lessons for the "homefull"

as I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, one of United Life's very own (along with a friend named James) forsook his home on September 7th of this year in order to follow through with a conviction and calling he had to live on the streets of Seattle for a set period of time. While many have both applauded and questioned Brian and James decision, one thing I can vouch for: they're not primarily motivated by guilt, but because they feel that God has called them to do this. 

One of the most amazing parts of all of this for me has been seeing how much thought, discussion, and prayer their decision has given birth to. Just speaking for myself, I can't be in a store for too long before I consider what a blessing it is to have the means to be able to choose whether to buy something or not. I can't adjust the heat or humidity in our bedroom before being thankful that I have not only a room to sleep in, but also a bathroom, kitchen, and even a living room. And I can't drive by someone at a street corner asking for "anything that will help, God bless" without wondering if I'm treating them as well as I hope everyone is treating Brian and James (I find myself not necessarily giving more often, but making a lot more eye contact than I used to). 

I write this first of all to praise God for what He is doing through Brian, James, their decision, and among all those who know them or are about to meet them. 

I also write this to remind those who care about these two brothers to continue to cover them in prayer. 

Finally, I write this to encourage all of us to do two things: 

1. Change how we see and think about the homeless around us. Just picture Brian or James in their shoes, and treat them accordingly. 
2. Be obedient to God. Amazingly, God wants to be connected to you and me. And while he doesn't always speak with words or visions, he is definitely making his purpose for us clear. Just read the Bible and pray, and you'll know what I'm talking about. And when you start to get a feel for what he wants from you, I encourage your follow through by bringing your attention to all of the awesome stuff that's coming out of Brian and James' obedience. They are touching many lives with their obedience, surely God will do the same with yours. 

As I've been mentioning, Brian and James are keeping us updated at bjarbjar.blogspot.com. I've put a link on the right side of this page.