St. Sara and IJM

A friend pointed out this article to me on Sara Groves and her work with and impact on International Justice Mission and the fight to end human trafficking. It reads:

So what in the world compels this Minnesota wife and mother of three to write such powerful words? What motivates her to make such music?

For Groves, it's a combination of her faith, the Spirit's leading, and hearing the stories of those who've gone before—those who are fighting injustice and those who have been victims.

Among her early influences was U2's Bono, who told Christianity Today in 2003 "celebrity is currency, and we want to spend it this way"—for the cause of social justice and compassion around the world.

Groves, who was just becoming a bit of a "celebrity" herself in Christian music, was struck by Bono's quote and wondered how she was spending her own "currency." She was already good at making music, but was it enough? Could it translate into ministering to widows and orphans and a broken world?

"I've struggled with that question," Groves says. "I used to think, I have to do something different. I can't just write songs anymore. I have to get my nursing degree or become a lawyer—something to make a difference."

A friend told Groves, "I can't believe you're even asking that question. You write music. That's what you do, and that's what you do well." He urged Groves to write songs that "tell these stories of redemption"—to tell the world what she's seen and heard. Not only about the ugliness, but about the beauty that comes through the work of ministries like IJM and Food for the Hungry, organizations Groves supports regularly.

I am enthralled by Groves not only because she can write music better than most. I am amazed at her because she writes out of the goodness of her heart. She is intensely humble and sacrificial. That's why I call her St. Sara. Read the whole article.