As the Executive Director of the Jimmie Hale Mission, I regularly attend meetings filled with conversations about how to address the issues surrounding homelessness. The question always arises, what can we do to make a real difference?
Last summer, I began to wonder how I can speak with real understanding and seek meaningful solutions for those in need. It became clear that talking from a safe distance was not enough and never would be. To truly understand, and thus, truly bring answers to the problems, there had to be a willingness to step closer to reality and feel, even in a small way, the weight and hardship of homelessness so that compassion could grow from experience, not just intention.
With much prayer and reflection, I felt convicted to move forward with experiencing a slice of life more like those caught in homelessness. I made plans to spend the night alone, just like our neighbors, on the city streets and in the elements in downtown Birmingham. With little to rely on beyond personal resolve, the kindness of others, and God’s hedge of protection, my goal was to more closely experience the issues that so many just talk about…