Mike YankoskiBesprekingen

book about leadership

Publishers description:

Frustrated and disillusioned with his life as a Christian motivational speaker, Michael Yankoski was determined to stop merely talking about living a life of faith and start experiencing it. The result was a year dedicated to engaging in spiritual practices, both ancient and modern, in a life-altering process that continues to this day. Whether contemplating an apple for an hour before tasting it (attentiveness), eating on $2.00 a day (simplicity) or writing simple letters of thanks (gratitude), Michael discovered a whole new depth through the intentional life.

My Grade: B Started off strong and kept its momentum until the last couple chapters which got a bit too preachy. I found it pretty amazing that someone who had spent a good part of his life as a "professional Christian" was unaware of some of the basic spiritual practices that have been a part of Christianity for centuries. Interesting to see his reaction to them and how they each affected him. Worth reading even if it did end on a weaker note.

Words that come to mind as I finish this book: Disappointing. Overwrought. Angst. Overindulgent. Whiny.
By the end he is still leaving people's wet clothes on the washer, complaining, and quite frankly, doesn't seem like he put an entire indulgent homeless year with the divine practices to much good use. But that is me now being whiny and judgmental, harumph, where did that come from?!
At places the writing is lovely but overall punchy, often overwrought, and never offers a pace for the reader to lean into the work and enjoy it.
I also really hate his translation and use of the beautiful expression of Selah.
Not for me.

This is a great book following Michael Yankoski's one year exploration of Spiritual practices. During his year he moved from cynical disillusionment with American Christianity and an inner life that did not match his public persona as a sought after conference speaker to someone whose practice repeatedly leads into a deeper way of being.

I have bloggeed about this book several times: you can read my posts here:

http://thoughtsprayersandsongs.com/2014/07/12/michael-yankoskis-sacred-year-not-...
http://thoughtsprayersandsongs.com/2014/07/28/further-reflections-on-michael-yan...
http://thoughtsprayersandsongs.com/2014/08/19/more-thoughts-on-the-sacred-year-b...
http://thoughtsprayersandsongs.com/2014/08/30/even-more-thoughts-on-michael-yank...

I was very excited to have the opportunity to read & review this book. Being a knitter & crocheter, I often make blankets for charity - usually for people in nursing homes, or pets in animal shelters. Last fall I made about 30 hats & a few scarves for a group collecting woolies for homeless vets. Ever since then, I've been thinking about doing more for the homeless. Sure, I have made hats in the past for them, but certainly not like I do the lapghans. I wasn't really sure what to expect about this book, but I was definitely interested from the get go.

This book was not one of those books where you sit down & devour over the course of one long afternoon. I read the book daily, usually a few minutes here & there and longer periods maybe once a week. I read it in small portions, so that I could really think about what Yankoski was writing about. The faster I read a book, the less I actually "think" about it, and I knew that I wanted to get "something" out of Under The Overpass.

Was I moved reading this book? Definitely. This is an experience few would volunteer to undertake, and I think Mike & his friend Sam were lucky to survive as well as they did. Sure, they met interesting characters, and this experience changed their life forever. Did it change my life? Well... for the moment, anyway. One of my New Year's goals was to make 24 hats for the homeless. Sure, that's not a lot... but that's 24 warmer bodies if I succeed. If I had more money, more time, would I want to do more? Sure, you bet. Will I end up volunteering at a homeless shelter, or a food kitchen? I'd love to say yes, because the book did move me that much, and I did learn a lot, but no, I probably won't end up doing those things.

This is not an easy book to read, but it is a book you should read.

Michael Yankoski's book, The Sacred Year: Mapping the Soulscape of Spiritual Practice -- How Contemplating Apples, Living in a Cave, and Befriending a Dying Woman Revived My Life was a very interesting and frusterating read. Frustrated and disillusioned with his life as a Christian motivational speaker, Michael Yankoski was determined to stop merely talking about living a life of faith and start experiencing it. He travels to a monastery where a Monk helps him focus and see faith in new lights and realms of understanding. How can you focus on a single apple for an hour to practice focus? I loved the Monk teachings in this book and would have enjoyed it more if it was all of his teachings. This book was so hard to follow and keep interested in. I kept putting it down and it took two weeks to finish this. Because of that I think it would be more for an expert reader or someone really into self-help because this will not keep your focus or interest as much as a young adult book would, in my humble opinion. the realizations and teachings were great once you got

Finished this book wondering if I might have gotten more out of this book then the author??

Ok, maybe that's being slightly self-righteous, but this book was pretty much a warm feeling-cold feeling (love and hate being too strong of terms) experience for me, with Mike Yankoski = cold feeling and idea = warm feeling; that's probably a bit too harsh too.

I recognize that humans are, even when they have the best of intentions, flawed, so since Yankoski wasn't inspired to write the next book of the Bible, I should probably cut him some slack, but then I have to think "where is all the money from this book going?" to another middle class guy who just happens to notice homeless people? He's using his experience with homeless people to make money?

Maybe he just needed some time to let the whole experience ferment a little more, but the end of the book didn't show him very inspired. Did he learn anything, except maybe that he doesn't want to end up homeless? It's not that I want to pigeon-hole him as "the homeless guy", but he wrote a book on the subject, thus claiming some kind of authority on the subject; so shouldn't he be doing something?

The idea behind this book is noble, but from my work with the homeless I don't think it is realistic. Yes, perhaps the way they were treated sometimes, but unless the authors can experience mental illness, addiction, abuse and other issues, they will never really be able to know. However, kudos to them for making much more of an effort than most people. Anything that brings positive awareness to the homeless and advocates for change is good.

Alors que des milliers de gens se retrouvent à la rue suite à un concours de circonstances catastrophique, Mike y va par choix, pour vivre l'expérience et tester sa foi dans le milieu le moins propice qui soit. Dieu n'est-il que dans les méga-church au méga-budget, ou bien est-il également dans les rues avec les parias qui souffrent. Un récit haletant et un voyage extraordinaire.

I really liked this book. It was fast paced, and I enjoyed the structure of the book. Its chapters were set up by which city they stayed in each month. I liked reading all the new insights he learned along the way. It gives you a new perspective on street life and those who live there. It helps you appreciate a lot of things we often dont think of.

Review of Under the Overpass by Mike Zankowski

I was hesitant when I began this book, fearing that it would simply be another rant. I was pleasantly surprised. It is a heart felt work stemming from a heart felt quest. I think what I find particularly endearing is the way in which the author honestly and openly shares the story. It would be easy for someone in his situation to be overly pious in a “holier than thou” sort of way. Instead, he is quite open about his own failings during his weeks on the street.
I like the way he admits his naiveté at the beginning as well as his frustrations with the very people whose lives he was sharing. In the end you know that he and his compatriot could take off that life in the same way that they would shed themselves of their street rags. The story, however, is something which they can never shed. Nor will you, the reader be able to leave it behind. I recommend this book and look forward to using it in the future with young adults.

I pulled this book off the shelf while visiting my brother-in-law and was surprised that it kept me turning the pages. The premise is simple: a guy decides to see what it is really like to be homeless. He heads for the streets for 5 months with nothing but the clothes on his back. For 200+ pages he keeps you interested with his story of survival via panhandling, eating out of garbage cans, and the few (and far between) kindnesses shown by strangers.

I'm really glad I read this book. I thought I was sensitive to the homeless population, but I will never look at a person at the side of the road the same way again. Don't worry-- I won't be giving out money to drug addicts. (He advises against monetary donations.) But I'll offer food and --best of all--affirm human dignity by eye contact and tone-of-voice.

“Under the Overpass” is the story of two people who deliberately challenged themselves to enter a time of extreme suffering, and seeing how their beliefs--and especially actions--were affected by that experience. The author (and his cohort) honestly describe what life is like for people who live on the streets, as they share and/or witness the special challenges of people living with almost nothing. The author’s voice is clear and engaging, and the narrative develops smoothly, with a nice balance of sympathy, sadness, joy and humor.

The story is a compelling one, even outside the author’s focus on his particular Christian faith; he and his friend are simply people willing to subject their compassion, and the resilience of their beliefs, to an unusually extreme test. Their example, and the experiences they describe, are useful for anyone interested in expanding their understanding of human suffering in our supposed land of opportunity. File it with “Nickle and Dimed,” which is a more famous documentation of someone who went to great lengths to experience the world of the powerless.

Under the Overpass is a powerful book that speaks to the very real homeless problem in America. With honesty and courage, the author shines a powerful light on the real life of the poorest among us. In a culture where suffering is shut away and pain is minimized at all cost, this type of book is a needed corrective. Bracing and gripping, Under the Overpass gives readers a glimpse into a world that is so near yet so foreign.

Read Under the Overpass and you will look differently at the homeless problem in America and your heart and soul will forever be changed.

Mike Yankoski did more than just wonder. By his own choice, Mike’s life went from upper-middle class plush to scum-of-the-earth repulsive overnight. With only a backpack, a sleeping bag and a guitar, Mike and his traveling companion, Sam, set out to experience life on the streets in six different cities—from Washington D.C. to San Diego— and they put themselves to the test.

Mike and Sam’s story is gritty, challenging, and utterly captivating. What you encounter in these pages will radically alter how you see your world—and may even change your life.

Find out more about Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski and download a sample chapter of the 5th Anniversary Edition at WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing

I was lucky enough to review a copy of this book and jumped at the chance. I have always had interest in the homeless. I have many questions that just hang over my head that I wanted answers too. How do people become homeless? Why and how could they live on the street year after year? Why does the church that teaches up to be good Christians and treat others with only love and compassion not help these people? Reading this book has filled this need plus so much more and it has truly been a life changing book for me. After reading Under the Overpass I have now learned what the homeless really needs most and it is not food and shelter. Read the book and find out.

Mike gave up everything he had going at the moment in his life when God called him. Even though his family did not approve he knew this was his calling and something he needed to do. Mike gave up every comfort he knew and found Sam who did the same and they placed themselves in danger and never knew when their next meal would be. They lived among those who walk our streets every day for six months. How many of us would do this? Would you give up your comfortable lifestyle to do this? You might say well I have worked for what I have. Homeless people don't work or care to work. There are so many excuses you could use to not help those who need it most. One of the poorest excuses is I pray for the homeless or I will pray for them. Be still and listen is God calling you to do something for the homeless.

I found Over the Underpass to be moving, informative and an eye opening experience and a book for the young and old alike. Since reading Over the Underpass I have chosen to give my time and myself to make a homeless persons life a little brighter.

It is appropriate that Francis Chan wrote the foreword to this book. It is a challenging book in the vein of Chan's own [Crazy Love]. As Mike experiences his self-imposed homelessness, he begins to live out his Christianity in a new, perhaps more authentic, way. The book raises some interesting questions about how Christians interact, view, and witness to the homeless, poor, addicted, and mentally ill. Are we living authentic Christian lives in our comfortable homes with three meals a day if we ignore those desperately in need? It is an engaging and thought provoking book.

This is a great story of challenging the comfortable American lifestyle and literally walking in the shoes of the homeless. Mike's story is full of faith, truth, and conviction. Not only is his story incredible, he doesn't stop there. He went out, along with his friend Sam, and learned what it means to be homeless. Instead of simply internalizing all he had learned, he did something about it and has devoted his life to making sure that people get help. This is something us Christians should learn to do, not everything is about reflection and personal growth. How is it that we can call ourselves followers of Christ without doing anything?

In Under the Overpass Mike Yankoski gives a first-person account of the experience of living homeless in America. While an undergraduate at a Christian college Yankoski felt called to test the promises of God’s Word, particularly that God could, and would, sustain him in any and every circumstance. After much prayer and discussion with family and friends he decided to embark on an intentional journey as a homeless person. He did service work in a homeless shelter, received some coaching from people working in street ministry and recruited a traveling companion, Sam Purvis. And then they went on to the streets.

The book chronicles their journey of five months, taking them through five cities – Denver, Washington, D.C., Portland, Phoenix and San Diego. Outside of the order in which they traveled to the cities his account is not so much chronological as it is told in the manner short accounts of the people and experiences in each location. He describes their gradual adjustment to life on the street, where they gradually became able to easily do things that were incomprehensible at the beginning, such as retrieving food from dumpsters. Similarly, they learn to endure personal hygiene and sleeping conditions that give them, and us as the readers, a completely different lens through which to consider those people that we can so easily pass by as we walk our streets.

Ultimately, this book is a journey of faith. Yankoski is a Christian and his identity as such is first-and-foremost in the journey. He shares story after story where he experienced both rejection and compassion from those who call themselves Christians and also from people whose faith, if any, we do not know. Similarly, as he makes relationships with others on the street he does so as a Christian, as one who believes that being a disciple means to take seriously the teaching of the Bible and to live as a person who can give God’s compassion and love to others through the witness of life. He is a homeless man struggling on the streets but still able and willing to share what little he has because he believes this is the call of the Gospel on his life. And in doing so, he come to learn through his experience that God’s Word and the promises contained in it are completely true. And for those of us who read this account he invites us to really consider the profound ways that God may be calling us to serve him, and to step out in faith to advance the kingdom of God one step at a time. Soli Deo gloria.

This book definitely challenged me. I could *imagine* what homelessness was like, but this gave me a clearer idea of existence on the streets. I was horrified, but sadly not too surprised, by how they were treated by churches. Their loneliness, more than the hunger or cold, haunted me. I pray that I may be able to rise to the challenge they present.

There are people in this world who do completely ridiculous things, but you have to give them props — they probably learn more than any of the rest of us could learn in a hundred normal lifetimes. I think Mike Yankoski is one of these people. He gave up his comfortable life to see what it was like on the streets with America’s homeless population. He and his friend spent five months without a home on the streets of five US cities. Each was different and they learned different things. Their stories were compelling — they ran across people who cared deeply about America’s homeless population, and were confronted by people who were downright rude (including, sadly, some Christians). It was fascinating to get this in-depth look at some of the people who have ended up homeless. Their stories are heartbreaking — addictions, abuse, prostitution, and abandonment. Yes, people made bad decisions. But a lot of them were never taught to make good decisions so it is hard to fault them.

In his Anniversary Edition preface, Yankoski addresses the one thing that bothered me — he and his friend weren’t able to do much to help the people they were homeless with. When you have no money yourself, it’s hard to help. A lot of the time I wanted them to do something for these people, and they weren’t in a place to. Still, Yankoski has gone on to head some incredible organizations that help a multitude of people, so I think his experience was worth it. He can better connect with people who have hit hard times, and I’m sure his compassion was greatly increased by his project.

Read my full review here: http://letseatgrandpa.com/2010/12/17/83-under-the-overpass-by-mike-yankoski/½

Mike Yankoski and his friend Sam decided to take time off from college to live on the streets like a homeless person in order to learn some of the problems the homeless face. They chose 6 different cities across America to stay for 3 weeks to a month. The stories of things they encountered on the streets were very convicting and help middle class America realize that they too can help the homeless. Stories of mental illness, hunger, filth, thirst, drug addiction, and an unwelcome attitude by churches and Christians in general are heart-rending. While they didn't get the full experience of homelessness because they could always leave, they help us to understand some of the challenges facing ministries dealing with problems in the inner city--and give a battle cry for middle class Christianity to reach out.

Living in a cozy house with a warm bed, fridge full of food with a reliable car in the driveway. Good education and matching job. Clean clothes, sitting in a comfy seat in a fancy, high-tech church every Sunday. Its easy to say you trust God when this is your life. But what if all of these things were stripped away? Would your faith hold up? College students Mike and Sam wanted to find out. They made the radical (translate: crazy) decision to become homeless for 5 months in 6 different cities to discover if their faith was real and to see what it was like to be homeless in the wealthiest nation on Earth.

Their story will challenge and inspire you. The way you view your life and the world around you will change. The question is, what will you do with it?

Highly Recommended

Mixed feelings - the story itself was quite engaging and well-told. The author is honest about the drawbacks and unrealities of his experience. Finding out that the experiment is still shaping and affecting him five years later is important - five months of voluntary homelessness gave the author a deep, true and lasting picture of homelessness in America. Not a complete picture, and not an overabundance of wisdom in dealing with bigger issues surrounding homelessness, but at least an understanding, a concern, and a passion. This was no journalistic experiment, even if has moments where it can appear like that. Yankoski's journey was motivated by a Christ-honoring compassion, and it is resulting in good fruit. This book raises some great questions about short term missions, homelessness, Christian mercy and wisdom, and however different approaches may view Yankoski's journey, the discussion is a valuable one to have.

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me (Matthew 25:40).

They are part of the urban landscape, often in our midst, and yet they are invisible to us-- or so we would like them to be. They are the homeless, and it is always easier to blame those involved or to ignore them than to do anything else.

Mike Yankoski, however, was convicted to go out and try to understand what it was like to experience homelessness in America. Thus, he and a companion spent five months in six major metropolitan areas (Denver, Washington DC, Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix, and San Diego), living on the streets and by panhandling. His story is chronicled in Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America, in a new five-year anniversary edition with a foreword, an interview of the author, and his further reflections.

The story is very compelling. All kinds of characters are met. Many are consistent with the stereotypes-- drug users, mentally ill, but also a lot of people just down on their luck. There is violence but also attempts to take care of one another. And then there is the reaction of the rest of America-- some stories of blessing, but a lot more of contempt and derision.

The author does well at balancing love, compassion, and mercy for the homeless with the realities of the sins that led many of them to their present condition. He forces Christians to get uncomfortable about the types of "growing pains" that they tolerate among fellow Christians (e.g. sanctimony, arrogance, etc.) with those they do not tolerate (e.g. drug use, etc.), not in an attempt to justify any sin, but to show just how far from Jesus' attitudes which too many believers have strayed. He also suggests many ways that believers can be of service and can help homeless people.

A very telling aspect of homelessness is the author's description of loneliness-- sure, one might be among other homeless people, but the exclusion from the rest of society is quite difficult for many. Sometimes the best thing that can be offered is to sit down and just have a conversation with the homeless. It doesn't always have to be just about food.

The book is most certainly worth consideration, as are the homeless. We would all do well to learn how to show compassion on those in need while being wise as serpents, and harmless as doves!

*-- book received as part of an early review program