Homelessness and the Holidays

What is Christmas about?
First of all, it is a time to remember Jesus' birth and give thanks to God for such a wonderful gift.

Second of all, it is a time of giving. Santa Claus is based on a real person. A real generous Christian man from Turkey.
Whether it is by dropping some change or bills in a red bucket of the Salvation Army or helping out at a local food pantry, this season is a great time to remember those who have less than us and to give back from what God has blessed us with. This reminder can really hit home when paired with the book I just finished reading.

Waterbrook Multnomah gave me this free book to review, called Under The Overpass. It is actually on old book but this is an updated version with a couple additional features.

Mike Yankoski, the author, was a middle class Christian college student. He felt nudged, called, or whatever term you like to use, by God to gain a better understanding of homelessness and to minister to homeless people. He did this by spending 5 months homeless. He found a friend and some supporters who sent them for 5 months with nothing but a backpack with some books and the clothes on their back and a sleeping bag a guitar to 6 different cities in the U.S. to live with the homeless, as the homeless live.

This book tells some of their stories and gives great insight into the culture of homelessness. Not only that, it challenges the reader to act. Not only is there homelessness all around us, along with other needs, but there are similar and some different or more intensified needs all over the world.

It challenges me not just to let myself be comfortable in accepting God's blessings and praising him for them but to also use them to bless others, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. As far as the updated edition, I think it is mainly a marketing ploy to get people to read basically the same book. However, on one hand I am glad they are trying to get more people to buy this book. It is definitely a good book for many people to read. On the other hand, in my opinion, the additions to the edition did not really add to the book, although it was nice to hear a little more about the author's life after the journey of homelessness.
I think the previous ending makes a good point and an effective challenge that might in some ways be lessened by the additional material.

Read the book. You can get it from Waterbrook Multnomah directly online or various other stores.