Spirituality - "what Difference Do It Make?"

The book "What difference do it make?" is the "sequel" to the first book by Ron Hall

, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent that was titled "same kind of different As me." You can read the review I posted on that book on my website - "Same Kind of Different As Me Spiritual Fact with Spiritual Fiction" if you are interested in a comparison. Both of these books are based on true stories and are not spiritual fiction books, although the experiences that they relate are pretty remarkable.

This latest book continues the tale of Ron and Denver as they continue the spiritual work initially started by Ron and his wife Debbie to help the homeless and the less fortunate. In "same kind of different As me." Ron and Debbie offer to help at a homeless shelter one day per week serving meals. While doing this they meet Denver Moore, an illiterate homeless African American, and Debbie challenges Ron to become his friend. As the story progresses and the three of them become good friends, Debbie is diagnosed with cancer and eventually passes away. Her dream before she dies is to improve the fortunes of the homeless, and this legacy is carried on by Ron and Denver after her death.

"What difference do it make?" provides some additional background to explain and enhance the first book. It also includes several stories from people across the country who either read the original book or heard about their story through the media. It relates some very touching and poignant stories that had been sent to Ron and Denver from people whose lives were affected by their story, and in many cases tells how they were motivated to help others in turn. The spiritual message that comes across is that it does not matter how much or how little we do - when we do ANYTHING good at all it does make a difference for others.

I enjoyed reading this book, and I definitely recommend that you read their first book prior to reading this one. Although it can be read on it's own, there are some references made to the first book and some things are explained further which will be more meaningful if you have some background knowledge ahead of time. One of the most uplifting themes carried through both books is that ANYONE can make a difference in someone else's life - no matter how insignificant that difference may seem at the time.

When Ron and Debbie set out to help the homeless, they probably thought that their one day a week helping would be just that - one day a week. They could not have imagined the number of people that they would eventually help through Debbie's dream of providing an even bigger legacy. In fact, even Debbie did not expect that after her death, the number of people touched by her story would continue to grow and multiply. In the case of Denver, he has been "transformed" from a homeless person with very little chance or opportunity for improvement, to an accomplished artist and now a very wealthy man. He currently shares a home with Ron and they both travel extensively speaking and spreading the hope of spiritual improvement to others literally around the world.

The book does have a strong Christian and religious aspect. This may turn some people away who assume that Ron and Denver are two crazed religious evangelists asking for money in return for salvation. As you read both books (and I trust that you will) you will find that Ron may have appeared initially to be that type of person, through his association with Denver his outlook changes. It may be more accurate to say that his true character is revealed because of Denver, not because he changed. Denver can only be described by Denver himself in his own simple, straightforward words. He readily admits that he is far from a saint, and as you read about his past you will definitely come to realize that.

There are issues that Ron and Denver have to come to terms with (Ron's relationship with his father, Denver dealing with his new life) and these are included among the "Stories of Hope and Healing". Denver's contributions were recorded and written down (mostly by Ron) and the language and grammar are definitely Denver's. The title was actually suggested by Denver when Ron asked him what he thought the book should be called and Denver replies "What difference do it make?"

This book is definitely worth reading - the stories submitted by everyday people from across the country will inspire you and make you realize that we can make a difference in the lives of others. You may feel that your contribution will be insignificant, however Ron and Debbie have proven that merely by agreeing to help with a homeless shelter one day a week, they have helped thousands of people and raised millions of dollars simply by being willing to help. I would hope that each of us can do our small part in some way simply by asking where we are needed.

Laughter and love,

Rick Fess

"What difference do it make?" on Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent

Thomas Nelson www.thomasnelson.com

by: Rick Fess

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