Same Kind of Different as Me

© 2008 by Janice Byrd

by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

Book review by Janice Byrd

Denver Moore was an uneducated, belligerent, black man, a homeless ex-convict living on the streets of Fort Worth, Texas. Ron Hall was a wealthy art dealer, married and the father of two, whose materialistic lifestyle had driven him to an estranged relationship with his wife Debbie, and eventually to an affair.

Since its release in 2006, Same Kind of Different as Me, the autobiography of Ron Hall and Denver Moore, has been raising millions of dollars for homelessness across America. But, actually this book is about Debbie and her desire to obey God in forgiving her husband and in serving the people at the Union Gospel Mission.

Ron and Denver tell their stories in alternating chapters until their lives merge in 1989 at the Fort Worth Union Gospel Mission. To this day, their individual stories coincide as they live and work together.

Penitently, Ron persisted in coming to the Mission, despite the confrontations and challenging questions he faced from the homeless about his motives. “Mr. Ron, I heard that when white folks go fishing they do something called ‘catch-and-release,’” Denver dared. “If you is fishing for a friend you just gon’ catch-and-release, then I ain’t got no desire to be your friend.”

Ron and Denver’s friendship, which has weathered unpredictable and incredible circumstances, has changed the world. Not only is it the ongoing story of this book and the making of a new movie, but it is also the depiction of God’s grace and restoration given to us. “But, if you is lookin’ for a real friend,” Denver finally offered, “then I’ll be one. Forever.”

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