I was 20 y.o. and I don't recommend it.
I gave up possessions, family, everything basically, and joined a group called "Jesus Christ Lightning Amen." (Apparently, Jesus Christ Lightning Amen died a few years ago, but his group still lives on in California somewhere).
We chanted, "No killing (no animal skins,vegetarian), No sex (I actually stopped thinking about it after a few weeks), No Materialism (no money, no possessions).
First, I had to die. I committed to the idea that I died unexpectedly and I could not call my family to come get my dead body. So...
I then committed to living the life of Jesus as Jesus Amen described it. We walked and preached the 3 keys (No killing, etc) and depended on the "kindness of strangers." to quote Blanche DuBois (A Streetcar Named Desire).
We prayed ceaselessly. I even prayed in my sleep. Sometimes we went days without comfort or food. Sometimes we were treated to hotel rooms and restaurants. It was an amazing adventure that still affects my behavior to this day. I still believe God talks to me, I am still a believer in Jesus Christ (the real one), and I look for miracles and signs everyday. I especially thank God for every little thing. Like a warm shower or money food, or not getting in a wreck or having unexpected extra money at a time when I needed a little extra cash.etc. etc.
ALL DAY LONG EVERY DAY I AM GREATFUL AS OFTEN AS I CAN BE. AND GOD SOMETIMES STILL GIVES ME A LITTLE NUDGE TO REMIND ME HE IS STILL WITH ME.
Luckily, we never got hurt. We lived in white linen robes and carried a satchel for toiletries and eating utensils.
I was very lucky I didn't get deathly ill or die.
I don't recommend it - "living in the world but not a part of it". I don't recommend living dependent solely on God's will like "the birds in the air who don't sow or reap."because God provides.
DON'T DO IT!!!
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