Art dealer Hall and homeless advocate Moore offer new reflections on what we can learn from reaching out to people not like us. Their thoughts on faith, friendship, reconciliation, compassion, and healing will touch your heart. Includes stories from folks impacted by Same Kind of Different As Me and samples of Denver's paintings. 224 pages, hardcover from Nelson.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
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3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by CanCan (Laos), January 13, 2010
Each chapter flip-flops between Ron Hall and Denver Moore, and is able to be digested on it’s own; the book isn’t arranged chronologically and the stories aren’t even really connected.
The writing style is rife with colloquial language and even a little bit bawdy at times, for a being the fruit of a Christian publishing house. I guess that is to help the reader relate to the humanity of the authors. For me, I found it a little uncomfortable.
Many pages are given to Ron Hall’s account of his dysfunctional relationship with his father. I didn’t really find this story to be redeeming, but I’m not familiar with what was shared in the previous book
Denver Moore has an interesting life story and some inspiring quotes.
Now, Denver Moore has lots of wisdom to share as an artist (some of his paintings appear in the book…..he began painting at age sixty-five before he learned to read and write two years later), evangelist, and homeless advocate.
What I found most inspiring was accounts of the practical action taken by other people who reached out to the less fortunate/homeless around them after reading Same Kind of Different as Me.
Since I have lived for a long time outside of the US, in developing countries, I have given a lot of thought about what kind of charity works for the poor, and what kind of charity is more of a benefit to the giver.
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.
- Ron Hall, What Difference Do It Make?
There are some insightful nuggets of wisdom to be found in this book. If you enjoy Southern people, biographies, and want to be challenged to do more for others, What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing is a good read.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Deborah Anderson (Desoto, TX), January 12, 2010
I wish I had read, "Same Kind of Different as Me" before reading "What Difference do it Make?" I was confused reading the chapters; but found it easy to stop and start back between chapters. The message to help the homeless was delivered, loud and clear.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Gail Rosenbaum (Carrollton, VA), December 15, 2009
I loved the first book and couldn't wait to read this one. I read it in a couple of days and was not at all disappointed. Many of my friends and family are getting it for Christmas.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Melissa (Nashville, TN), November 24, 2009
What Difference Do It Make? is the follow-up to the New York Times bestseller, Same Kind of Different as Me. It offers true stories of hope, healing, faith, friendship and compassion. These anecdotal stories intend to inspire the readers to make a difference in the world. The book also includes full-page color samples of Denver’s paintings.
The book claims that it is not necessary to have read the first book before reading this one. While I enjoyed reading the stories in the book, I continued to feel a disconnection, like I was missing something. There are passages from Same Kind of Different as Me throughout the book. The authors’ purpose was to “include enough of that story to catch you up.” However, to me, it seemed to be used as filler in order to quickly market another book. I am not claiming that this was the motivation of the authors. I am simply stating my impression of the book.
With that being said, I still liked the book and found it to be enjoyable and inspiring to read. One of my favorite stories that Ron tells is about the marital struggle between he and his wife, Deborah. I love his authenticity and vulnerability in sharing something painful and very personal. Deborah wanting to know his heart resonated with me. I highly recommend this book. However, I wish I had read the first book prior to reading this one.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Denise Beadle (Dothan, AL), November 10, 2009
When I ordered my copy of "What difference do it make?" I had no idea what would lie in store for me. Two months and 200 pages later, I sit here slightly stunned, feeling as if there is so much I should be doing, and wondering how I can make it all come together.
This slim, simple volume has sat on my table, on my computer desk, even on my clipboard at work - silently reminding me that I made a promise.
What difference do it make? arrived in a brown envelope, and I eagerly tore into it, anxious to get started. I knew before I finished reading the cover flaps that this would be no ordinary book. The 5-1/2 page introduction only served to confirm that fact. I re-read the introduction and set the book aside, slightly puzzled at the way these few words had affected me.
Whether or not you've read same kind of different as me, you very quickly come to know Ron Hall, Deborah Hall, and Denver Moore. In Ron's unabashed grief at the loss of his beloved Deborah, you will feel his loss. In Denver's simple, honest language, you will come to know this gentle man. Through the stories they tell, mostly of how their book affected others, we are given a blueprint of how small changes can effect large results.
This book will make you stop and think. This book will make you wonder. This book will make you feel as if you are not doing enough, and will urge you to do more. Pick up a copy today. Get to know Ron, Deborah, and Denver. Carry them with you, and you will find truth in Denver's simple statement: "everbody's lookin for God everywhere on the outside. He ain't in no book, and He ain't in no preacher, and He ain't in nothin or no one on the outside. You go to go inside 'cause that's where God is - in the deepest place inside you."
1 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jenn Schram (Nampa, ID), November 05, 2009
This work resumes the true-story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore, which was originally documented in their first book, “Same Kind of Different as Me”. This book offers more of their personal stories as well as testimonials from people who read the first book and were inspired. “What difference do it make?” also tells of Ron and Denver’s journey since publishing the first book, and of Ron’s reconciliation with his own father. Chapters alternate between Ron’s and Denver’s voices and stories.
I have not read “Same Kind of Different as Me”, and I found this second book very confusing and hard to follow. There wasn’t a clear chronology for this work, and it was difficult to find a purpose in the majority of the stories. This book cannot stand on it’s own, it is a jumble of thoughts and memories. Obviously, people were moved to action and love by the first book, but this second book, while sharing some of those testimonies, was lacking momentum for action. I kept asking myself, “What is the point of this chapter?” or “Why is THIS the testimony they chose to publish?”. Overall, I was unimpressed with this book’s writing, content and purpose. It felt like a shameless plug for the first book.
I am a member of Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ashley (U.S.), November 01, 2009
What Difference Do It Make?
In this book, Ron Hall and Denver Moore share their story of how a very lovely lady, Deborah Hall, introduced them and made them friends. What an incredible story! This book teaches us that God helps us to work through and overcome difficult situations like homelessness and prejudice.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. This is a definite must read for everyone. Very eye-opening! I felt as if I could relate to every one of the characters in one way or another.
My favorite passage in the book was on the subject of prayer. Ron says "Deborah prayed with such passion-not like some nut-ball holy roller but with such knowledge of the Father as though He was her daddy and she was His favorite child. Without pausing or stumbling, she let her words flow like a psalm or a sonnet. Captured on canvas, her prayers would be considered masterpieces...." Wow! What an awesome statement! We are oftentimes so afraid to pray aloud, fearful of what others will think of what we are saying. Will we say the right thing? Will it be enough? Will someone think less of what we say because we can't seem to find just the right words in their mind?
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sandra Dehoogh (Australia), October 28, 2009
What difference do it make? What difference is made when at our lowest of lows, instead of finding judgement, we find an offered opportunity.Instead of finding criticism, we find someone who values our life. Instead of finding our behaviour to be presumably self destructive, we find a person who believes we will make the better choice. Instead of finding ourselves alone, we find someone who is wanting to be our companion, not for their own ego, but because they genuinely find us a valuable person.
What difference do it make? Denver Moore profoundly declares that it makes no difference. Not if money is just thrown at a problem just identified as financial suffering. Plenty when people who understand that God created life for relationship are in your neighbourhood. Because then things change, people bloom and lives are forever altered.
God can only change a life if people are willing to first believes He exists before they can accept His help. Those who can’t, can be still convinced by those who do by recognising that all life was created by God and is very, very good. Some choices may be a little ill informed and lead to bad circumstances or life may be extremely hard but we are all an amazing creation. This is where some need a brother to lean on for a season.
Like Denver says, “Of course, she didn’t know that there’s a difference between helping and blessin’ – that blessin’ means you give a person a little gift to show ‘em you think they matters on this earth, and helping is when you stoop down with a person and stay there till they can climb on your shoulders to get up”.
A book where profound truths shared through a selfless heart in the simplest of ways. And I am reminded that “To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to ME. Mat 25”
How can we, who have felt His amazing grace, His heart hungering to be embraced by ours, not be a cup not only full but overflowing to those around us?
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