Same Kind of Different as Me

This month, the bookclub that I attend at our local library read and discussed Ron Hall & Denver Moore's Same Kind of Different as Me. I really didn't know what to expect when I started reading the book. I knew that the book was about two men from Fort Worth, one homeless and one wealthy, and how their lives intersected. I was pleasantly surprised to find this was a story about trust, love, friendship, and faith in God. I truly enjoyed the book.

The story is alternately told from each of the men's perspectives - they each have a very distinctive voice. Ron Hall began volunteering at a mission in Fort Worth because his wife asked him to serve meals with her once a week. His wife, Deborah, was the bond that brought these two men together. She had a vision from the Lord that Denver (a homeless man) was going to help change the city of Fort Worth, and she encouraged Ron to befriend Denver. These two men from extremely different worlds and backgrounds forged a strong friendship and eventually shared their story in this book.

Today at our book club meeting, we discussed homelessness and one question that was raised was whether this book inspired us and what would we do about it. Would we look at homeless people differently, would we actually do something to help (besides write a check to a charity), and/or would we simply appreciate the story and the plight of the homeless yet do nothing differently? This question has me thinking - over the years I have volunteered my time and talents in many areas, yet this past year I have done very little . . . maybe now is the time to seek out an opportunity to help others and make a commitment to volunteer on a regular basis.