So much more than homelessness.

So a common question I am getting is “why is Leon really doing this?” Many people think it is just to raise awareness about homelessness in America, or just to try and understand what it is like to be homeless. While those are two very great things, Leon assures me that this homeless challenge is not simplified down to just that.

Leon has stated over and over again that this challenge to be homeless for 30 days during the month of November, is about so much more than homelessness. I struggle to grasp that as much as the rest of the world, but I think I am starting to see the true heart behind Leon’s call to be homeless. 

After hearing Leon’s heart repeatedly as he shares his vision with the various audiences he presents to, I am reminded that this challenge is more about meeting people where they are. Whether someone is homeless, facing a divorce, dealing with the death of a loved one, suffering from a life-threatening illness, moving across the country, feeling suicidal, or much more...anyone who is facing a seemingly-impossible journey, needs someone to tell them where hope comes from. Someone to help them see the light in the midst of total darkness. Someone who can tell them they aren’t alone. Someone to say “I’ve been in your shoes.”

That is what this challenge is about...not just ministering to the homeless, though that is very valuable. But it transcends far beyond that, and reflects deeply the heart of Leon. He strives to understand people, and this is only a means to understanding people on all different physical, emotional, and spiritual levels, and it only shows how he lives life. 

So instead of thinking of him as a homeless advocate, this is a challenge to think of Leon as just a person, who strives to understand you...yes, you...right where you are. And whatever you might be struggling with, chances are, Leon has been through something similar, and knows the feelings deep within that motivate you to be angry, hurt, frustrated, upset, or depressed...and knows how to find that small amount of hope within yourself to move forward, and to come out triumphantly.