We can see evidence of injustice all around us, whether in continuing incidents of racial inequality or in the systemic forces that disenfranchise people and perpetuate poverty. It's important to learn about the world's inequities and to be a voice for the voiceless any way we can. But in an age of hashtag and armchair activism, merely raising awareness about injustice is not enough.Michelle Warren knows what is needed. She and her family have chosen to live in communities where they are "proximate to the pain of the poor." This makes all the difference in facing and overcoming injustice. When we build relationships where we live, we discover the complexities of standing with the vulnerable and the commitment needed for long-term change.Proximity changes our perspective, compels our response, and keeps us committed to the journey of pursuing justice for all. Move beyond awareness and experience the power of proximity. "In Jesus, God leaves all the comforts of heaven, puts on skin, and moves into a broken world―born a refugee, wandering as a homeless rabbi, executed as a criminal. In this book, Michelle Warren dares us to follow the suffering Christ by leaning into the suffering of our world. She calls us not to conform to the patterns of this world, which might otherwise convince us to move out of Jesus' neighborhood." Shane Claiborne, author and activist "Michelle Warren is a faithful witness to the power of proximity. She writes like she lives―with great passion and purpose―and shows us the path to justice by sharing her own story with vulnerability and insight. The Power of Proximity urges us to overcome our fears and courageously cross the deep dividing lines within our society. We are challenged not only to get close to those who are hurting on the Jericho road, but to transform the whole road!" Shawn Casselberry, executive director, Mission Year "I'm grateful that Michelle has shared her struggles, her convictions, and her wisdom in The Power of Proximity . My prayer to God is that he will use this book to help us overcome our own fears and insecurities―to express our faith in Jesus Christ by walking in close proximity to the poor as an expression of our love for him." from the foreword by Noel Castellanos, president, CCDA "Warren offers us a theology of testimony―that is, a theology that grows out of lived life. This is an account of a journey into a richer understanding of God and the mission to which he calls his people. But a testimony is more than a retelling. The Power of Proximity beckons us to join the pilgrimage to walk alongside the vulnerable―a pilgrimage that will transform how we incarnate Christian faith." M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), Blanchard Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College, author, Christians at the Border "In an age of hashtag awareness and digital outrage, Michelle Warren invites us to embrace the power of the incarnation, to let our love for others and our passion for justice take on flesh and 'move into the neighborhood.' This is not a book, a collection of stories, or a set of principles; this is a life lived in self-giving love. So be warned: by entering these pages, you will become proximate to Michelle's story, and in doing so you will be powerfully challenged and personally transformed." Glenn Packiam, lead pastor, New Life Downtown, associate senior pastor, New Life Church, author of Discover the Mystery of Faith, Lucky, and Secondhand Jesus "We cannot effectively love our neighbors as ourselves, as Jesus commands us, unless we're in close proximity to them; we will never be good Samaritans if we avoid the Jericho road altogether. My friend Michelle Warren, who with her family has lived in close proximity to poor and vulnerable people for decades, offers this important challenge as to why awareness of injustice is not enough. I pray this superb book will transform how Christians serve and learn from their vulnerable neighbors." Matthew Soerens, US director of church mobilization, World Relief, coauthor of Welcoming the Stranger "As a person of color who has long lived in the 'hood like Michelle Warren, I was eager to read how she deals with issues such as racial privilege, discouragement over our political system, and the plight of those without proper papers. Her vast experience, sage advice, and biblical insights about fighting for God's shalom are useful for everyone―whether you're just now exploring issues of justice or have been a longtime activist. I especially heeded Warren's timely recommendations about collective engagement for the long haul. The Power of Proximity is a clear reminder to me of how solidarity with the poor is a way to God's heart." Russell Jeung, professor, San Francisco State University, author of At Home in Exile "Michelle Warren is a genuine and credible expert on this topic. She and her family have personally lived out the value of proximity, and her work with everyone from neighborhood stakeholders to sen