I decided to make this a dual book review because What Difference Do It Make? by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent is actually a sequel to Same Kind of Different As Me. I borrowed Same Kind of Different As Me from a friend several months ago and loved it; just last week I borrowed What Difference Do It Make? from my library and my feelings were no different. In short, these two books made me think. They are not only enjoyable reading material but also stir a mix of such feelings as uncomfortableness, inspiration, and encouragment.In 1998 Ron Hall, an upscale, millionaire art dealer was dragged to the Union Gospel Mission in Fort Worth, Texas by his wife, Deborah. Deborah was out to change the world with the love of Christ, but Ron just wanted to hurry up and go home before he caught a deadly disease. In an unlikely set of events, Ron Hall and the illiterate, homeless Denver Moore became friends for life. In Same Kind of Different As Me, they share their stories of love, forgiveness, and hope. What Difference Do It Make? is a follow-up, sharing the continuing journeys of both men as well as short segments on the lives of those who have been touched by Same Kind of Different As Me.
These books cover a lot of topics in their pages, like homelessness, alcoholism, forgiveness, cancer, and faith. However, each issue is dealt with carefully and realistically. Each chapter switches from Ron's voice to Denver's, which I love. It helped the story to flow between the characters, and it was interesting to see each man's journey alongside the other. Both men are Christians, and their writing shows that clearly. However, these books are for any person who wants to read a good story and take away a good message.
I have come away from both books with a better understanding of homelessness and a better understanding of my fears and worries about helping the homeless. Ron Hall outlines a few plans in What Difference Do It Make? to help readers overcome their fears and begin to reach out and help. As I mentioned, these books are written from a Christian perspective. Yet Ron Hall and Denver Moore do not take lightly the fact that most churches and Christians do nothing to help the hurting around them. Both really put me in my place for not doing more.
Same Kind of Different As Me and What Difference Do It Make? are two books worth reading. They will make you think and, most likely, inspire you to change. Enter with caution. Enjoy.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
"The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’"
-- Matthew 25:34-40
