JOSHDEVINE.COM

I have to be honest.

When I picked up the latest release from Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent, I was hesitant.  Perhaps it was the subtitle: ‘Stories of Hope and Healing’.

I thought I had ‘Chicken Soup for the Social Justice Soul’ on my hands.

Fortunately, first impressions — in this case — were entirely wrong.

What unfolds over the course of a quick 201-page read is a tightly written, compelling and transparent look at the genuine — and inspiring — momentum to address homelessness launched by the pair’s first book, ‘Same Kind of Different as Me’.

In little ways and in large, the authors detail their own stories and intersperse anecdotes from readers across the country, while continuing to challenge all of us to do more to address the often-ignored epidemic in our communities.

The authors, ever true to their convictions, don’t pull any punches.

“It’s important to draw a distinction between ‘blessing’ the homeless and ‘helping’ the homeless.  I used to think I was helping by serving a meal or giving them some clothes, but I found out that for the most part I was just helping myself, making myself feel warm and fuzzy and philanthropic.

To be sure, it is a blessing to the homeless when they see people who care.  But to really help, you’ve got to get down in the pit with people and stay with them until they find the strength to get on your shoulders and climb out.” (Hall, p. 58)

That’s what Ron and Dallas have done — by giving money, time, and love to people who often don’t reciprocate.  Their challenge?  That’s okay.  Do it anyway.  It’s the way God would want it.

To that end, the authors offer an interesting model in Chapter 25: a challenge to faith communities to enter into the life of a homeless individual strategically to bring sustainable life change in 30 days.  The information is practical, yet cautious, like the wise advice of those who’ve been there, done that and learned along the way.

Many readers, however, will probably appreciate more the emphasis on individual responsibility highlighted and illustrated throughout this book.  The stories are gritty, inspiring, well written and leave you with a sense of a greater movement — a partnership — of people committed to making a change in the here and now.

‘What Difference Do It Make?’  Apparently, plenty.

BONUSES: It was great to see full-color paintings by Denver Moore.  Plus the book’s last story — involving a woman facing a similar fate as Ron’s wife, Deborah, will leave most readers looking for ways to make the most of the time we have left this side of eternity.