Surviving day 1 and issuing a challenge to everyone...

Leon fell asleep reading outside a downtown building, because he had a very sleepless night.

It hasn’t been easy. Saying goodbye to Leon yesterday was excruciating, but going to bed alone was even more so. After a couple glasses of wine and a brownie (my ultimate comfort food and drink), I went to bed. I thought I would be up all night, but I think my two previous nights of sleeplessness set in, and I crashed and slept all night.

This morning, after speaking with Layne-our friend, and my only constant link to Leon-I learned that Leon didn’t have as much rest as I did last night. He didn’t know where to sleep, how safe the shelters are, and what his best course of action was, so he wandered the streets all night. He hung out at the fountain building, he walked the streets, he talked to a few people who were also out last night, and basically got no sleep.

Am I surprised? No. But I am hurting for him nonetheless. I knew this was going to be a difficult experience, but I had no idea just how hard it would be for me, watching my husband go through it!

It’s so cool that so many people are rallying to support Leon in his journey as a result of the FB group and some of the news stories. In fact, we didn’t even get to celebrate making it to 300 and 400 likes on Facebook because it has all been going by so quickly. But just like everything else out in public, there is always negativity and criticism. I have been consumed with some of the negative comments and issues that have been coming as a result of this journey being in the spotlight a little, and it has kept me from what I should be doing-focusing on my husband and praying for him. 

It’s amazing how easily we can be distracted from our current realities by negativity...and it becomes a consuming fog around us that keep us from being effective in our lives. The truth is, Leon is doing something incredible because he has a beautiful heart to understand people from all different backgrounds and walks of life. The other reality is that he is on the streets day and night, and I should be praying for him and focusing on my family and how we are functioning...instead, I’ve been focusing on all the wrong things, and it is making me ineffective in this journey that Leon has fought so hard for. 

With one small bible verse, posted by my cousin Logan today, I am comforted, and reminded of the heart of my husband yet again. In the book of James, chapter 2, James talks about our faith in God, and how our works (what we do) show that faith to the world. He says that faith apart from works means nothing, and then he says “I will show you my faith by what I do.” I, knowing Leon’s heart and caring for it deeply, know that this act of selflessness on the part of Leon, is doing exactly what James did hundreds of years ago, and before him, this is what Jesus did. He walked with people, chatted with them, and helped them see God just a little more clearly than they currently saw God, and created a movement of faith that still continues today. 

If Leon’s journey is inspiring people, then that’s great...but that is not his motive. He only wants to experience something as drastic as this so he can better understand and speak to people, and I think we can all learn a little bit from him...especially me! 

So...now to issue a challenge to all of us.....

Leon’s faith journey has inspired many people already, and it has only just begun! We have heard stories of people who’s children are inspired to collect coats for the homeless. We have heard from people who are giving up things for November in support and reminder of what Leon is doing. We have had people say that Leon’s journey has inspired them to help out at a homeless shelter in November, or give Thanksgiving meals to needy families, or donate money to a charity or individual. It has been amazing to see how Leon’s simple act of faith is inspiring others to do something in their own lives as well.

So this is my challenge to you....for the month of November, what can you do to be more generous and selfless to those around you? The sky is the limit, and any act of kindness that you do can make miracles happen! If you would like to accept the challenge, we want to hear from you! Post on our Facebook Page and tell us what your personal challenge will be, and let’s all encourage each other to live more generously this month and even longer. Can’t wait to hear your challenges, and I will try to come up with something of my own...you know, besides giving up my husband for the month! :)

Start spreading the news.

Leon, on the phone...the best picture I could get of him to chronicle the beard!

Today, the news goes public about Leon’s homeless challenge for November, and it seems to be sinking in that this is actually happening! Leon is getting his ducks in a row, I am working on the publicity of this whole thing, because selfishly, I am just wanting some MAJOR prayers for this endeavor. I am reminded of all the dangers of the streets of Dallas....muggings, murders, drugs, random acts of violence against homeless people, extreme weather, starvation, etc.......and I get more and more freaked out by what we are heading into. 

Leon has moved into “beard growing mode” (pictured above) so that by November, he looks pretty raggedy and homeless. So in spite of the prickly kisses I get on occasion, things are progressing quite nicely.

We told the Circuit Youth, Leon’s youth group tonight and they are completely pumped about this venture. They are already posting on Facebook about Leon’s homeless adventure, and “liking” the Facebook page (facebook.com/haveyouseenleon), and are ready to wear a Have You Seen Leon shirt every day during the month of November, and wearing the wristbands that we have ordered for the entire 30 days. I guess that means I am going to have to wear a Leon shirt everyday and my wristband too....ok, challenge accepted! They especially liked the “Where’s Waldo” aspect of this, where they can follow Twitter sightings of Leon and go to the streets of downtown Dallas and look for him. Hopefully I have found more people to help me keep tabs on Leon in November. They are taking flyers to their schools, telling their friends to come to youth, and are even excited about the fact that I might be leading youth for a month just because they see the vision. I am so inspired tonight because of them! 

I know these aren’t children that we are dealing with, but sometimes when we tell adults about what is going on, they just remind us of all the negatives of this challenge. On the contrary, the Circuit Youth have reminded me of the beauty of true faith, the kind Jesus wants us all to have....

In Matthew, Jesus says “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” 

And that is something that I constantly need to hear. This is something that is taking extreme faith, and now that it is going public, it is becoming all the more real. So to everyone out there, I encourage to live a life of true faith, and not over think everything. And to Circuit Youth, I thank you for reminding me of how God calls us to live....totally, completely, and unquestioningly in faith that He will do what He says He will do!