National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

Bet ya didn't know about that one this month, eh? Me neither.
Here's an article I wrote for http://www.bluechowder.com/ for this week:

Love Proof

Since the day I got my driver’s license, I have committed to giving my time and resources to the poor and homeless on almost a weekly basis. Over the past ten years, I have heard every story under the sun. I have listened to repeat lies, witnessed addicts shoot up, had a pistol waved in my face, been led to a dark ally, and been offered prostitution. But I have also seen the crippled suffering, the abused scared, the sick dying, and the blind wishing they could work. Above all else, the most concerning of situations is to see a teenage guy or girl going hungry or shivering in the cold because they have no home to go to.

To the common suit-wearing, agenda-conquering passerby, these look like rebellious kids sitting around smoking or drinking. But to the unnurtured children hiding behind the raggedy, black trench coat, they are lonely, scared, hungry, and lost. I sit here typing in tears as I wonder what their life could amount to if only they had parents like mine; if only they could eat warm meals in a decent place; if only they could have hot showers and a soft bed; if only they could be taught to read and speak well; if only they could feel real love; if only someone could offer that to them... if only.

It’s moments like these when I realize some of my “needs” aren’t needs at all. And it’s moments like these when the rubber of my faith meets the road and I am forced to respond to the Bible’s pleas:
-“deny yourself daily”
-“give to those in need”
-“true religion is this: to visit the orphans and widows”
-“give to those who ask”
-“faith without deeds is dead”
-"whatever you do to the least of these, you have done it unto Me.”

If I think I am strong in my faith, yet sit watching television and snacking on junk food while blocks from me a young victim is feeling real hunger and is threatened with real danger, my faith amounts to nothing (1 Corinthians 13). There is a quick litmus test you can do to see how real your/my so called religion is:

-When was the last time you gave to someone in need?
-When was the last time you prayed for the sick?
-When was the last time you visited the poor?
-When was the last time you mended the broken hearted?
-How long has it been since your faith has proven faithful?

Don’t know how to help? You can start here:
Text "bluechowder" to the number 68405 and a piece of clothing will be donated from American Eagle to homeless youth. Learn more here.

www.standupforkids.com www.pleadthecause.com

check out the video and stats here