What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing

What Difference Do It Make?

These books keep getting placed into my path. Books that take me out of my reality and place me in a spot that enables my empathy to expand. One of those books that I have read lately is What Difference Do it Make? This is the follow up book to Same Kind of Different As Me.

Continuing the hard-to-believe story of hope and reconciliation, Ron Hall and Denver Moore, "unlikely friends and even unlikelier coauthors--a wealthy fine-art dealer and an illiterate homeless African American--share the hard-to-stop story of how a remarkable woman's love brought them together."

The mark of a good book is one that after closing the cover for the final time, I am changed. I see my world differently because I spent a little time looking through the eyes of someone much different from myself.

Both of these books gave me new insight and compassion for the homeless. They don't need our sympathy--they don't need us to be their rescuer, giving hand-outs when it is convenient. Homeless individuals need relationships that give dignity and point them to hope

10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

What Difference Do It Make by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

Let me begin by saying that this review is long, long overdue. I have had "What Difference Do it Make" (Thomas Nelson Publishers) in my possession for many months without ever breaking the binding. The reason for this delay was that I wanted to first become acquainted with the story that the authors offered in their prelude to this book "Same Kind of Different As Me".

"What Difference Do It Make" is a savory blend of narratives colored by brief interludes that underscore the significant impact that one woman; Debra Hall had on the lives of thousands of people. The narratives bring greater depth to the meaning of Ron Hall and Denver Moore's friendship, their personal trials and triumphs, and prove beyond doubt, that God will use anyone who opens their heart to Him to perform His work.

The book is a continuation of sorts; picking up where "Same Kind of Different as Me" left the reader. We follow Ron and Denver from the pits of despair where Ron is left wondering if anyone will ever read Debra's story, to the wondrous truth that if you accept His will and leave your burdens in His hands, He will do incredible things. Peppered with short-stories about the many lives touched by "Same Kind", the book does not fail in delivering this truth.

Debra Hall's story is remarkable. Throughout both books, I journeyed through places of great joy, tremendous compassion and immense sadness. "Same Kind" moved me in such a way that upon finishing it, I simply left the book on my wife's pillow with a post-it note attached saying "Please read. Perhaps one of the best books I've ever read." My judgment was deemed correct two evenings later when she agreed with my assessment.

In no way do I want to spoil any part of either "Same Kind" or "What Difference" for you. So I will simply recommend that you obtain a copy of these two books, settle in with a nice hot cup of whatever it is you prefer to drink, and prepare to be there for a while. Because once you
begin reading, you won't want to stop.

I am a member of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Good book... recommended!

I received the book What Difference Do it Make? for free over a year ago from BookSneeze as part of their program. The book first sat on my desk for a while... then on my shelf... and then finally in a box as I moved twice. The other day I decided to finally pick it up. I began reading and found that I couldn't put it down. ...the 200 pages went by quickly and easily. The book I'd had for over a year I read in a single day. That's my way of saying that I highly recommend this book.

In What Difference Do it Make? the authors recount the stories of their unlikely friendship, which began when Ron started volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission, where Denver (who was homeless) spent much of his time. It follows their effort to write a book together about the love and compassion of Ron's wife, who first drug Ron to the Mission. That book, Same Kind of Different as Me, preceded and set in motion the need for this one. What Difference tells the stories of those inspired by the first story. those inspired and challenged to live more-meaningful lives.

What Difference Do it Make? is written in such a way to make reading it fun and compelling. We move from a chapter written by Ron to one written by Denver in his broken English. In between are stories about actual people who were inspired by Same Kind to change lives and systems.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

great bool

This will truly change your mind about judging people.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Outstanding!

This book is an amazing true story that will touch eeven the most hardest heart

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

A must read!

What difference do it make? takes you on the journey of two unlikely men who develop a friendship that surpasses the understanding of economic class. Mr. Ron Hall, who is a millionaire, and Mr. Denver Moore, who was homeless, met through the commitment of Ron Hall's wife Deborah to serve in the community. Not only will this book inspire you to do more in your life but will help you to understand the problem of homelessness in our country. The book is three in one giving the accounts of the two men and their bond together.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Book Review: What difference do it make? By: Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent

Posting this book review I was going to follow the definitive format for "book reviews". This time I am not. The book What difference do it make? simply had much to profound effect on me to take a formal approach to sharing its content with you.

The book is about loss and love, hurt and hope. It is about all of these things, but more than this; it is about the power of redemption within the context of our human experience.

Ron Hall and his wife Deborah befriended Denver Moore after beginning to volunteer at the Union Gospel Mission in Ft.Worth, Texas. As God would have it, the relationship grew to be bountiful, and rich beyond what money can buy. The relationship became a work of the soul.

Ron accounts for his experience with Denver, his own family and losing Deborah to cancer. Denver gives us a story of his own. From prison to dining with a U.S. President. Between the lines they also tell us the story of others who have come to know the power of breaking through the barriers of social class and race. These stories are about giving beyond reason and judgement. The book is about learning to trust that God's path is THE path and we need only to rest in his direction for us.

Denver made the most profound effect on me personally. His simple instructions and thought helped me to realize that I don't need to just read about Jesus, or even know Jesus just for myself. What God wants me and all of us to do is BE JESUS, DO JESUS! Thanks to Denver, I get that...I get that beyond a superficial idea of what service or outreach means in contemporary Christendom.

My heartfelt thank you to Denver, Ron, and Deborah. This book, yep, it changed my life!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Emotive testimony for the power of grassroots change and giving

What Difference Do It Make? is the follow-up to the Best-seller, Same Kind of Different as Me (2006).

The press materials for the book begin with this precis:

"It begins outside a burning plantation hut in Louisiana... and an East Texas honky-tonk... and, without a doubt, in the heart of God. It unfolds in a Hollywood hacienda... an upscale New York Gallery... a downtown dumpster... a Texas ranch. Gritty with pain and betrayal and brutality, it also shines with an unexpected, life-changing love."

If you want heart-felt stories about those who choose to give to those in need then this might just be a book for you. I have to admit I shed a few tears while reading short stories about small children who see or hear about need and respond.

It is also the story of Ron Hall's childhood. Hall, an international art dealer, and his late wife Debbie, committed to the friendship with a homeless man they met in Fort Worth. It is a story of finding ways to bridge the gap between poverty and extreme wealth in focusing on basic needs.

It is the story of the poor in Texas. It is a narrative designed and written to provoke an emotional response. It shows humanity at its best and worst. It is real and raw. The first story Same Kind of different as Me was focused on the development of the friendship between Ron and Debbie and Denver Hall - this one looks at how their lives have changed and the impact of the first book including the responses of readers, meetings with George W Bush, former first lady Barbara Bush, and other experiences resulting from the publicity surrounding the book.

The official website has a raft of information including calendars of speaking arrangements, supporting materials including video interviews with the authors. This book was on the New york Times bestseller list for some time and may serve as a nice gift.

** The book was provided free to Goannatree for review **** No other compensation was provided.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Truly Inspirational Book

I loved their first book, Same Kind of Different As Me, and I was excited to see how things were turning out for these guys. Their books certainly make you rethink your views and actions concerning the homeless. And they are both books of hope, that life can be good even when bad things happen.

Fantastic, you will carry it with you for a long time.

This is a must read for everyone!

Great read

Great to see where they were since the lost of the wife. Also enjoyed reading how the first book inspired others. If you enjoyed the first then you will want to read this.

Did you really need a book to tell you this?

I recently read the book, What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent. I received a copy of this book from BookSneeze to review. I would like to start out by saying that even if you had not read the first book (which I did not), this book does a good job at not letting you get lost. It frequently flashes back to the first book and fills you in very well, without seeming to repeat the whole story. Second, I really enjoyed the way this book incorporated letters and stories into the book, although I think they could've been a little better placed. Third, I do think this book has a very good message, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This book talks about the effects that the first book had, which were relayed to the authors, as well as their reflections on those occurrences and instances happening during writing the book.

But the one thing I find myself asking is, why do we need a book to inspire us to do these things? Why do people have to wait around for something to be the kick in the butt they need to start doing good works for others? Why can't we just do? Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this book, and it nearly made me cry at points. But my whole life, I have striven to be good to others, no matter the cost. I didn't need a book to make me want to get up and do something.

But I have to say that all in all, I would definitely recommend this book.

An unforgetable book!!

In this magnificent follow-up to the NYT bestseller "Same Kind of Different as Me", fine-art dealer Ron Hall and formerly homeless Denver Moore, tell more of their compelling personal life stories. Inspired by Ron Hall's late wife, Deborah, they work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of the country's homeless population. In alternating chapters, each man tells his own account using his own words and individual voice. Mr. Moore shares poignant truths and nuggets of wisdom, while Mr. Hall recounts his deeply touching story of forgiving and reconciling with his father. Advocating for the homeless, they describe speaking at engagements all across the country. They even had lunch at the White House with President and Laura Bush! But the heart of the book has to be the heartfelt testimonials from readers of the first book, who were inspired into action. They clearly demonstrate how one person helping others really does make a big difference. Each one of us, in our own way, can forever change lives.

"What Difference do it Make?" is inspiring, engaging and very thoughtfully written. Repeatedly, I was touched by the authors' deep feelings of compassion for others. This wonderful book teaches many important lessons about life, faith, and unconditional love. The full-color paintings by Mr. Moore were a delightful extra. I truly loved this heartwarming book, and I strongly recommend it, and its predecessor, "Same Kind of Different as Me".

What Difference do it Make? by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent

This is a great book about the friendship that has continued to grow between a wealthy fine-art dealer and a homeless man. This book continues the story from Same Kind of Different as Me and shows the impact Deborah's story has had on people throughout the country. This book not only gives more details about the original story, it also gives an update on Ron's relationship with his father, and stories about how others have been inspired to take action to help the homeless in their area.

In my opinion this book was not at the same level as Same Kind of Different As Me, which I could not put down until I finished the book. However, What Difference do it Make? Was also a great book and still brought me to tears at some parts. This book inspired me to not take the things I have in my life for granted but to truly appreciate the time that I have with my loved ones. I would highly recommend this as a must read.

A must read

This is a fantastic true story of the value of each person, regardless of community status, and how often we cannot see this value in those outside of our circle of associates. It is a story of reaching out, trust, and most of all the love that God wants each of us to express for our fellow human beings. It encourages one to look at the inner being of each person and not just their outward appearance. After reading this book one will look at people who are not just like us in a less judgemental way.

"what difference do it make" by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent

This book takes up more or less at the end of "same kind of different as me". That book introduced us to Ron, Denver, and Deborah through a sometimes disturbing, sometimes humorous, and completely engaging description of the God-driven arc of Ron and Deborah's volunteer work leading them to Denver and resulting in one very improbable friendship. While we grieved for Deborah as she battled cancer, the larger story was the development of a trusting and loving relationship between Ron and Denver as they each sought to cope with the looming loss of Deborah.

"what difference . . ." takes up mostly after Deborah's death as Ron deals with his grief, tries to establish a positive relationship with his father, and teams up with Denver to spread the good word in memory of Deborah's faith. We learn much more about Denver's past, especially his early experiences with loss, deprivation, and searching. Vignettes showing how Deborah's life inspired others to act are sprinkled liberally throughout this volume.

For me, the most affecting parts are those where Denver's word shine out, with simple truth and complete faith in God. We often make statements about "simple truths", but this man lives them. Reading his story is like being dipped into refreshing waters. His life as poor and illiterate sharecropper, homeless person, criminal, friend, minister, and inspiration is breathtaking in its positive impact on others.

Whether you have read the first book or not, grasping the main story lines is not difficult. The authors do a masterful job by using very short chapters and inserts to give us the heart of the various story lines. Those who crave linear stories will be challenged by the frequent "time-travel" as we weave back and forth between the relationships and events that affect Ron, Denver, and the other characters. We learn about the current ministry that Ron and Denver deliver in support of helping the homeless and how Deborah's message of love, faith, and trust in the Lord is carried by others who have read and responded to the first book.

Never fear, though. The basic messages that relationships take a while and require uncomfortable and even painful change, that God will provide what we need rather than what we want, and that everyone has the divine spark within them comes across loud and clear.

Even if this is not your normal kind of book, try it. You may just be amazed.

John is a member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program: http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

What Difference Do It Make?

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.

*This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program. http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

What Difference Do It Make?

What Difference Do It Make?
Author: Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Hardcover: 201pp
Christian Inspirational

What Difference Do It Make? by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent follows the hugely successful and New York Times best seller "Same Kind of Difference as Me". It's the continuing story of an unlikely friendship between two vastly different men - Ron Hall a successful art dealer and Denver Moore a homeless African American man from the streets of Fort Worth Texas.

I loved reading this book. It was honest and inspiring. What Difference Do It Make? continues the story of Ron and Deborah Hall and Denver Moore. It recounts numerous stories of people like you and me who were inspired by Ron and Deborah's story and who have gone on to make a difference in their worlds. This was an amazing and thought provoking read. It is truly a book worth reading again and one that should be shared with those around you. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

What Difference Do it Make?

This book was written by: Ron Hall, the husband, Denver Moore, a man who was homeless, and Lynn Vincent. It talks about the life of a woman (Deborah; the wife), who would never know the impact of the life she lived. It tells of amazing journeys people have been on, and how Deborah had helped motivate and encourage them to help the homeless. What Difference Do It Make? is a response to the book that started it all, Same Kind of Different as Me.
Being a person who does not choose to read many books, I loved this book all the way through! It helped me to realize that I need to not hold back from the homeless because I'm afraid they'll spend it on worthless items. I need to bless them. I always understood the meaning of their explanations and was happy to be told, in a nice manner, to get off my butt and do something. I was really moved by the Lord. He really used Ron & Denver to reach my heart.
<a href="http://brb.thomasnelson.com/reviews/blogger/5697?ref=badge"><img alt="I review for Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers" src="http://brb.thomasnelson.com/images/badge-ani.gif" border="0" width="200" height="175"></a>

Excellent sequel

This book is a meaningful sequel to Same Kind of Different As Me. Once again, it is interestingly written with both authors writing alternate chapters and telling their story from two different perspectives. This keeps the writing very interesting. Also, this book is full of vignettes of people who were moved to action to become involved personally with giving themselves to the needy and homeless. To me, this "proves" that the original book was a success! After all, was that not the "goal" of the original book? It's one thing to be moved by a good story; it's another completely different thing to be "moved to action". Debbie Hall, Ron Hall's wife, would be so pleased to see and to know the end result of her stepping outside the comforts of wealth and prestige to get her hands dirty feeding the homeless of Fort Worth. I dare you to read this story!! You will be different at the end.