful for it. I wish it wasn’t so hard sometimes. I wish I didn’t have to work so hard to keep my medium-ish site going. It can feel like a rat race.
And yet, I know it’s what I should be doing. The alternative is to not write, and that’s not an option.
I guess my point is two-fold. First, it’s not only the big “A-listers” that get chosen. I’m evidence of that. But also, you just never know what will happen. Maybe you put a lot of effort into your blog in the hopes of traveling with Compassion and that never happens, but who knows what other opportunity will come that will bless both you and others?
I just want to encourage those who are smaller/medium like me to try not to get caught up in the “prestige” of it all. Bottom line is this: love what you do, blog what you love, and if you’re interested in an opportunity, pursue it. But don’t let the desire pursue you.
I hope that doesn’t sound snooty or pretentious. It’s not my desire. I just really understand the feeling of working hard and feeling overlooked. There is a great freedom when we can move past that, though, and embrace the ability we have to pen words that leave an impact, whether it be felt by 100, 1,000 or 100,000.
Shaun Groves says:
This is it isn’t it? Contentment. Finding significance where we are.
I’ve never won a Grammy or held a gold record…and that ticked me off for a long long time. Sucked the joy right out of my work. I pointed fingers, fought the system, yelled at God. And slowly, gratitude for the audience and opportunities I DO have grew in me.
I get this. I think it’s behind a lot of the “that’s not fair” feedback I get. Thanks for the reminder – the dose of empathy. I’ve been there too – I forgot. Thanks, friend.
Sandi says:
That was a great encouragement, Kelly. 🙂
Aimee says:
Great post, Shaun! Love the lineup of bloggers for the Uganda trip… especially Candace Cameron Bure!!!
As a blogger with a *very small* audience, I just love the fact that there is this community called the Compassion Bloggers Network that I can belong to.
I love reading through the list of blogs on there & love knowing that there are fellow Advocates writing on behalf of Compassion too… and that we are getting children sponsored every single day!
{Side note: Looking forward to you joining us in celebrating Compassion Canada’s 50th Anniversary next month! It’s going to be an awesome time of celebration!}
Shaun Groves says:
Thrilled about the celebration! (Except wearing a suit.)
See you there!
Aimee says:
Just watched the video of Wess’ retirement celebration… almost didn’t recognize you in the suit! LOL!
Yvonne says:
And you know what I love about Compassion? Any sponsor can go on a trip to visit one of their sponsored children. You don’t have to have a blog with a large number of readers, you don’t even have to have a blog!
What you are offering is a chance for more people to be aware of what Compassion is doing by taking these amazing bloggers along with you. I have read along with so many of your trips and it has inspired me to step out in faith to sign up to go on my first Compassion trip in January. God has provided all of the finances for me and my son to have the opportunity to go on this incredible trip.
Keep doing what you are doing. Your efforts, as well as the efforts of many other people, are doing what God has prepared for you to do, giving hope to children living in poverty.
Miranda says:
To be honest, this post encouraged me and put a bit of fear in me all in the same crazy second. I was encouraged to realize that it’s not all about the numbers, but also about engagement. I am very outgoing, and I believe engagement is vital. Community can be as close as family, if we simply allow them that opportunity. Engagement should happen on the blog and beyond, but I have learned over the years through time with our music ministry, that it is not practical or possible to truly engage with everyone on every social network all at once. When I consider what social networks to use, I think of how well I can independently use that site and truly connect with people there. As someone who has a visual impairment and uses a text-to-speech screen reading software program, I have a bit more to consider than simply making a profile and running it. There’s also the belief that I should be able to connect with people and not have someone do it for me in my name. We have Twitter and Facebook for our blog, and I’m working to see if Pinterest would be an option, as I believe it would be helpful if possible.
Then, after the encouragement, came that niggling fear–a fear of rejection–believing I’d never be “good enough for that”… In that second of fear, who am I kidding? Better yet, who am I trying to impress? Lastly, who am I writing for? I think this is something every blogger struggles with at at least one point in time. Before having the honor to join the Compassion bloggers network, I wrote a personal blog for a few years, but I didn’t feel I had a purpose beyond little ‘ol me. Now, my perspective has shifted. I’m writing out of love for the Lord and love for these children. I want to use my voice to speak up for them.
All of this to say, I can see both sides of this. I appreciate your honesty in answering these very tough and thought-provoking questions, and I pray the Lord continues to give you wisdom and discernment as he guides you to the right bloggers for each trip. I can understand the reasoning behind the possibility of not having an open call for trip consideration, but I do wonder if this would discourage bloggers who you may be looking for but never know, because they see a disclaimer and run and hide–in that niggling moment of fear.
Even if I never go on a Compassion bloggers trip, I believe I still have the opportunity and responsibility to share about this wonderful ministry. This is just one reason I am extremely excited that my husband and I will be traveling with Compassion to the Dominican Republic this coming April, to experience the ministry first-hand for the very first time.
Thanks again Shaun. You are making me think, again. 🙂
Melissa says:
Shaun,
Not really here to weigh in on discussion except to say that you handle all this with such grace.
Good dialogue.
Amy Pederson says:
Hi Shaun!
I let your post quietly simmer in my mind while I vacuumed and sorted out a week’s worth of mail the past 45 minutes! I typically respond to blog posts via Twitter instead of commenting in the blog itself (I read most posts via phone), but feel specifically led to respond here today.
First and foremost, thank you for your this post and for your honesty and sincerity. I respect all you’ve said, and can’t imagine the the enormous responsibility (and joy!) it must be to select the right team of bloggers for each Compassion Trip.
A few thoughts as I vacuumed…
1) I appreciate your willingness to share that the “smallest” blogger you’ve ever brought on a trip had ~3,000 unique highly engaged visitors per month.
2) I also appreciate the fact that in an ideal world, you are looking for someone who posts daily. (I think somewhere in the post or comments you compared bloggers who write 3x/week vs. daily?)
3) Between points #1 and #2, I realize I have a lot of work to do to be seriously considered for a trip. This is not news to me, but I do appreciate you stating these things specifically and directly so I have a general knowledge of what you look for in regards to numbers. (I know it’s not all about numbers, but it’s good to have numerical targets to go along with the heart and passion!)
4) The exact thing that makes me a unique “candidate” for a Compassion Blogging trip is the thing that currently excludes me from being seriously considered. I am a speech-language pathologist and I run my own part-time private practice. I have been making therapy visits to childrens’ homes for 13 years…working with children with disabilities and their families closely to create significant positive changes in their lives. I believe I could bring a fresh perspective to a blogging trip, but daily blogging with my current lifestyle (wife, mom of 3 young children, part-time business owner/speech-language pathologist) would be challenging. It’s a catch 22 of sorts that I’m trying to work through as I determine how to proceed with my dreams.
5) The best point you made was that ANY blogger can take a sponsor trip at ANY time. I feel specifically called to be a voice for children in poverty, and have a huge heart for children and families in need. I made up my mind that a sponsor trip was the best way for me to fulfill my passions right now, and I know my best voice for Compassion will come out when I meet the kids and families face to face. I have a trip scheduled, and I know already it’s going to be life changing. The opportunity to share the trip on my blog is going to be a tremendous honor.
6) I think you should leave it an open call to give smaller bloggers with big hearts and God-Sized Dreams (like me) a chance. Let us tell you we’re interested, let us be considered, let us dream. 🙂
Thank you Shaun. God bless you and the team going to Uganda!
Amy B. Pederson
Divine In The Daily
http://www.divineinthedaily.com
Justin says:
Thank you for this article. I am a brand new blogger and a big part of why I started was so that I can bring attention to compassion. My dream would be to be invited on the compassion trip and seeing this post answers some questions I have had about the selection process. I love your transparency on this issue.
Melissa Ann says:
I was disappointed by this post. Not in your process as a whole: there is much wisdom in the guidelines you have set forth for the Compassion bloggers who will go on these trips. I appreciate that your heart is to have the most children rescued from poverty as possible.
But I stood in the shower and wrestled with the Lord this morning because of this post. I’m sure I’m not the only woman (or man) who has had similar conversations with the Lord in repercussion… although maybe not in the same location. 🙂
“Lord, do you want me to pursue guest posting and social media and an audience in order to free children from poverty?”
“No, I have called you to the audience you have.”
“Lord, am I then to let go of this dream to touch and photograph and write and maybe even speak up for their rescue and your glory because I will likely serve a forever small audience? I will surrender the dream if you call.” I’m not sure at that point if the water on my face was indeed shower water.
“No. The dream you have is my heart.”
“Then am I to continue to pray over pursuing that with Compassion?”
Silence, but all I could see is our sweet Delsys’s face smiling at me from El Salvador right there on the fridge.
I think the only thing clear to me at the moment is that we are to break ourselves to be supernovas as Ann said at Allume. We are to be broken in our weakness to be filled with the miraculous power of the one who lives in us. (2 Cor. 12:9) We are to be concerned with shining for His glory right where we are and letting Him be concerned with His audience- because it is never ours.
I am clearly not an “A-list” blogger. I am likely not on your “creepy” watch list ;-). The Lord has placed me in a unique place where I am primarily a photographer who is called to write for His glory in the same blog. I have obeyed that call and will likely always be a smallish blogger because of that call. But I am a woman who, with a lot of prayer and big dreams filled out a form to go on a Compassion Bloggers trip and trusted that, if the Lord wills, I might have an opportunity to serve Him with imagery and words and perhaps through speaking here locally. And I am saddened because that opportunity that I prayed long and hard over and continue to shed tears in a shower over, is a mirage for a small audience girl.
Again, I very much see the wisdom in your selection process. I hear your heart and Compassion’s to release as many children from poverty as possible. I am greatly encouraged by your heart for these children, for my sweet Delsys. But if you’re going to have a form that encourages anyone to apply, then I think you need to be willing to take one wild card smallish or mediumish blogger on each trip even if you require them to raise their own support.
After all, doesn’t the Lord use the foolish & weak things to shame the wise & strong and make Himself known (1 Cor 26-31)? And isn’t the Lord sovereign over all the results?
Melissa Ann says:
And I ask that question to us both. If I am chosen for a trip, to God be the glory. If I am never chosen, to God be the glory. And I submit myself to Him and to your leadership, Shaun. I have laid out plates of queso with you and I know your heart to wash the feet of those willing to wield a pen to rescue children from poverty. Thank you for the gift of humble, transparent, Spirit-led leadership.
Amy B. Pederson says:
Melissa Ann:
Your comments just came in via email and I had to chime in. 🙂
I think the idea you proposed at the end of your comment is BRILLIANT…”But if you’re going to have a form that encourages anyone to apply, then I think you need to be willing to take one wild card smallish or mediumish blogger on each trip…”
I’m in support of keeping the open application. As I stated in my original comment, I believe you should let any blogger indicate their interest.
But if it’s going to be open, then pick ONE “smaller” wild card blogger to go on each trip! That would be very exciting, and would also model the Lord’s ways. After all, He can speak and work through ANYONE, regardless of the size of their platform.
I’m developing a passion for small bloggers with big hearts. And if you look closely, you’ll see there are some “small” bloggers who are VERY gifted writers. Perhaps those bloggers would surprise you. Perhaps those bloggers are gifted with something extra special you might not otherwise see in a big blogger who’s pushing out 5-7 posts/week, writing books, and speaking at the same time?
Love this conversation, and appreciate your willingness to open up the dialogue, Shaun.
Amy Pederson
Amy B. Pederson says:
By the way, Melissa. I love your dialogue with the Lord in the shower. I have had similar dialogues with Him in the shower, so I understand. 🙂
Yes, I believe you are to continue to pray over your desire/call to free children from poverty. When there was silence all you thought about was your sweet sponsored child on the fridge, perhaps the Lord was saying…it’s about the children.
Keep praying, as will I. I, too, feel a call to be a voice for children in poverty. I have applied as you have, and would certainly be blessed to represent Compassion on a trip someday.
But if that’s not to be and the Lord continues to place a burden on my heart for children in poverty, then I have to believe He will open up other avenues for me to serve the same purpose. I believe He would do the same for you.
So keep praying, and know He’s preparing A way.
One more thought…someone in an earlier comment mentioned it being about “prestige.” Knowing the heart of many bloggers who would apply for a Compassion trip, I don’t believe this is true. At it’s heart, I believe it’s about wanting to MAKE A DIFFERENCE, using your voice to change childrens’ lives forever, knowing you could do this best if you met the children face to face and could tell their stories.
Amy B. Pederson
Melissa Ann says:
I’m not discouraged at all. Mulling over the last blogger assignment as I checked email just now. I know I’m called to write here. Just don’t know if the Lord would ever move for me to go on a trip. And that’s okay as I stated.
And to God be the glory for the “prestigious” bloggers He is using with large platforms to get the word out. Our hearts are the same and although I may not masterfully use social media or have an audience with which I am able to daily interact, I know that we are all just called to use our gifts for His glory. I am satisfied there: although that satisfaction comes through a wrestling match in the shower and those words scrawled above.
And maybe the taste of the best queso I’ve ever had still fresh in my mouth….
Melissa Ann says:
Also, when I said “Wild Card” blogger, I meant someone who met all of the qualifications Shaun has set forth (because they’re amazing!) except for
“* interact daily with an engaged audience
* utilize multiple forms of social media well” which, other than a specific call like mine, are what would disqualify most of the smaller bloggers out there. And honestly this wild card could blog primarily on the Compassion blog rather than their own.
Because, you’re right: it’s not about prestige. It’s about a heart for the least of these.