same kind of different as me

I really enjoyed reading the book Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore.  It’s a neat book about a friendship between homeless Denver and affluent, evangelical Ron.  Over the course of the book, Ron’s wife dies of cancer.  It was a therapeutic book to read over the last week.

A couple quotes that stuck with me:

I remember one time I was hunkered down in the hobo jungle with some folks.  We was talkin ’bout life, and this fella was talkin, and said, “People think they’re in control, but they ain’t.  The truth is, that which must befall thee must befall thee.  And that which must pass thee by must pass thee by.”
You’d be surpised what you can learn talkin to homeless people.  I learned to accept life for what it is.

… and later

The truth about it is, whether rich or poor or somethin in between, this earth ain’t no final restin place.  So in a way, we is all homeless–just working our way toward home.

Tomorrow is the three-year anniversary of little Allen Lerner’s birth.  Here’s a post I wrote back in 2006.  September 1st was the day that they discovered that he was no longer alive.  My heart is full of sadness for the baby who I so wish had lived and for the dark and heavy road Heather and Michael have had to travel since then.

Heather and Michael just moved to a new home in Takoma Park last weekend.  I’m sending them lots of love, and I’m sure they could use any loving thoughts you can send their way.

12 Replies to “same kind of different as me”

  1. I'm glad you liked it! It's still one of my favorites… Jerry read it during our Alaska trip. My heart (still) goes out to your dear friends who are missing baby Allen.

  2. Don't you just love that book!! We were privileged to get to hear them speak here in College Station. Great couple of guys. They came to speak at a benefit for our Twin City Mission here. An amazing story.

  3. I, too, loved that book. I don't read very many books twice but I think it has some profound insights that I'd like to go through it again. I glad it ministered to you.

  4. Don't you just love that book!! We were privileged to get to hear them speak here in College Station. Great couple of guys. They came to speak at a benefit for our Twin City Mission here. An amazing story.

  5. Don't you just love that book!! We were privileged to get to hear them speak here in College Station. Great couple of guys. They came to speak at a benefit for our Twin City Mission here. An amazing story.

  6. I, too, loved that book. I don't read very many books twice but I think it has some profound insights that I'd like to go through it again. I glad it ministered to you.

  7. Thank you, Althea. I tried to write something similar to the second quote earlier today but it came out sounding more bitter than that lovely passage. Life is so very transient.

    The peach tree planting went well today and I am both sad and glad that this day is coming to a close. As you point out, it was really yesterday three years ago that was the saddest day. Today was comparatively better because we held him in our arms for most of the day and named him.

    love you

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