Curtis talked about the two passions he has in life, the power of love, and concern about the poor. He spent four years in the Philippians. He also spoke about a memory that stood out to him which may have birthed this concern for the poor. It was on Christmas in 1968 where his mother cancelled Christmas and gave all the money to the famine victims in Ethiopia. He would later in his life, visit Ethiopia to help. One of the quotes that stood out to me was when Curtis, speaking of the his visit to Africa said he was struck the the "Unsentimental professionalism of the individuals working with the poor."
When Curtis was asked about what he believed about Jesus he mentioned, "Jesus did live among the ppr and he takes that quite literally." He also asked American Idol if he could do something "special" for one of their shows and the show agreed to allow him to. Idol Gives Back was it's title and Simon Cowel and Ryan Seacrest visited Africa and saw a place with 1.2 million people living in a place the size of Central Park. This compelled America to give $73 million.
The last thing I would like to mention about this interview is that when asked about what motivates his inner person, he answered that that sermon on the mount was fundamental. He never heard anyone say anything better that makes more sense. He said, "You have to actually get up and do stuff with your life. Just by reading the bible, praying for people it does not get you off the hook.. you actually need to help them." This, I believe is a wake up call the the Christian community. How many times do we pray for someone we actually have ability to help? Why do we think because we have prayed for them it gives us permission not to help? What if God isn't asking you to pray for them but to help them, maybe he has placed you in there path to be the change!
Overall this was an amazingly influential video on me and I hope that I do not simply stop at what I hear, but that I am moved to action.
