As I read Same Kind of Different as Me, it didn't occur to me for a little while that it was two different men telling their very different sides of stories, one a wildly successful white art dealer and a homeless Black man. The story was better for having told it this way because it felt like a much more balanced and deeper story of how one woman deeply affected changes in each of them.The changes in Ron Hall were particularly interesting to chart. I have been on the outside of faith and very much related to the aversion to getting sucked in to something so invisible and seemingly uncertain. I related to Denver and his skepticism of Christians in general, but especially white ones.
By the time Miss Debbie hit the homeless shelter and began making waves I couldn't put the book down. I was floored by how clearly she was able to "hear" from God and her visions, dreams and impressions. What a beautiful soul.
Even though the story makes use of Biblical quotes, and references scripture, I didn't find it gratuitously preachy. They were beautiful illustrations showing that God is alive and well and His word continues to live and breathe, and that He is the same God speaking to us even today.
One of the things that sticks with me after finishing the story are words from Denver, who was very concerned about "Catch and Release." The book is a beautiful depiction of the love that our Heavenly Father has for us. Ron Hall has put the emphasis on relationships, something that seems sorely lacking in the world today where people can be tossed aside like this mornings email. It has inspired me to take a look at my relationships and re evaluate what I can do to make them richer for everyone involved.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, especially if the example of Denver and Ron's commitment can be implemented by us to further the healing of race relations in this country.
See what Denver's been up to...
