It seems that in the mainstream, there are few modern uplifting stories that boldly share the power of a living God. This book is a gem off the New York Times Bestseller list that does just that.

Same Kind of Different as Me is the real life story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore. God uses Ron’s wife, Diane, and her faith in God to bring the two together. Each is stretched beyond their comfort zones as they cross to the “other side of the tracks” from their own. The story is told against the backdrop of racial injustice, poverty and homelessness. Within that setting, one faithful servant of Christ and the power of God work to break through these social barriers and forge an unlikely friendship between Ron and Denver.

This is an inspiring story for those trying to walk out their faith daily and live what the Bible teaches. It clearly demonstrates to us that when we are unwilling to reach out and invest in someone’s life we can so easily miss the very opportunities that God uses to touch others and to change us as well. We are shown that in spite of Ron and Denver’s human flaws and foibles, God is able to bring reconciliation and healing to two men who were simply faithful to what God called them to do.

This book is not meant to teach theology or present a perfect explanation of the gospel and one should not read it expecting to find those things. It is merely two men telling their story and sharing how God worked in their lives. Even still, it is a story worth reading in a time when we don’t hear about God’s power and working outside of the church.

Included with this book is a Reader’s Guide for those willing to dig deeper into some of the issues presented. This is a great resource for group discussion or individual reflection.