Book Review: I Am Hutterite

Book cover image used with permission

I Am Hutterite  is a young woman’s account of her life as a little girl living in a religious colony, a group whose beliefs fall somewhere between the Mennonites and the Amish.  She reflects on her idyllic and simple childhood, as well as her struggle to adjust and be accepted by the outside world when her parents leave the colony she loves.  The story begins with a visit back to her childhood home and recounts her family’s heritage and personal journey.  It’s a story of faith, hope, and love in the midst of politics, intolerance, and unforgiveness.

Reading the book brought back memories of my own struggles.  Although I never lived as part of a religious colony, my family and I briefly worshiped and fellowshipped with a fledgling group having similar beliefs and practices as the Hutterites and looking to form their own community.  While there were many similarities between the fledgling group and Hutterite colonies, because people are different, each group is also different and usually assumes the personality and convictions of those leading them.  As Nicodemus admonished his fellow Pharisees by asking, “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him and know what he doeth?” (John 7:51), we, too, should not judge a group of people before talking with and getting to know them.  Some well-meaning friends tried to dissuade us from fellowshipping with the group, but because they offered no personal experience, scriptural foundation, nor tried to get to know the group, our friends seemed disqualified as counselors and we didn’t listen.  While I do have some regrets from the experience as a whole, I am grateful for what I learned about life and relationships and through the exposure of my own heart.  I encourage you to read the book, and I think you, too, may discover the appeal and joy of living in community and the potential snares and heartache of trying to govern your life according to tradition and a strict religious code.

After writing a review for Same Kind of Difference As Me, I was contacted by Thomas Nelson Publishing and asked if I would like to receive a complimentary copy of two other books with no obligation to write another review.  Thank you, Thomas Nelson Publishing, for giving me the privilege and opportunity.  (^_^)

Book Review: What Difference Do It Make?

Cover image used by permission

What Difference Do It Make? is the second book featuring Ron Hall and Denver Moore, two unlikely friends brought together by a very special, yet ordinary woman.  The book also contains anecdotes from others around the world affected and inspired by the first book Same Kind of Difference As Me, a story of how one woman's faith brought the two men together and led to the transformation of many.  Although you don't need to read the first book to get a sense of the background and overall story, I think you will be the richer for it.

I was again moved by Denver's faith and wisdom despite the unbelievable life he experienced prior to his encounter with 'Miss Debbie'.  And I was touched and convicted by Ron's ability to forgive and demonstrate unconditional love to his 'ornery' father.  I also found it surprising and quite curious that his father regarded one particular gift above any other he'd received.  Not only that, but the fact Ron had learned so much from Denver and as a result of ministering to the homeless, he previously would never have even considered giving his father the gift.  Getting to know a person truly does make a real and abiding difference in how effectively we are able to love them.  What difference do it make?  It can make a huge difference.

After writing a review for Same Kind of Difference As Me, I was contacted by Thomas Nelson Publishing and asked if I would like to receive a complimentary copy of the second book with no obligation to write another review.  Thank you, Thomas Nelson Publishing, for giving me the privilege and opportunity.  (^_^)

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.”