In 7 days…

I’m up early today (5AM)!

Why? I’m literally thinking about the commitment I’ve made about going homeless for a few days. Mentally, I am trying to wrap my mind around giving up everything to sleep in shelters (right before Christmas). I have been praying, and speaking with my family and a couple close friends about this journey! Some of them have championed me onward, while others think I am literally nuts. But, I believe in the mission of #lovebeyondwalls!

For three days there will be NO access to: My family (wife & children), Showers, Clothes, Hygiene Products, Starbucks Coffee, Chick-Fil-A, Computers, Heat, Television, and all of the aminities that we often times take for granted because they are at arms length.

Although it may be hard trying to get mentally ready for this, I am still inspired to do it. Why? Literally, while I’m in the comfort of my warm home, my friend (who is homeless) is bundled up (with 8 blankets) sleeping on the side of the road in downtown Atlanta.

I wonder what he has thought about all night?

I wonder what he ate last night?

I wonder if the cold air kept him up while I was comfortable in my bed?

I wonder why he would rather sleep on the side on the road and not the shelters?

I wonder what his “life’s” shoes feel like?

Honestly, I never thought I’d be so passionate about raising awareness about this epidemic, or serving in the trenches. But, I ask myself, “If Christ were still walking the earth, where would he be?” Sure, I believe he’d roam in affluent spaces, but I also believe he would be among those who are broken, hopeless, and have nothing to give in return.

Today, I’ll spend time with my family and pray as I prepare my mind to take this leap of faith. I ask that you pray for me too! I’m meditating on this scripture today (Matthew 25:34-40, NIV),

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Terence