In The Rear View Mirror

  If you are like me you can size a person up in a matter of minutes. Someone walks into your world in some way, shape or form and without blinking an eye you have them all figured out. You have yet to strike up a conversation with this person but you know them inside and out. Can that really be possible? Well, possible but not fair or smart. I think that is hard to do yet we all find ourselves doing that. Why? Well, I began asking myself this question and it all started as I began to read Under The Overpass. This is a story of two men who have it all yet they decide to become homeless for several months. They traveled to major cities and saw what life was like on the street. Yes, they decided to become homeless! Talk about a radical lifestyle change--and on purpose! Their account will leave you stunned--especially my friends in the faith community. You won't believe the way these guys were treated by all walks of life. I am concerned however about myself and how I treat others in these predicaments. In particular I am looking at how I might treat homeless people. How do I treat the panhandler? Do I judge? Yes, he or she will simply by booze and drugs with the money we give. At least, that is what we all think, right?

  My profession has me on the road a lot. I drive a ton of miles every day in hopes of talking to people interested in the services I provide. I am often at intersections where I see the guy or gal holding up a sign like, "Will Work For Food" or "Spare Some Change." As I sit there in my car several things go through my head. Maybe it does yours too. I wonder what their name is, where they live, why they are doing this and on and on the questions come to mind. I wonder what happened in this person's life to cause them to beg for money on the streets in the cold. Maybe they aren't homeless. Perhaps they are pretending. The more and more I sit there and think the deeper I try and reach for a reason NOT to give them some spare change. I think, why do I want to contribute to their habit? Or better yet, they don't fool me. They are just a bunch of con men and women. I am not going to enable anyone and I am certainly not going to even think about enabling someone I don't know. I rationalize myself right out of giving them anything. I see them in my rear view as I pull on through. My heart breaks but they don't want my sympathy or pity. They are hungry and thirsty. And I keep passing them by.

  While I was reading Under The Overpass I was floored by how the guys told of how people treated them. There were a few good Samaritan stories but most of the time they were treated like the scum of the earth. Yesterday's trash just bothering people trying to get from their posh homes to their elaborate offices. Reading this book cut me hard. People of faith, who were supposed to be reaching out in love, often turned their noses up at the guys. I was flabbergasted. I love people and I want to help mostly anyone. I believe my Creator has given me a heart of compassion for less fortunate people. Yet, when it comes to the homeless sometimes I feel as lost as a ball in high weeds. What can I possibly do? What can I possibly say? It shouldn't be so hard. So, why is it? Why can't I just reach out a hand and offer to help? It is that judgment thing. If I were to give one of them a few bucks they will take it, along with the other money they have been given, and buy some whiskey with it or crack so they can continue their habit. I don't think I am alone in these thoughts but I am not looking for company. I want to change it. I want to be real and stop pretending they will just go away.

 The two guys who went on this journey referenced in Under The Overpass were really good guys. People didn't know their story but by their account no one (except for one or two) cared to learn. They were looked at like they didn't exist. There was a point in the book where one of the guys wondered how he could go back to "normal" living. He wrestled with this as the time of adventure was drawing to a close. Seriously, imagine yourself doing this fully knowing that one day you would not be homeless any longer. Now, think about the people who don't know when it is ever going to end. They don't have the luxury of that kind of forethought. Every day is a struggle. Every meal an adventure. They will take your scraps. They will take your leftovers. But do we ever give them more? I am not here to lay a trip on anyone. This book just wrecked me to the core and I want to do something about how I feel. It may be shallow but I want deep. If I am more than a fan then it has to cost me. Folks who are homeless have names. They have destinies and they have dreams. We need to hear their stories and quit being in such a hurry. I know I need to. Do you? You should read the book. Maybe it will challenge you like it did me. Remember, it's about the dash!