From the Perspective of a Bum

Something is seriously wrong when we as a society, as a people have no interest in taking care of our neighbor. There is a balance of personal responsibility that certainly must be acknowledged. However, whether it be a friend, a colleague, or acquaintance in a distressing situation or the homeless guy on the street, where are our manners, where is the golden rule? I see it less in a society where I should see it more.

Mike Yankoski, and his friend Sam, traveled the country for six months on the streets. They had enough of just hearing and believing they should care for the poor, they need to experience it, they needed to practice it.

What they found were people who were hopeless. They also found people who were bitter toward the world and others who were trying to keep their above ground. Some of their fellow homeless friends were drug addicts, perhaps had made bad decisions that led them their state or just some who'd run out of luck. And like any other despised street monger; Mike and Sam slept on cement, panhandled with guitars and ate from the garbage.

They found that people, of all kinds, -even people who claimed to have faith- snubbed them, avoided eye contact and turned them away. Nevertheless they persisted in their journey and more often than not; their positive attitude and trust in God spoke peace and comfort to their friends on the street. They roamed through Denver, D.C., Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix, and San Diego- which of course led them back home.

I was uniquely impressed with their growth as young men and how their perspectives on the world changed when the chose to live with nothing. They were still able to stay honest and true to the core of who they are and yet find out what that poor are really like and become one of them, that they might minister TO them.

Under the Overpass was an amazing story. I recommend it to anyone, particularly if you've ever wondered what the people on the street really see. I hope you will find out more for yourself.

I think the book is a lesson in humanity. It is a lesson in loving our neighbor, doing good to those who hurt us. It shows what a community should look like when they care for one another, esp in the most difficult circumstances. Mike and Sam inspired me. And they confirmed what I believe- that giving to the poor is one of the greatest gifts and certainly one of the most humbling experiences in the world today.