Sometimes I substitute “perspective” for the word “wisdom.” I know they’re not exactly the same thing, but I think perspective is one way we get to see a facet of what wisdom looks like, sort of like the stream of blue in a rainbow that comes from a prism.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” — Proverbs 4:7, NIV

Perspective is in low supply here in the States. I don’t mean this in a derogatory way. It’s just a fact. We live sheltered. We don’t live without heartache. We don’t live without pain. We just live with limited perspective.

I think sometimes we also struggle with a bit of a god-complex. We know the world needs changing, and we assume that we are the ones to do it.

We are used to taking responsibility.

But is the responsibility ours to take?

To be sure, we play a part. My reaction to you matters. My decision to reuse bags or add to the dumps of the world matters.

My choice to love the compulsive liar who needs to feel unconditional acceptance matters. My commitment to be faithful – or not – matters.

Recently I read a great post by Shaun Groves about our decisions to live with “just God and enough,” and I keep up with the 58: campaign that encourages us to embrace Fast Living as demonstrated in Isaiah 58.

I hear these messages and they resonate with my soul and with every fiber of my being, and I applaud and stand behind and join with them.

But I still struggle for perspective.

Maybe I’m the only one who struggles here. Maybe I’m a stereotype of my idealistic generation. Maybe I’m a byproduct of this hybrid Type A / High Achiever personality.

I find my natural perspective pretty easily reinforced.

But when I break it down through the prism of wisdom that I think has been given by the Holy Spirit — brought into focus by some international travel and friendships forged in a church that is living day-to-day in the reality of a world very different from my own — I end up suspecting that I have a lot more to learn from the world than I have to give it.

I’m still going to love that person who offers me a very attractive alternative attitude.

I’m still going to do my best to make environmentally conscious decisions.

Not long ago I emptied my savings and retirement accounts to continue my sponsorships with Compassion, and more recently I have taken to selling a few things out of my apartment to help make up the difference where monthly funds fall short.

It’s not that God can’t provide for these kids from somewhere or someone else. It’s just that this is a small area where I can be faithful.

I’m not changing the world (blow to my ego that it is), but I am doing one thing that can be done and trusting Jesus with the rest.

You might actually change the world. That might be your calling.

For the rest of us, maybe wisdom is calling us to be faithful today. Faithful in a small thing. Tomorrow, it will ask us to be faithful again.

I’m thankful for this ounce of perspective. Maybe one day, with its help, I will have a little of what God calls “wisdom.”

“Wisdom is a shelter, as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves those who have it.” — Ecclesiastes 7:12, NIV

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Catching up with Shaun Groves is a thrill ride of deep emotion, spontaneous wisecracks, and purposeful passion.

In a conversation that touched on his own struggles with doubt and surprised me with his renewed focus on treating vegetables with respect, I am left with this singular impression of the singer, songwriter, speaker, blogger and artist — Shaun is on a journey to keep Jesus at the center of his life and to change the face of poverty.

And he welcomes us to come along. Here are a few of his great answers to my poor questions:

• On the dawn of the release of your latest album, Third World Symphony, how does a busy dad, husband, speaker and artist find the time to make a record?

The record is six years in the making, featuring my struggle straddling the First World and the Third World. Being angry, and disappointed, and elated, and full of joy and gratitude all along the way. It was a slow process, based on my actual experiences with Compassion kids and reflections on scripture.

There are things I have seen that made me doubt whether God is good, whether His plan to help the poor through the Church is effective. I have some intense struggle there. I am human, I have not arrived at the destination, and the struggle continues. The album captures all of it, from despair to joy.

• What do you know, for sure, as you listen to Third World Symphony?

The new album starts with grace. Throughout, I always knew it should and would start with grace. I feel like Jesus saw me on my worst day and He chose to love me anyway. And He gave everything for me.

When that is in view, writing a blog post about the poor, giving money to 58:, being a missionary, saying something about Compassion at a concert, all of that is no longer a chore, it is a privilege. It is not even a “job.” So the album starts with that. It is all about mercy and grace.

All is Grace

Download All is Grace for free.

• How has Compassion’s $38/month child sponsorship program changed you personally?

After overcoming my initial skepticism with intense research and education about Compassion and poverty, my family was left with the sense that Compassion really does release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. And they do it with the utmost financial integrity.

I originally thought a meager $38 couldn’t possibly make an impact in anyone’s life. After looking into it, I was shocked at what the kids received: education, nutrition, access to heath care, and all the rest.

Once I saw it, it changed how I looked at my own finances. $38 is the world to them, and for almost all Americans $38 per month can be given without any noticeable impact on their quality of life whatsoever.

• The album moves from grace to the question of “enough.” When is “enough” enough?

It makes songwriting so easy when you can rip off Solomon! For me, the song “Enough” is based on Proverbs.

What I was originally looking for was a clear rule as to what enough is. How much money for a house? How much for clothes, etcetera?

Instead I found Proverbs 30:7, where Solomon prays, “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”

So it’s a double caution against both extreme poverty and extreme wealth. If I get extremely wealthy, which in comparison the rest of the world nearly all Westerners are, I might forget about God and think I don’t need Him.

Enough is satisfied by daily bread and God. Anything left over I want to give back to God to help others and save my own soul. I am not there, but it is a prayer I pray.

Enough
• Being educated about the 58: initiative and the plight of the extremely poor is a great way for parents to combat entitlement issues with their children. How does this impact parenting in the Groves family?

Well, I could probably tell more about how NOT to parent! I remember coming home from an overseas trip, still incredibly moved by what I had seen. It always takes me a few days to re-acclimate after a trip that involves so much impact to my heart and soul.



One night my son was complaining about his broccoli. In a display of absolutely terrible parenting, I picked up his tray and threw the broccoli in the trash, proclaiming that so many people have only trash to eat from!

Of course, that was absolutely way over the top, and it was not loving or kind during that “teachable moment.”

In fact, the person learning the lesson ended up being me, as I later apologized to my son and tried to explain what I was feeling.

Now I try to limit my parenting for about a week after I get back from a trip because I know I am coming down from that experience. I did not apologize to the broccoli, though; I am still working out those issues.

I say all the time that Compassion releases children from poverty in Jesus’ name and they have released my children from wealth.

I think the most powerful tool for teaching in my family is to simply live, with your kids, blessing other people where you are. My kids have an understanding of the world that I didn’t have until my 30s.

• The 58: initiative is about ending extreme poverty in our lifetime. Were you skeptical about that?

When skeptics ask me a direct question, I know that behind it is a never-ending list of skeptical questions. So the way my heart was changed was to think about my relationship with God. The more I know our generous God, the more I want to return that generosity in some way.

Third World Symphony talks a lot about how God has saved me. And made peace with me. Paul says, “In view of God’s mercy, now offer yourself as a living sacrifice.” When I keep God’s mercy and love in my mind, I naturally respond in the same way.

You can also view Shaun Groves – Third World Symphony (Ethiopia Story) on Vimeo.

So if people are skeptical about Compassion or 58:, I just respond, 

If not those organizations, then what? Don’t tell me you aren’t going to give to the poor because you are skeptical about 58: or Compassion.

Has God loved you? Do you have leftovers? Fine, be skeptical.

In view of His mercy, offer yourself to God in another way that makes sense to you. You may be passionate about sex trafficking, water, food or children. 58: allows you to dive into your own passion with world-class organizations of integrity.

I love that about the 58: initiative! Acknowledging we are all made differently, dive into whatever gets you excited.

58: says there are things smart people have checked out that actually work. And that represent Christ well. And that are done with integrity.

The 58: initiative is the first time world-class Christian poverty-fighting organizations have banded together not to boycott something but to do something positive for the world. Ending extreme poverty is the goal, and they think it can be done.

I grew up in a church that was “against” a lot of things. I am not anymore, but for many years I was angry at that church for the way they made people feel and the issues they picked that would be “worth” getting upset about. These issues became their “Jesus” issues.

Poverty is physical and spiritual, and there are many, many aspects of it that need to be addressed. It models humility for the leaders of the 58: alliance to say “We need each other.”

They are standing up and saying that solving extreme poverty is more important than any single organization. That keeps the kingdom of God and Jesus the main thing.

It fights the judgmentalism I saw in my early church days, but it also fights the idealism of the individual do-gooder. In my mind, this is the only way to fight extreme poverty: for us to link arms and combat it from all sides. I am proud to do that with Compassion at live58.org.

• Thanks Shaun, for keeping Jesus the main thing, learning to treat broccoli with respect, and taking us along on a journey with Third World Symphony.

You’re welcome. I am praying for you guys, and for the 58: initiative! I hope everyone will go to live58.org and find your passion. We CAN solve extreme poverty — together!

Love what you have heard so far? Purchase Shaun Groves’ Third World Symphony on iTunes!

This post is making a stop on the Compassion blog as part of Shaun’s Third World Symphony blog tour.

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From Cristo Rey de Gloria Student Center (GU-970) in Guatemala. Shaun Groves takes you on a two-minute tour of the church and child development center. And then shows you what the center looks and sounds like when the children are there.

Visit compassionbloggers.com on a daily basis to experience all of the highlights of the trip through the words, pictures and videos of the team.

And follow the team on Twitter to make sure you don’t miss a single thing.

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Travel along with:

• Lisa-Jo Baker
• Shaun Groves
• Amanda Jones
• Patricia Jones
• Lindsey Nobles
• Keely Scott
• Ann Voskamp

Visit compassionbloggers.com on a daily basis to experience the highlights of the trip through the words, pictures and videos of the team.

And follow the team on Twitter to make sure you don’t miss a single thing.

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The good news is that no children were physically hurt. But we understand that you want more information.

Here’s an “on the ground” perspective from Shaun Groves and the Compassion Bloggers.

What happens when a hurricane hits the U.S.?

Telethons. Thousands donated.

FEMA. Thousands housed.

Hospitals. Thousands healed.

Insurance. Thousands rebuild.

What happens when a hurricane hits a house made of mud?

When earth by the ton gives way and slides through a neighborhood?

When beds, clothes, and families are swallowed up by flood waters and mud?

What happens when all this happens in a small village in the smallest nation in Central America? With almost no government resources? Without insurance and a hospital nearby or a car to visit it? What happens then?

The Church happens.

Read what that means on Shaun’s blog. And watch the video he included in the post.

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Sponsor a singing bunny in El Salvador.

Thanks for the video Patricia.

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They are relevant whether you’re speaking in front of a crowd of thousands or to one person in an elevator.

They are as true for persuading people via Twitter, blogs or Facebook as they are for concerts and festivals.

They will help you effectively speak up on behalf of children in need and our holistic Christian approach to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

1. Tell us a story. The best arguments and the greatest passion in the world are forgotten sooner than a story. Every bit of advice here can be carried out in a story.
2. Don’t lie. Exaggerating is lying.
3. Why do you care? You’re not in it for the money, right? No, you saw something, felt something, learned something once that changed your heart and mind. You were captivated, fell in love, got angry. Tell us a story that shows us why you care and we’ll probably care, too.

Read Shaun’s entire list.

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I started sponsoring children when I was 14. Now close to 50, that’s a lot of years of making a difference in kids’ lives with relatively little effort, thanks to Compassion and a few other well-run organizations.

Why aren’t all people of adequate means sponsoring children?

Fear of the unknown? Fear of commitment? Ignorance of the fact that they can, in fact, spare the change?

Maybe it’s simply that they still haven’t heard of it yet.

My main career is graphic design, but I’ve also become a bit of a writer. My faith has largely been developed through the simple pleasure of curling up with a good book — thank you C.S. Lewis, Paul Little, Jim Burns — and I would like to give back in the way that I have been impacted, or at least try.

With the subject matters I tackle, I hope to ignite interest in the most important things in life (which are not “things” at all, of course).

Two years ago, I compiled a collection of stories about service. It’s called The Social Cause Diet: Find A Service That Feeds The Soul.

Three of the 45 stories are from avid Compassion fans and spokespeople:

• Shaun Groves
• Justin McRoberts
• Shannon Lowe

I am so grateful for their contributions (and their awesomeness), and anticipate increased awareness of child sponsorship through them.

Presently, I’m working on Volume Two of The Social Cause Diet. If you are reading this blog, it’s likely that you have a story to share! Please consider writing it down and submitting it through www.socialcausediet.com.

As with the first volume, my goal is to communicate that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” while showcasing a wide variety of services. The more stories, the better, and the greater chance readers will find ways in which they would like to serve.

I should mention why the word “diet” is in the title of my book. (Let’s pretend I wasn’t influenced by the fact that diet books tend to sell very well.)

First of all, when we help others, we nourish our souls, so this book suggests a diet for the soul.

I consider the soul to be our real self; the part that can get better and better (with proper feeding), even as its housing wears thin.

Secondly, there is a significant amount of evidence that indicates that people who volunteer regularly tend to be healthier than those who do not volunteer. The studies are amazing.

A steady diet of helping others seems to be as important to our physical well-being as proper nutrition and regular exercise.

Lastly, my personal testimony includes an ugly history of dieting in the usual way — or maybe I should say, dysfunctional way.

I was a compulsive dieter who eventually became bulimic without even knowing the term.

The turning point in my life came when my college roommate got in my face and said, “Gail, the world is bigger than your pack of crackers.”

It was at that moment that I realized how self-absorbed I had become with my dieting, and I didn’t want to stay that way.

While I was not immediately cured of my disorder, the all-important will to get better was there, and my journey to health began.

What I really believe is that our country’s fascination with dieting is all wrong. The more we diet, the more problems we seem to have with obesity and eating disorders.

Maybe it’s because the typical diet makes the dieter the focal point, endorsing the ideology that “it’s all about me.” But true well-being — philosophers, theologians, sociologists, and even politicians all agree — is achieved when we feel connected to something beyond ourselves.

So that’s why I propose going on the Social Cause Diet; that is, developing a lifestyle that incorporates serving others in some way. It may not be easy, but the benefits are well worth it.

And unlike the usual diet that leaves you hungry, this one will fill you up.

Submit your story at www.socialcausediet.com.

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Let me explain.

When you download the song you will not be asked for any money, or a friend’s e-mail address, or to fill out a survey.

“Kingdom Coming” is totally free. Truly! No strings attached.

But the song, I hope, will move many who hear it to give to those in tremendous need around the world, and right next door.

“Kingdom Coming” was inspired by my many years of partnering with Compassion to release children from poverty in 25 of the world’s poorest countries.

Four years ago, after seeing for myself how far a little goes in the developing world, my wife and I were inspired to sell our house, cut off the cable and make several other changes in an effort to simplify our lives so that others could simply live.

Because of those changes our expenses are so low that we’ve been able to do nothing for the last four years but sing and speak (100 times a year) and blog on behalf of Compassion, at no charge to the public.

In that time thousands of children have been sponsored through Compassion and have been educated, fed, healed, played with, and told about the love of Jesus as a result. This free download, and the ones to follow, are just the next logical progression for us.

When you visit http://www.shaungroves.com/freemusic, you’ll see a small link to compassion.com. My hope is that thousands of you will download “Kingdom Coming” for free, enjoy it, and then click that link and decide to meet the physical and spiritual needs of a child through a local church in the developing world by sponsoring them.

Helping me spread “Kingdom Coming” and the free music download page is helping bring the Kingdom (God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven) to the developing world.

Please, e-mail this song or link to a friend, use it at your church, play it on the radio, make a YouTube video, let your Facebook friends know about it. I own this song and all rights to it, and you hereby officially have my permission to use it in anyway you’d like as long as no one’s being charged to hear it.

Thank you for listening, giving and passing this music and message on.

Please let me know if I can ever serve you in any way.

- Shaun

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Be a part of the five-day experience (November 2-7) as these bloggers learn and talk about our ministry in the Dominican Republic (DR) first hand.

• Melanie – BigMama
• Jennifer Donovan – 5 Minutes for Mom
• Mary Ostyn – Owlhaven.net
• Tim Challies – Challies.com
• Shaun Groves – Shlog
• Brian Seay – A Simple Journey
• Marlboro Man, from ThePioneerWoman.com

We encourage you to visit each blog daily to find out what’s happening in the DR.

Would you like to be a Compassion Blogger?

Submit your blog, and add your voice to theirs. Tell the world how you are helping release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

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