Book Review: SKoDAM

Cover image used with permission

Same Kind of Different As Me  is a heartwarming and inspirational account of two men from different backgrounds and social strata, brought together by a very special woman.  The story draws you in and takes you on two separate journeys until the two paths meet and they essentially become one.  This is a story of faith, friendship, hope, and love... a powerful combination that leads to amazing transformations.

There were several things I liked about the book.  Although I didn’t pick cotton on a plantation, my sisters and I did pick tobacco one summer, and on our way to work, we drove past little run-down shacks.  I often wondered if slaves had ever lived in them.  Anyway, it brought back memories of home in the South.  I like how the story was told from two different perspectives... through two different pairs of eyes.  And I like how the authors wrote conversations in natural form using distinctive idiomatic dialogue.

I was touched by the love Ron had for his wife as expressed in his openness and desire to support her in fulfilling what she believed God was calling her to do... to minister to the homeless.  And I was both convicted and inspired by Debbie’s and Denver’s faith and close relationship with the Lord, as well as their love in action for those who aren’t always very lovely or easy to love.

I have a few friends who minister in homeless shelters in L.A. and VT, including one dear friend who actually experienced homelessness himself.  Now he is able to comfort others with the comfort he himself has received  (2 Cor. 1:4).   Although I myself have never worked in a homeless shelter, I have helped serve in a soup kitchen and have eaten alongside some who were not necessarily homeless, but just needed a bite to eat.  I still remember, Stacey, one young lady who caught my attention.  Even though it’s been years since I met her in the soup kitchen, once in a while we see each other downtown and stop to chat.  She has a beautiful little boy now.  I wish I knew then what I know now through the experiences my friends have shared and through the things contained in the book.  People are the same kind of different as me, and sometimes it just takes a bit more patience, determination, and genuine love to draw them out.  Like Bryan Duncan’s song Don’t You Wanna Rap  says, “The heart is the same, it’s just a different face.”