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I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People
We don't care about what we don't see. Countless people are invisible to us. We overlook the poor and homeless, partly because we don't share much space with them. More seriously, we often choose not to see the realities around us. We hold misconceptions about who is deserving or not, or make false assumptions about people's poverty being their own fault. Terence Lester calls us to see the invisible people around us. His personal encounters and real-life stories challenge Christians to become more informed about poverty and homelessness, and to see the poor as Jesus does. When we see people through God's eyes and hear their stories, we restore their dignity and help them flourish. And when we recognize our own inner spiritual poverty, we have greater empathy for others, no matter their circumstances. Let love open your eyes. Discover how seeing leads us to act with compassion and justice--as God intends.
176 pages, Paperback
Published August 13, 2019
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347 people want to read
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July 27, 2019
Concentrate on the word “home” and close your eyes. What images and memories come to your mind’s eye? Are you picturing a safe place to land, where you experience unconditional love and belonging? Or, are you picturing ever-changing, fleeting scenes, multiple places, featureless faces, all with no safety net in sight?
How do we begin to bridge this gap? We start by listening with open ears, hearts and minds. We start by choosing to not be afraid. We start by really seeing people.
While reading this book, you will be encouraged to identify and examine your core values by asking yourself some revealing questions. I learned that our core values inform our choices. Let’s all choose to serve!
Reading this book alerted me to the pervasiveness of greed in our society. What has greed caused you to pursue? Who and what has greed caused you to ignore?
This book has also caused me to reflect on what is being taught in our local churches. It is troubling to think of churches concentrating the efforts of their members to achieve higher levels of morality while neglecting the teaching of activism for social issues. Ignorance is not bliss.
To combat ignorance, prejudice, and poorly preconceived ideas, we must ask the question why, and not just once. I love the idea of asking “why” seven times. I plan to adopt that suggestion! Asking “why” can lead all of us to a place of greater understanding and it will increase our usefulness to those less fortunate.
Reading this book has been an eye opening, informative, convicting and yet encouraging and inspiring experience. Put on your glasses, read this book and take a good, long look around you. Practice seeing those around you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from InterVarsity Press. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
How do we begin to bridge this gap? We start by listening with open ears, hearts and minds. We start by choosing to not be afraid. We start by really seeing people.
While reading this book, you will be encouraged to identify and examine your core values by asking yourself some revealing questions. I learned that our core values inform our choices. Let’s all choose to serve!
Reading this book alerted me to the pervasiveness of greed in our society. What has greed caused you to pursue? Who and what has greed caused you to ignore?
This book has also caused me to reflect on what is being taught in our local churches. It is troubling to think of churches concentrating the efforts of their members to achieve higher levels of morality while neglecting the teaching of activism for social issues. Ignorance is not bliss.
To combat ignorance, prejudice, and poorly preconceived ideas, we must ask the question why, and not just once. I love the idea of asking “why” seven times. I plan to adopt that suggestion! Asking “why” can lead all of us to a place of greater understanding and it will increase our usefulness to those less fortunate.
Reading this book has been an eye opening, informative, convicting and yet encouraging and inspiring experience. Put on your glasses, read this book and take a good, long look around you. Practice seeing those around you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from InterVarsity Press. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 7, 2019
I’ve been following Terence and his work with Love Beyond Walls here in Atlanta since day one and to be quite honest I thought his work was awesome but all work with the homeless is awesome but the thing that he does that makes me a forever supporter of love beyond walls and him as a human is he goes to bat for the homeless more than anyone I’ve ever seen and more consistently and this book is just a prime example of this!
In the book “I See You” he does a great job of demystifying the myths and pre conceived notions that we have about the homeless and instead of making you feel bad for being a person of privilege he compels you to live like Jesus and treat the homeless people in our communities the way Jesus would have!
The message in this book will challenge you, inspire you and make you wanna take action to end homelessness I can’t recommend it enough!
Follow @LoveBeyondWalls on all social media’s to find out more about the incredible work you’re supporting when you buy this book!
In the book “I See You” he does a great job of demystifying the myths and pre conceived notions that we have about the homeless and instead of making you feel bad for being a person of privilege he compels you to live like Jesus and treat the homeless people in our communities the way Jesus would have!
The message in this book will challenge you, inspire you and make you wanna take action to end homelessness I can’t recommend it enough!
Follow @LoveBeyondWalls on all social media’s to find out more about the incredible work you’re supporting when you buy this book!
July 18, 2019
This is not the typical book I would read in all honesty, but I was introduced to the launch team and decided to read it. I've felt invisible on most days and my financial struggles have helped me come down a few notches in recent years. Anyhow, I really believe in this book helping those of us see our part in reaching people. I am still processing all of it, but it's not exaggerating to say this was life-changing as I've been trying to find a place to reach outside of my full-time ministry role as an assistant. I have been convicted in more ways than I can count after reading this book and so many events have led up to this being a tender time for me to read this. Highly recommend.
July 19, 2019
Equal parts testimony, analysis, and exhortation, at first glance Terence Lester's soon to be released I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People is about the growing population of homeless individuals along with assorted "others than us" we don't perceive as part of mainstream society. However, as the late, highly admired and regarded Henri Nouwen observed, everyone is impoverished in some way, and surprisingly, "that’s the place where God wants to dwell! 'How blessed are the poor,' Jesus says (Matthew 5:3). This means that our blessing is hidden in our poverty. ... Let’s dare to see our poverty as the land where our treasure is hidden." from Bread for the Journey.
So I See You is about all of us.
Terence tells us poverty of any kind is about lack of access, but that's only a starter. And yes, much of this book does focus on the economic and material impoverishment that often leads to individuals and families finding themselves without physical shelter, the poverty that happens because of lack of human connections, lack of a community of support and participation. Have you noticed how homelessness and poverty tend to be systemic and multi-generational? Lester dreams of eradicating (especially) systemic injustice. I see You chronicles the author's own experiences and his observations of others who've been poor; it particularly testifies to Terence's – and other's – experiences of being seen clearly enough to have their needs acted upon and met by people acting as God's agents—as God's eyes.
Hagar answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, "You're the God who sees me! "Yes! He saw me; and then I saw him!" That's how that desert spring got named "God-Alive-Sees-Me Spring." That spring is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. Genesis 16:13-14, The Message
The author reminds us scripture has over two thousand references to poverty and justice; we need to recognize aspects of justice include distributive, retributive, restorative, and procedural. Possibly others, as well, though they may be sub-sets of these primary types. Quite a while ago senior pastor asked what classes I was taking and I mentioned one called "Poverty and Justice." Senior pastor responded with a longish speech about the criminal justice system and the highly disproportionate number of persons of color and others without economic means who remain incarcerated. I replied, "No! This course is about distributive justice! Who gets what, how, when, and why!" Most poverty seems to happen because of disconnects in distributive justice that often cascade into other injustices.
Hagar's God who sees me is a God who sees each of us as we really are. That includes individuals with massive financial resources it's easy to stereotype as having everything; it includes people in ragged clothes holding a Please Help! sign at the freeway entrance. What stereotypes do you need to start breaking down? What ones do I still hold onto?
Scripture tells us, Jesus shows us how God created humanity in the image of the divine. In the power of the Holy Spirit of life, God calls and enables us to claim that divine nature and live as God's presence on earth, to act as God's voices, hands, feet, and eyes everywhere we go.
Almost everyone underestimates what a "regular" person can accomplish. Terence advises each of us, "Do something, anything for the [solitary] one." I like to remind my adult Sunday School class everything we do is synergistic and adds up to far more than the sum of our small, individual actions and prayers. "Prayers"? Yes. Read the gospels! Jesus always prayed before taking any significant action, before making any response to human need.
"Where will you start after reading this book?"
With God's blessings to us concealed in our own poverties, with God's blessings and presence in those we see and encounter hidden in their own unmet needs, in the power and the grace of the Holy Spirit, each of us can be the spring named God-Alive-Sees-Me as previously invisible people become visible to us.
Notice of Material Connection: As a member of the launch team, I received a complimentary pre-publication copy of this book with no requirement or expectation I'd write a positive review. As always, my opinions are my very own, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
So I See You is about all of us.
Terence tells us poverty of any kind is about lack of access, but that's only a starter. And yes, much of this book does focus on the economic and material impoverishment that often leads to individuals and families finding themselves without physical shelter, the poverty that happens because of lack of human connections, lack of a community of support and participation. Have you noticed how homelessness and poverty tend to be systemic and multi-generational? Lester dreams of eradicating (especially) systemic injustice. I see You chronicles the author's own experiences and his observations of others who've been poor; it particularly testifies to Terence's – and other's – experiences of being seen clearly enough to have their needs acted upon and met by people acting as God's agents—as God's eyes.
Hagar answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, "You're the God who sees me! "Yes! He saw me; and then I saw him!" That's how that desert spring got named "God-Alive-Sees-Me Spring." That spring is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. Genesis 16:13-14, The Message
The author reminds us scripture has over two thousand references to poverty and justice; we need to recognize aspects of justice include distributive, retributive, restorative, and procedural. Possibly others, as well, though they may be sub-sets of these primary types. Quite a while ago senior pastor asked what classes I was taking and I mentioned one called "Poverty and Justice." Senior pastor responded with a longish speech about the criminal justice system and the highly disproportionate number of persons of color and others without economic means who remain incarcerated. I replied, "No! This course is about distributive justice! Who gets what, how, when, and why!" Most poverty seems to happen because of disconnects in distributive justice that often cascade into other injustices.
Hagar's God who sees me is a God who sees each of us as we really are. That includes individuals with massive financial resources it's easy to stereotype as having everything; it includes people in ragged clothes holding a Please Help! sign at the freeway entrance. What stereotypes do you need to start breaking down? What ones do I still hold onto?
Scripture tells us, Jesus shows us how God created humanity in the image of the divine. In the power of the Holy Spirit of life, God calls and enables us to claim that divine nature and live as God's presence on earth, to act as God's voices, hands, feet, and eyes everywhere we go.
Almost everyone underestimates what a "regular" person can accomplish. Terence advises each of us, "Do something, anything for the [solitary] one." I like to remind my adult Sunday School class everything we do is synergistic and adds up to far more than the sum of our small, individual actions and prayers. "Prayers"? Yes. Read the gospels! Jesus always prayed before taking any significant action, before making any response to human need.
"Where will you start after reading this book?"
With God's blessings to us concealed in our own poverties, with God's blessings and presence in those we see and encounter hidden in their own unmet needs, in the power and the grace of the Holy Spirit, each of us can be the spring named God-Alive-Sees-Me as previously invisible people become visible to us.
Notice of Material Connection: As a member of the launch team, I received a complimentary pre-publication copy of this book with no requirement or expectation I'd write a positive review. As always, my opinions are my very own, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
July 10, 2019
"I See You" by Terence Lester is a life changing book and the message in it needs to be everywhere! If MLK had a book it would be this book!! its so good! Go and get it today!
August 15, 2019
Terence Lester's book on poverty and aiding people on the streets helps frame assistance to others in vulnerable positions as aiding people made in the image of God. As fellow image bearers, we should act upon God's call to love our neighbor. Terence challenges you to rethink the stigmas related to poverty and help you understand that modern poverty is a lack of access. He encourages us to offer our neighbors on the street communities and safe spaces as part of the Gospel calling. Community sees, validates, loves, protects and uplifts the burdens of those around them. Read this book, you will find practical, doable things to help alleviate the suffering of those experiencing homelessness.
More ponderings here:
https://torreygazette.com/blog/2019/8...
More ponderings here:
https://torreygazette.com/blog/2019/8...
February 9, 2020
Learning to really see those around us, no matter their station in life, is what "I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People" is all about. Author, pastor and activist Lester shares how we who find ourselves fortunate enough to have a roof over our heads can truly support those facing homelessness and poverty.
Although this book is not a long one, it is one you should take time to digest, as there's lots of good information, perspective and knowledge one can gain from it. No matter if you're familiar with the homeless in your community or not, this book will spur you on to action, no matter how small those actions might seem to you.
Through stories of his time spent with those who are facing displacement and poverty, nights that he spent alongside his homeless friends in order to understand their situations better and illustrations that remind us sometimes our 'helping' can be perceived as dismissive or guilt inducing in those needing services, "I See You" is a book that will educate as well as inspire the reader to do something--anything--to better the lives of those who find themselves in need of help.
Lester speaks frankly and honestly about what people living on the streets face daily. This was a book that I am thankful a friend recommended to me and one that I plan on getting a few copies of for use in ministry and community work. Well done and worth the read!
Although this book is not a long one, it is one you should take time to digest, as there's lots of good information, perspective and knowledge one can gain from it. No matter if you're familiar with the homeless in your community or not, this book will spur you on to action, no matter how small those actions might seem to you.
Through stories of his time spent with those who are facing displacement and poverty, nights that he spent alongside his homeless friends in order to understand their situations better and illustrations that remind us sometimes our 'helping' can be perceived as dismissive or guilt inducing in those needing services, "I See You" is a book that will educate as well as inspire the reader to do something--anything--to better the lives of those who find themselves in need of help.
Lester speaks frankly and honestly about what people living on the streets face daily. This was a book that I am thankful a friend recommended to me and one that I plan on getting a few copies of for use in ministry and community work. Well done and worth the read!
July 25, 2019
I encountered this book through Love Beyond Walls when I was looking for ways to incorporate the theme of homelessness into my high school visual art classroom. I couldn't have found a better resource! The reflection questions the author provides for each chapter are so valuable for in depth learning. The style of writing is very conversational and relatable-perfect for high school students.
Terence Lester meets the homeless where they are and he also meets his readers where they are by aptly describing his experiences with the homeless and humbly calling us to action by building community.
The insights in this book have profoundly developed my perception of the homeless and charitable work. He points out that no contribution is too little and all humans are deserving of our love. The homeless feel invisible because they are treated as a nuisance. The title says it all "I See You." Our call to action can be as simple as looking at the next homeless person we encounter and greet them with a smile to let them know that we see them and they matter.
Terence Lester meets the homeless where they are and he also meets his readers where they are by aptly describing his experiences with the homeless and humbly calling us to action by building community.
The insights in this book have profoundly developed my perception of the homeless and charitable work. He points out that no contribution is too little and all humans are deserving of our love. The homeless feel invisible because they are treated as a nuisance. The title says it all "I See You." Our call to action can be as simple as looking at the next homeless person we encounter and greet them with a smile to let them know that we see them and they matter.
August 15, 2019
Terence Lester's "I See You" is an inspiring, thought provoking, well-written book that provides first hand experiences and attainable action steps that can change the way you think/react/act. It demonstrates how utilizing our individual talents and making a small effort can make a significant difference to others. It restores hope of being part of the solution. I have always wanted to make a difference but saw the issue of homelessness and poverty as so much bigger than anything I could impact and frankly I did not know how to respond and most of the time I did nothing. I never realized that just looking in someone's eyes and saying hello could convey the love of Jesus and restore dignity and self-worth. We have and will share this book with our friends and family. I highly recommend!
September 7, 2019
I See You carries a message that all of humanity needs to hear- that we are all worthy of dignity, respect, and love. Terence does an amazing job of helping us to see "invisible" people-- everyone has a story, and by slowing down and creating space for people whom we may not naturally run into, we can not only be avenues of God's love, but we also receive God's love through the person we're interacting with. This book is down-to-earth, easy to read, and incredibly poignant. Thankful for Terence and his voice and leadership.
July 26, 2019
Thank you @imterencelester for such an encouraging book. I hope to be able to encourage others to see others with dignity through what this book has taught me. It has helped me see others around me with new eyes.
August 15, 2019
This book makes you want to live differently and love bigger!! I could go on and on about it but you just need to go read it yourself 😝 Terence has set an amazing example for us... let’s follow his lead!
July 29, 2019
Everyone needs to read this book! Such great insight and direction on how we can love people who are different than us, specifically, the poor and homeless. Such a powerful and eye opening book!!
July 19, 2019
I guess I’m a little bias because I have been there since the beginning. Wow! “I See You” is the type of book that you will not want to put down. It is full of stories of real people that gives a humanizing view of their perspective. It took me through lots of emotions while I wrestled with if I’m doing enough or even worthy enough to help. Then I realized through reading that starting with the one person is how I can do more than I have already done and clearing my schedule of things that don’t add value to my life. This book is life changing and though provoking when dealing with your inner feelings about the poor.
August 15, 2019
This is an amazing book. It was so good I read it in one day. I simply could not put it down. If you are a church or community leader you need to read this book. My favorite quote from the book is, “See people. Show people you see them. Look them in the eyes and let them know they are seen.” I pray that that is my heart for all people.
I wanted to read this book because of the line of work that I am in. I am Pastor in the Hershey Area and wanted to incorporate the things in this book with the people that attend my church as well as those in my circle of influence. Well I was not expecting to read what I read. This book was a page turner and I could not put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone, not just those in faith communities, but to anyone. There are lessons here that need to be taught from every where to every one! So much insight and knowledge!
I wanted to read this book because of the line of work that I am in. I am Pastor in the Hershey Area and wanted to incorporate the things in this book with the people that attend my church as well as those in my circle of influence. Well I was not expecting to read what I read. This book was a page turner and I could not put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone, not just those in faith communities, but to anyone. There are lessons here that need to be taught from every where to every one! So much insight and knowledge!
August 13, 2019
This book should be required reading for everybody who can read. If you know somebody who cannot read, get it for them on audio. This will change your vision and your heart. You will learn Terence’s own story and many others’, & perhaps you will see some of your own story in here too. Terence will give you practical steps to help you notice the human beings that are around you, every human being. You never know who you will meet or how being noticed will impact somebody’s day or life. And isn’t that ultimately what we want to do each day? It is my prayer that those I come in contact with will know how important they are and how loved they are by Jesus whether or not we even talk about Jesus. I cannot show somebody how much they are loved if I don’t see them.
This is what Terence is telling us, friends. Jesus saw people, he got to know them, he loved them. That is our calling. People - all people - are His favorite!
April 8, 2024
Summary: All people are made in God's image, which can help us see and help the marginalized.
I See You was a book that my book club read. I have some history of working with the homeless. I volunteered for four years during college with Olive Branch Mission in Chicago (at their traditional emergency shelter and food program). Later, I did a summer internship in their drug and alcohol rehab program and then worked part-time in exchange for room and board for a couple of years of grad school. And my MSW internship was with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. I have worked directly with homeless people and on homeless policy, although my professional and volunteer work has not been with the homeless for a couple of decades now.
There is always a tension in advocacy books like I See You between helping people see the systems that contribute to the problem and helping readers see individuals impacted by the problem. If you concentrate too much on the system, then it can be dehumanizing and abstract. If you concentrate too much on the individuals, you can humanize some people impacted by the problem but not see the larger structure of society that contributes to the problem. I think I See You focuses too much on the individual, which is the tendency for books oriented toward evangelicals.
I See You led to a lot of good discussions with my book group, but it is more oriented toward introducing the problem of homelessness and felt a little too simplistic in its approach to me. The main idea is summarized in this quote:
He is clearly right that poverty has a moral judgment to it. Lester defines poverty as a lack of access, which has truth to it. He made a connection between spiritual and physical poverty to draw a connection, but that connection was sometimes strained. His connection, "We carry spiritual poverty and need someone else to pay that debt, which of course is what Jesus did," depends on a traditional Penal Substitutionary Atonement model, which I think distorts both spiritual and physical poverty.
Lester addresses the lack of understanding many people have about poverty and homelessness.
Stories can help people understand that homelessness and poverty have complex causes and that understanding the stories of people who are homeless can give greater context and help us have empathy for the homeless. However, one of the problems is that gaining more insight does not always help. Not all stories are positive ones. We can gain understanding and confirm our prior assumptions because we will assume that the stories that match our assumptions are the standard ones, and the stories that do not match our assumptions are the exceptions. The homeless person who does not want our offer of food or we see regularly asking for money can confirm our assumption that homelessness is primarily about laziness. The reality is that there are no silver bullets that will solve all types of homelessness. Mental health issues are real and a significant cause of homelessness, but additional mental health services will do nothing for those who are homeless primarily because of a lack of affordable housing. Addiction is a significant cause of homelessness, but additional recovery programs will not address people fleeing domestic violence.
Lester ends the book with a call to go deeper into what we are called to do. For some, that will be homelessness, and for others, it will be something else. He is right that depth of work will produce longer-term results than moving from problem to problem.
I See You made a good discussion book for our book group. But I think it was focused too much on introductory material. For those new to homelessness, it can be a good introduction. Still, I also think it will be somewhat frustrating because many people looking for an introduction also want simple solutions to that problem. Lester avoids simple solutions and concentrates primarily on personal relationships to address homelessness. Those personal relationships are essential, but I imagine that most people will walk away without any real change in their lifestyle or approach to homelessness because real change will have a significant cost in time and attention.
This review was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/i-see-you/
I See You was a book that my book club read. I have some history of working with the homeless. I volunteered for four years during college with Olive Branch Mission in Chicago (at their traditional emergency shelter and food program). Later, I did a summer internship in their drug and alcohol rehab program and then worked part-time in exchange for room and board for a couple of years of grad school. And my MSW internship was with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. I have worked directly with homeless people and on homeless policy, although my professional and volunteer work has not been with the homeless for a couple of decades now.
There is always a tension in advocacy books like I See You between helping people see the systems that contribute to the problem and helping readers see individuals impacted by the problem. If you concentrate too much on the system, then it can be dehumanizing and abstract. If you concentrate too much on the individuals, you can humanize some people impacted by the problem but not see the larger structure of society that contributes to the problem. I think I See You focuses too much on the individual, which is the tendency for books oriented toward evangelicals.
I See You led to a lot of good discussions with my book group, but it is more oriented toward introducing the problem of homelessness and felt a little too simplistic in its approach to me. The main idea is summarized in this quote:
“The theory for a long time—coming not only from the right but also from some Democrats—is that poverty means that there’s something wrong with your character, that you’ve got bad habits, you’ve got a bad lifestyle, you’ve made the wrong choices.” In this book I want to help deconstruct some of the misconceptions we have about the poor and tell you the stories of those who are experiencing poverty.
He is clearly right that poverty has a moral judgment to it. Lester defines poverty as a lack of access, which has truth to it. He made a connection between spiritual and physical poverty to draw a connection, but that connection was sometimes strained. His connection, "We carry spiritual poverty and need someone else to pay that debt, which of course is what Jesus did," depends on a traditional Penal Substitutionary Atonement model, which I think distorts both spiritual and physical poverty.
Lester addresses the lack of understanding many people have about poverty and homelessness.
"Ignorance is defined as simply a lack of knowledge and information, but it’s what we do in reaction when we are faced with our own ignorance that makes all the difference. The trap I’ve seen most people get into is believing the way they see the world is the only way the world exists, that what they see and experience is the truth."
Stories can help people understand that homelessness and poverty have complex causes and that understanding the stories of people who are homeless can give greater context and help us have empathy for the homeless. However, one of the problems is that gaining more insight does not always help. Not all stories are positive ones. We can gain understanding and confirm our prior assumptions because we will assume that the stories that match our assumptions are the standard ones, and the stories that do not match our assumptions are the exceptions. The homeless person who does not want our offer of food or we see regularly asking for money can confirm our assumption that homelessness is primarily about laziness. The reality is that there are no silver bullets that will solve all types of homelessness. Mental health issues are real and a significant cause of homelessness, but additional mental health services will do nothing for those who are homeless primarily because of a lack of affordable housing. Addiction is a significant cause of homelessness, but additional recovery programs will not address people fleeing domestic violence.
Lester ends the book with a call to go deeper into what we are called to do. For some, that will be homelessness, and for others, it will be something else. He is right that depth of work will produce longer-term results than moving from problem to problem.
I See You made a good discussion book for our book group. But I think it was focused too much on introductory material. For those new to homelessness, it can be a good introduction. Still, I also think it will be somewhat frustrating because many people looking for an introduction also want simple solutions to that problem. Lester avoids simple solutions and concentrates primarily on personal relationships to address homelessness. Those personal relationships are essential, but I imagine that most people will walk away without any real change in their lifestyle or approach to homelessness because real change will have a significant cost in time and attention.
This review was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/i-see-you/
September 4, 2019
I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People by Terence Lester
“Privilege has a way of blinding us to the realities faced by those society has made invisible, and in true incarnational fashion, Terence takes us with him on a journey to uncover the true experiences of our most vulnerable neighbors.” (Chad Wright-Pittman)
These words were written as an endorsement for the book I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People by Terence Lester.
Terence Lester is a storyteller. His book weaves personal stories with biblical principles and practical ideas to help us look at poverty and people in a more dignified way. It challenges our conventional ways of thinking.
Honestly, how do we accept a system that says a family of four is in poverty if they make $28,290 a year, but not if they make $28,291?
Are all who are poor lazy and uneducated? Do they choose to be poor? Are they all criminals? Is it their own fault all the time that they are in poverty?
What are our basic human needs? For Lester, a key definition in “home”. Home is a basic need. He defines it as a place you feel safe. It is a place of unconditional belonging.
How do we define “poverty”? Lester sees it as a lack of access. It’s not about the dollar amount. People have different levels of poverty when they lack access to good education, clean water, job opportunities, healthcare, healthy food, and other basic needs. These are things we too often take for granted and just assume it’s available or, if needed, you MOVE to those areas where those things are available.
Lester offers these key ideas with some fundamental understanding of what poverty means, but then moves to US. Our problem is this: we don’t see others. Often we don’t see because we don’t want to see. We don’t want to know. And what we don’t know, we fear. The key is to start seeing people. The book walks us through stories as examples to help us get better definitions of poverty, of access, of health, and of worth. Lester also tells his own story and how he chose to walk in poverty for small lengths of time to live out what others go through daily and have no ability to escape.
He also learned about their worth. The key is often to simply engage people in conversation and listen.
At the end of the book are discussion questions for each chapter. This is good for personal use or a group study. And the questions are piercing at times.
This is a book that needs to be absorbed. We have a lot of re-learning to do in our lives. We need to understand the difficulty of getting things done just to get a job in some places and how easy that truly is for us.
I reflected back a year ago to when we had first moved to Alabama and the high level of frustration in just getting my driver’s license switched over. It was a long process that was drawn out needlessly by a bureaucracy putting silly obstacles in the way of people. As I went back four times to complete this process I realized how difficult this would be for people who didn’t have good transportation and couldn’t get off of work easily. Then, to realize how this was also the way voters would be counted on election day and in certain areas of the state it was even harder to get a drivers license, I became infuriated. I could easily walk through the frustration of four separate visits and still get a license (and thus gain access to voting). But it was like going to the moon for others in the state.
We need to walk through systemic issues and confront our biases. It’s a journey. Lester offers us a way to think through this journey. It is simple. Start seeing others. Start engaging others. Start thinking in a new way.
This book was sent as a review copy from Intervarsity Press. I am under no obligation to give a positive review for this book.
“Privilege has a way of blinding us to the realities faced by those society has made invisible, and in true incarnational fashion, Terence takes us with him on a journey to uncover the true experiences of our most vulnerable neighbors.” (Chad Wright-Pittman)
These words were written as an endorsement for the book I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People by Terence Lester.
Terence Lester is a storyteller. His book weaves personal stories with biblical principles and practical ideas to help us look at poverty and people in a more dignified way. It challenges our conventional ways of thinking.
Honestly, how do we accept a system that says a family of four is in poverty if they make $28,290 a year, but not if they make $28,291?
Are all who are poor lazy and uneducated? Do they choose to be poor? Are they all criminals? Is it their own fault all the time that they are in poverty?
What are our basic human needs? For Lester, a key definition in “home”. Home is a basic need. He defines it as a place you feel safe. It is a place of unconditional belonging.
How do we define “poverty”? Lester sees it as a lack of access. It’s not about the dollar amount. People have different levels of poverty when they lack access to good education, clean water, job opportunities, healthcare, healthy food, and other basic needs. These are things we too often take for granted and just assume it’s available or, if needed, you MOVE to those areas where those things are available.
Lester offers these key ideas with some fundamental understanding of what poverty means, but then moves to US. Our problem is this: we don’t see others. Often we don’t see because we don’t want to see. We don’t want to know. And what we don’t know, we fear. The key is to start seeing people. The book walks us through stories as examples to help us get better definitions of poverty, of access, of health, and of worth. Lester also tells his own story and how he chose to walk in poverty for small lengths of time to live out what others go through daily and have no ability to escape.
He also learned about their worth. The key is often to simply engage people in conversation and listen.
At the end of the book are discussion questions for each chapter. This is good for personal use or a group study. And the questions are piercing at times.
This is a book that needs to be absorbed. We have a lot of re-learning to do in our lives. We need to understand the difficulty of getting things done just to get a job in some places and how easy that truly is for us.
I reflected back a year ago to when we had first moved to Alabama and the high level of frustration in just getting my driver’s license switched over. It was a long process that was drawn out needlessly by a bureaucracy putting silly obstacles in the way of people. As I went back four times to complete this process I realized how difficult this would be for people who didn’t have good transportation and couldn’t get off of work easily. Then, to realize how this was also the way voters would be counted on election day and in certain areas of the state it was even harder to get a drivers license, I became infuriated. I could easily walk through the frustration of four separate visits and still get a license (and thus gain access to voting). But it was like going to the moon for others in the state.
We need to walk through systemic issues and confront our biases. It’s a journey. Lester offers us a way to think through this journey. It is simple. Start seeing others. Start engaging others. Start thinking in a new way.
This book was sent as a review copy from Intervarsity Press. I am under no obligation to give a positive review for this book.
April 22, 2025
When it comes to moving the needle in life and making a difference, we often take ourselves for granted. What can one person do? What can one action do to help? What difference does it make? When this happens, that's ego or self doubt trying to convince you that you have no power for good and that things are hopeless. This book is the perfect example of how actions, small and big, intense and trivial, full circle or small nudges, CAN make a difference. Walking hundreds of miles through places where you could face dangers from the road, the elements, and other humans who might not like you, what you represent, the color of your skin, and other things. Choosing to spend some time living as a person experiencing homelessness to understand what people are going through. Or taking a phone call and saying the right thing, even if it didn't include a solution for someone. These are three examples of experiences shared by Dr. Lester to invite us to see people. The ones we often choose to not see and like many, I've had moments where I ignore certain people because I didn't feel safe. I compare that reaction of me to the times I've engaged with people experiencing homelessness and I try to choose the latter more often than not. Someone asking for food? I ask them what do they want. Someone asking for money, me not settling for giving change. Someone saying hello and me saying hello back, and asking how they're doing, and wishing them well. This book is an invitation to see more, engage, and allow yourself to be present in big moments and small because be it a ripple or a wave, good has a way of setting things in motion, and the more of that we do, the better we are. We choose to not see often because what we see is wrong. Not that the person is wrong, but that we as a society don't take better care of others....and we wonder, what can we do? Will there be consequences? And we go on these mental Hollywood movies long enough to not do anything and then settle to live with the morsel of regret that we pile and store away. I want to read this book more than once. I want the reminder to look and see those who are treated as invisible. I want to do my part because one small thing can lead to change and in these times of hopelessness, I see no better way to rebel than to have hope and do at least something to put in the DONE GOOD column.
March 22, 2022
"I hope we will never underestimate the power we have to bring light to dark places by being willing to expose the dark, foreign places within ourselves.”
“I See You,” by Terence Lester is a call to action; a call to love and a call to create community wherever we go. It’s a first-hand account that not only challenges your fears and preconceived ideas, but shows you how you can make a difference, even when you don’t believe you have anything worth giving.
From the introduction by Dave Gibbons: "We live in an insight-intoxicated culture where we believe change is about the insight we heard and got chills from." While true of many of us, Lester has a very different approach to change. He spent a week out on the street—by choice—to experience what homeless people live through everyday; twice he has walked across multiple states to raise money and in addition to that, he is the founder of his nonprofit, ‘Love Beyond Walls’.
What he is asking of us is not that we find a flimsy mattress and sleep under the bridge with the homeless community in our town, or that we provide huge donations, or start our own nonprofit; all he is asking is that we look people in the eye, affirm their dignity as part of our community, and share an extra shirt, a bag of groceries or take an hour out of our week, to connect and serve.
If there’s one thing to take away from this book it is that simply taking the time to learn their story, transforms a stranger into a human being—an image bearer. And knowing, in turn, dispels our fears of the unknown.
"The only way to get rid of darkness is to let light in. Create relationships with people who aren't like you, and you will learn the stories, the pain, and the most beautiful parts of other people's lives.”
“I See You,” by Terence Lester is a call to action; a call to love and a call to create community wherever we go. It’s a first-hand account that not only challenges your fears and preconceived ideas, but shows you how you can make a difference, even when you don’t believe you have anything worth giving.
From the introduction by Dave Gibbons: "We live in an insight-intoxicated culture where we believe change is about the insight we heard and got chills from." While true of many of us, Lester has a very different approach to change. He spent a week out on the street—by choice—to experience what homeless people live through everyday; twice he has walked across multiple states to raise money and in addition to that, he is the founder of his nonprofit, ‘Love Beyond Walls’.
What he is asking of us is not that we find a flimsy mattress and sleep under the bridge with the homeless community in our town, or that we provide huge donations, or start our own nonprofit; all he is asking is that we look people in the eye, affirm their dignity as part of our community, and share an extra shirt, a bag of groceries or take an hour out of our week, to connect and serve.
If there’s one thing to take away from this book it is that simply taking the time to learn their story, transforms a stranger into a human being—an image bearer. And knowing, in turn, dispels our fears of the unknown.
"The only way to get rid of darkness is to let light in. Create relationships with people who aren't like you, and you will learn the stories, the pain, and the most beautiful parts of other people's lives.”
August 13, 2019
‘It takes bravery to stand up to the lives we’re living and change. Often in means we must let go of something else we’re doing. Maybe it’s even something good. It starts with an introspective look at our own values and then at how those values permeate our lives.’ (p. 67)
There’s something profoundly clear-eyed and honest about the stories and experiences this book offers us. The truth of these pages cut straight to my heart and really helped me to reconnect with my own values, hopes, and dreams for our life together. I commend this book to anyone with the bravery to be vulnerable with themselves, and to ask the questions that will help us to love our neighbors through connecting with who it is God has called us to be.
This book connected with me on a number of levels... Lester's writing is smooth, kind, thoughtful, and heartfelt. It was an easy read... I finished it in just a a couple of days. The biblical commentary is approachable, but compelling. It's well footnoted for those who want a deeper dive. I'm convinced that this book would be perfect for a book study, bible study group, or even an institution-wide "Big Read" type event.
In particular, in sharing the stories of folks who are directly experiencing the struggles of poverty in this country, we are invited to push past shallow political talking points and divisive rhetoric, straight to the heart of the matter... who gets to matter in our society? Who will be seen? Who will be heard? How can we recognize the dignity of all of our neighbors and work to create the abundant life that God desires for all of us?
I hope you find it as enriching and compelling as I did! Peace, friends.
There’s something profoundly clear-eyed and honest about the stories and experiences this book offers us. The truth of these pages cut straight to my heart and really helped me to reconnect with my own values, hopes, and dreams for our life together. I commend this book to anyone with the bravery to be vulnerable with themselves, and to ask the questions that will help us to love our neighbors through connecting with who it is God has called us to be.
This book connected with me on a number of levels... Lester's writing is smooth, kind, thoughtful, and heartfelt. It was an easy read... I finished it in just a a couple of days. The biblical commentary is approachable, but compelling. It's well footnoted for those who want a deeper dive. I'm convinced that this book would be perfect for a book study, bible study group, or even an institution-wide "Big Read" type event.
In particular, in sharing the stories of folks who are directly experiencing the struggles of poverty in this country, we are invited to push past shallow political talking points and divisive rhetoric, straight to the heart of the matter... who gets to matter in our society? Who will be seen? Who will be heard? How can we recognize the dignity of all of our neighbors and work to create the abundant life that God desires for all of us?
I hope you find it as enriching and compelling as I did! Peace, friends.
September 4, 2019
If you care about the issue of poverty or homelessness, this is an important book to read. The author is an African American man whose early life started to go off the rails but he got on a better path and now heads a nonprofit in Atlanta that serves homeless people and people in poverty.
The book's topics include: breaking down stereotypes of poverty, exploring how/why/what privileged people do with the fear that is often felt toward people in poverty, it makes the case for why we should strive to treat people in poverty with dignity, and how harmful it is to ignore people in poverty. The author highly values relationship building and getting to know people over simply giving and empowers every individual reader to believe that he/she can do something (don't be overwhelmed by the large problem, just do one little thing to start helping solve it).
At times this book was very convicting, but in a way that I think privileged people need to go through in order to meaningfully lean into this issue. I finished the book wishing that he had proposed more clear solutions but also realize that for a problem this complex and challenging, there won't be any clear solutions.
The book's topics include: breaking down stereotypes of poverty, exploring how/why/what privileged people do with the fear that is often felt toward people in poverty, it makes the case for why we should strive to treat people in poverty with dignity, and how harmful it is to ignore people in poverty. The author highly values relationship building and getting to know people over simply giving and empowers every individual reader to believe that he/she can do something (don't be overwhelmed by the large problem, just do one little thing to start helping solve it).
At times this book was very convicting, but in a way that I think privileged people need to go through in order to meaningfully lean into this issue. I finished the book wishing that he had proposed more clear solutions but also realize that for a problem this complex and challenging, there won't be any clear solutions.
August 13, 2019
I had not heard about Terence Lester or Love Beyond Walls before I received a copy of this book. I had no idea what I was really getting but the idea of learning to really see the “invisible people” around me caught my attention.
Terence does a great job in this book of humanizing the people our society pushes to the side. We often overlook the homeless or are afraid to walk in certain areas because we assume the worst about people in poverty. Terence shares stories of people living in poverty, struggling through situations most of us could some day face ourselves, and allows us to see them as actual people and not something to be avoided.
The book is easy to read and I found it hard to put down at times. Terence weaves stories from his experience with scripture to show how Jesus ministered to people in need and how we can too. I think this book is a must read for anyone in ministry, regardless of whether they are in homeless ministries or not.
Terence does a great job in this book of humanizing the people our society pushes to the side. We often overlook the homeless or are afraid to walk in certain areas because we assume the worst about people in poverty. Terence shares stories of people living in poverty, struggling through situations most of us could some day face ourselves, and allows us to see them as actual people and not something to be avoided.
The book is easy to read and I found it hard to put down at times. Terence weaves stories from his experience with scripture to show how Jesus ministered to people in need and how we can too. I think this book is a must read for anyone in ministry, regardless of whether they are in homeless ministries or not.
December 2, 2024
I appreciate the heart behind this book and its main thesis, that we need to truly see people, especially the vulnerable, to love and support and be in community with them. The book was filled with interesting personal stories from Lester's work with people experiencing homelessness. That being said, the book gave broad generalizations about people who aren't already involved and lacked nuance. For example, people lacking margin in their lives was attributed to people working just to accumulate more stuff, or people were described as being afraid of people on the streets only because of appearances. Both of those things may be true -- or there could be a million other reasons. I don't expect Lester to have the capacity to address every single concern, but I think the book lacked depth overall because it also only examined some of the more surface-level issues. This is a good starter book to spark engagement.
August 3, 2019
Now comes the latest from Terence Lester, whom I have followed with great interest for a number of years as one of the most passionate and innovative helpers of his time.
I See You is a guidebook for opening your eyes to the painful reality of life on the streets as experienced by Lester himself and the friends he makes along the way. It redefines poverty as a lack of access, and gives the reader tools for examining their biases toward those who are struggling to survive while also carrying the weight of our judgement -- or worse, indifference.
I See You implores and empowers you to use your gifts to build a bridge for others. It will open your eyes. It will break your heart. And it will be worth it.
I See You is a guidebook for opening your eyes to the painful reality of life on the streets as experienced by Lester himself and the friends he makes along the way. It redefines poverty as a lack of access, and gives the reader tools for examining their biases toward those who are struggling to survive while also carrying the weight of our judgement -- or worse, indifference.
I See You implores and empowers you to use your gifts to build a bridge for others. It will open your eyes. It will break your heart. And it will be worth it.
August 14, 2019
This book did exactly what the title says.... It opened my eyes to this situation that most of us Americans dismiss and we judge those who are struggling for reasons we know nothing about. Terence's words opened my heart to consider all this in a different manner. I appreciate his experience and perspective and his understanding, and now hope to continue to learn and do what I can. Which is always more! I don't think it matters where you live; rural, city, inner city....but this message matters!!! We can help and we can educate ourselves to this epidemic - do more. I hope that anyone to opens this book is touched by his words and what he is doing. I received an advanced copy from InterVarsity Press and this is my honest review. #lovebeyondwalls
August 25, 2019
I read this book knowing a little bit about Terence's story and his work with Love Beyond Walls. It is clear that Terence's practice and work are based on his Christian beliefs. He uses many passages from the Bible to support his views. As the book progresses the reader gains insight into what life is like for someone who is living in poverty. Terence provides just the right mix of gospel, data, and stories to give the reader insight into what life is like for the "Invisible People" and what we can do to become part of the solution.
I also was inspired about how passionate Terence is and how he channels that passion into his work. It has me really thinking about how life can be more fulfilling and rewarding. For this reason I loved the book on two levels.
I also was inspired about how passionate Terence is and how he channels that passion into his work. It has me really thinking about how life can be more fulfilling and rewarding. For this reason I loved the book on two levels.
March 23, 2022
“It will cost you nothing but will change the world for everyone, if you learn to see.”
Man, this book pulled at my heart and lit a fire in my soul. I read When We Stand last year and was inspired to get more involved in my community. This book makes me want to go even deeper. It can feel overwhelming to want to fix the entire system, but Terence gives practical small ways to make a difference where you are. I’ve always believed that it only takes one caring person to change someone’s entire life trajectory and the real life stories in this book proved just that. If everyone read this book and did even small steps to better their communities we could literally change the world. 10/10 recommend!
Man, this book pulled at my heart and lit a fire in my soul. I read When We Stand last year and was inspired to get more involved in my community. This book makes me want to go even deeper. It can feel overwhelming to want to fix the entire system, but Terence gives practical small ways to make a difference where you are. I’ve always believed that it only takes one caring person to change someone’s entire life trajectory and the real life stories in this book proved just that. If everyone read this book and did even small steps to better their communities we could literally change the world. 10/10 recommend!
August 27, 2019
Anyone with a heart should read this book. It gives you a deeper look into impoverished and homeless communities. Terence does an amazing job of not just taking you through his story, but also the lives of those who constantly struggle to live day to day. It’s an eye opener to the things we assume or think we know about these communities and emphasizes importance of getting to know those we claim to serve. You can’t serve these communities without developing true relationships and having real conversations with them. “Seeing” the homeless and impoverished is one thing Terence seeks to accomplish with this book and he does just that. 10/10
June 15, 2020
A really good, insightful, and quick read. The author makes a few simple but important points. If you take the time to know people who are different from you, it will be infinitely harder for you to fear them and ignore them. Instead of saying that you don’t have any time to help or volunteer, look at your values and who you want to be. Then decide if you have even one hour a month to put toward volunteering and $5 you could manage to redistribute to a worthy cause instead of more things. These are incredibly low thresholds for admission but add up exponentially if everyone starts doing the same. Real change isn’t on the backs of one single person but on the work of many.
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