What difference do it make?
Normally my book reviews only appear in Smart Ministry. But for those of you who don’t yet receive that free ministry insights newsletter, I thought I’d include one here.
I don’t like chick flicks. I tell you that up front so you won’t think I’m just one of those really sensitive guys that enjoys a good cry over touching stories. But parts of this book will—or should—move you deeply.
What Difference Do It Make (2009: Thomas Nelson) is written by the authors of Same Kind of Different as Me. That book told of the loving, courageous, tireless work by Deborah Hall (wife of one of the co-authors) to get through the storms in her own marriage and life, and help the homeless It proclaimed a simple message: One person can make a difference. In the authors’ words, “That kind of love is attainable for anyone willing to put in the time on their knees, then overcome their fear and go out and get their hands a little dirty.” That book touched countless lives in as many ways, and the stories the authors heard of how it inspired others and affected their own lives form the best content of What Difference Do It Make.
Those desiring to move to a more missional mindset should pay particular attention to the sections written by Denver, a formerly homeless man whose life was touched by Deborah. His firsthand account of the life of a homeless person will forever change how you think of—and minister to—them. For example:
Listen at this: Jesus sent the disciples out. John and Mark and Nathaniel and them went into the villages. When I was homeless, one thing I just couldn’t understand is why all these folks kept tryin to invitin me in someplace that I didn’t wanna be. They’d come out and hand me some kinda piece a’ paper, talkin ’bout, “Jesus loves you! Come fellowship with us!” Now, their hearts was in the right place, and they just tryin to show me the love a’ God. But seemed like they didn’t understand that it just ain’t that easy.
For one thing, them folks that invited me was all smilin and clean, and I was all ragged and dirty. ‘Sides that, most a’ em was white, and I was black as a coffee bean. Wadn’t no way I was gon’ show up at their church lookin like I looked.
For another thing, where was I gon’ leave my bags with all my worldly goods, my blanket and my soap and my half-pint and what have you? It wadn’t much, but wadn’t no way I was gon’ leave it in the ‘hood with all them fellas ready to split it up amongst themselves. And I was pretty sure they didn’t have no luggage check at the church.
Then they’d say, “God bless you!” and leave me with that piece a’ paper so I wouldn’t forget where I was s’posed to show up. ‘Course, they didn’t know I couldn’t read.
See, we don’t need to be trying to drag the homeless, or any kinda needy people, to “programs,” to “services.” What people needs is people.
[That's a longer excerpt than I would ordinarily include, but I'm sure the good folks at Thomas Nelson will appreciate that it's for the right reason.]
The book feels a little disjointed as you bounce between viewpoints, both the authors’ and those whose lives were touched by the first book. Some of it is just more detail on Ron Hall’s struggles with his dad, and dealing with his wife’s death. Some of those parts will help the reader develop deeper empathy, while others just feel like emotional exhibitionism that have nothing to do with the purpose or flow of the book.
Parts of the book are truly excellent; other parts feel like an unfortunate sequel written by a person who only had one story to tell. I was reminded of the bonus features on a DVD; like the book is designed to complement (and sometimes be an infomercial for) The Same Kind of Different rather than a new work of it’s own.
I confess that I haven’t read the first book. I wish I had—especially if it contains more content from Denver, whose down-to-earth wisdom is profound and personally challenging. Those who did will probably be eager to read What Difference Do It Make? to learn more from this uneducated yet insightful man.
I really appreciate the insights the book gives into the thinking of those we think about / resist / should be serving. And I appreciate its message that our efforts can have multiplied and unintended effects—even if it did have to sound like a commercial for the other book in the process.
