Danny Gokey, Candace Cameron Bure Talk ‘Learning’ How To Give
By Movieguide® Contributor
Candace Cameron Bure and Danny Gokey are talking about the importance of giving, especially as we enter the Christmas season.
“You’re doing all this amazing work, giving back,” Bure said during an episode of her podcast. “But you’re really doing it with the hands and feet of the community.”
Gokey explained that organizing his various charitable contributions is “a slow process” as they learn how to “engage the communities.”
The singer also shared that he “had to learn” how to give.
“When I was younger, I never gave,” he said. “Giving was something I had to learn because we grew up with nothing…I understand American poverty is a lot different than world poverty, so I’m not going to overemphasize it, but growing up with 8 people in a 1,000-square-foot house as a kid was uncomfortable.”
Gokey said his “biggest breakthrough” when it came to giving was “when I began to give with no more expectation to get.”
Gokey makes giving back a major part of his tours, with giveback opportunities at each stop that benefit his Better Than I Found It nonprofit.
He recently donated supplies to Fort Wayne’s New Mercies Ministries.
“It’s a beautiful ministry. They are keeping families together, and they are keeping hope inside the kids and the parents lives,” Gokey told 21 Alives News. “Sometimes you just need help and it’s okay to not be okay. Just don’t stay there: get the help and move forward.”
Gokey spoke about the inspiration for Better Than I Found It in an interview with the Gospel Music Association.
“During my exit interview on AMERICAN IDOL when the host asked what was next for me, my response was, ‘I see my music as a movement,’” he explained. “I didn’t fully know what that would look like at the time, or where the journey would take me. I just knew that God wanted it to be about more than just music.”
Gokey continued, “It’s been a long time coming, but I’m so grateful that we are able to launch the Better Than I Found It ‘Bus Stops’ as part of my regular music touring this spring! These stops are a way of giving back to the local communities where we are doing shows by raising awareness about needs, doing our part to help meet those needs while we’re in town, and activating concert attendees to get out in their area and ‘be’ Jesus People to those around them long after we’re gone!”
Gokey recently celebrated the end of his “Stay Strong” tour. Movieguide® reported:
“What. A. Tour,” he captioned an Instagram video made up of clips from the shows. “26 cities. Over 600 decisions to follow Jesus. Countless fun moments shared, memories made and lives changed.”
Gokey shouted out tourmates Austin French and Natalie Layne, writing, “You are the real deal, and it meant so much to have you be a part of this tour!”
“I’m incredibly grateful that I get to share these messages of hope, and for the amazing band, crew, sponsors & promoter team that make it possible every single night!” he continued. “And most importantly, to each of YOU who are there to sing, dance and worship with us! It’s been a blast…THANK YOU!!!”
