Under the Overpass

I read a fantastic book this weekend titled "Under the Overpass: A journey of faith on the streets of America" by Mike Yankoski. It's one of those books that I read in one sitting with several cups of coffee and my journal by my side. If you are at all intrigued by the homeless or have a desire to serve and love them, this book is a great one. It's the story of two guys who chose to be homeless for several months after feeling God prompt them to "be the Christian you say you are". It was a test of their own faith in God to literally provide for their every need, as well as a look into how Christians in America are treating the homeless. A guy and a friend spent about a month in 6 different cities to get a look at homelessness in all parts of the US. They met some amazing people who are living examples of Jesus, and they met some people who were extremely hurtful and misguided. What I really love about the book is that they end with really practical ways that Christians in America can love the homeless better.

One of my favorite parts of the book was when Mike was staying in a shelter in Denver and interacting with James, a man with severe mental illness and drug addiction. James was talking about how he was really sad, and Mike encouraged him to read a particular Psalm. It turns out James had read the entire book of Psalms the night before, clinging to the intense emotion and promise of rescue. Mike pondered if he had ever been so honest with his emotion or so desperate for Jesus that he literally stayed up all night pouring over the Bible seeking comfort and a promise that there was hope. It left me thinking the same thing, have I ever needed Jesus so badly that I stayed awake all night pouring over His words?