I just finished a wonderful book: Same Kind of Different as Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. I will admit, I started this book back at the beginning of June (life got quite busy with 12 hours plus of schoolwork daily and I had to put leisure reading on hold - so sad). However, school has slowed down considerably and I was able to pick up where I had left off.
Same Kind of Different as Me is the true story that highlights the contrast between a rich art dealer (Ron) and a man who lives on the streets of Fort Worth, TX (Denver). It was a quick read (once I had time to read!) and one that I could not put down. Ron and his wife's heart for the homeless was extremely moving. Despite Denver's resistance to the love that they showed, they kept pouring into him, disregarding anything that may have happened in his past. They loved him as Christ loves: unconditionally. I was inspired and greatly impacted by this story of love.
Something that God kept placing on my heart while reading was this: "Who am I to judge?" This story was definitely a great reminder of this for me. It makes me so sad to think that my first reaction to some people (some that I haven't even met) may be negative and judgmental. But how do I have any idea what that person is going through? I don't! Only Christ does! And therefore, how can I judge? While I sometimes judge, Christ loves. "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Nobody is too far off the beaten path for God to love. Ron and his wife showed this unconditional love to Denver in Same Kind of Different as Me. I want to love others like Christ loves us and like Ron and his wife loved Denver and many other homeless people. We are commanded not to judge (Matthew 7:1, Romans 2:1), but rather, to love!
I don't want to give away too much - trust me, this is a book that is very worth reading. Prepare to be inspired and reminded of the love that Christ shows us, and how we are called to pour this love into others as well.
Warning: tissues or a shirt sleeve may be necessary while reading.
