Recently I finished reading " Same kind of different as me" by Ron Hall & Denver Moore. While most of the books I've read lately are either the Bible, or enlightening books to improve worship, prayer, evangelism, stuff like that.
My mother-in-law gave me this book to read, thought I'd like it. I did.
First of all this book is one of the most powerful Non-Fiction books I've ever read, and while this blog will not be a "book review", it is however, a report on the authors, and some of the comments they had made during an event last night.
I will tell you now. This book is about a very wealthy selfish white man, a very mean homeless black man full of wisdom, a Saint of a lady who caused these men to cross paths, and a city that was changed by that explosion.
Last night I attended a fund raiser for Victory Mission, a homeless shelter here in Springfield in which the authors of this book were speaking. Since I had recently read this work of art, and was so moved by the book, I had to attend just to hear these men and their story.
Ron ( the rich white guy) did most of the speaking re-telling the story of the book along with a few extra details that weren't in the book.
Denver ( the mean, wise black guy), spoke short and last, but his words rang with truth and hope. for instance:
At first when they were talking about this book, they were getting invited to all of these bible study groups.
Denver: Do all white folks go to bibles studies?
Ron: Well yes, many of the folks in churches do
Denver: When we gon go to some bible doins? Seem like they all studyin, but none of'em doin.
and then stuff like:
Denver: This book (Same kind....as me) ain't the Bible, how come ya'll read this book before ya read the Bible? makes sense, huh
later more:
Denver: Sometimes, to help someone outa the pit, ya have to get down there yourself
later:
Denver: B I B L E, Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth
then more wisdom:
Denver: Folk think they're different, everyone think they unique, better or worse, they all special. Well let me tell ya somethin. We All homeless 'til God calls us home.
When he finished ( and when you read this book you'll understand) he sang. Denver doesn't sing a hymm, or anything rehearsed with set words or phrase. He sings a prayer of praise, from the heart as it hits him that second, in a raspy ol' voice of a black sharecropper. With his years of hard living, I found it difficult to undestand his words. So.. I closed my eyes and listened, allowing myself to feel his song of prayer...... keep me humble Lord.....outa this pit......
the words became clear as I prayed in my heart with him... all was clear, all was right.... all was for Him... ......
and it was good
