If you've read my previous post, you know that I struggled to enjoy reading, writing, praying, and just being in my quiet moments in Plano this summer. I kept a few books in my nightstand during those months, even though most of our books had been packed up and stored in the garage for our staged house. One book, in particular, Same Kind of Different As Me (by Ron Hall and Denver Moore), was one that I kept out because I was determined to finish it. I had read about 75% of the book a few years ago when it came out and loved it, but I am notorious for only reading partial books and never actually finishing any of them (which is why even in audiobook form, it was a big deal that I finished Tina Fey's Bossypants this summer). For whatever reason, I had an internal need to keep that book out. I had a desire to read it a few times this summer, but could never remember where I had stored it. I never did find it until we moved and I put it on top of my nightstand so I wouldn't lose it again. While this all seems like extraneous detail, I believe this little book is part of a plan of God's pursuit in my life.
This past weekend, my uncle was in town (as were about 20 of my nearest and dearest family members, here to surprise my mom) and mentioned to me that he wanted to visit Ft Worth so he could see the homeless shelter that was the focal point in Same Kind of Different As Me. That was the final straw for me, so I came home last night after mom's bday weekend and pulled it out, nervous as to if I would remember enough details to just pick it back up where I left off. I started reading it and it was as if Ron and Denver were just sitting in my apartment telling me their story.
I am not finished yet, but I have read almost 100 pages in the past 24 hours. This is abnormal for me (which I realize will be a challenge in seminary, and is another reason I'm trying to retrain myself on how to focus and read better/more). I am no longer in my funk. I am reminded in Ron and Denver's gentle words that life is bigger than our everyday routines. Our everyday career paths. Even bigger than our nuclear family groups that we tend to idolize at times. Through this amazing story of a homeless man and an art dealer, I have been reminded of what it means to show love to someone. Particularly someone who you wouldn't normally feel inclined to show that you love. I have been reminded of my calling to share God's love with the world through leadership in the local and universal church. I have been reminded of life and death and hunger and longings and joy and pain and grief. All I could think of as I read the words in this beautiful book was how overwhelmed I was that God will still allow me to be a vessel used for God's greater purposes. I am so unworthy.
Ron's words echoed in my heart as he described how he felt after Denver had prayed and spoken God's word in his life.
"I marveled at the intricate tapestry of God's providence. Deborah, led by God to deliver mercy and compassion, had rescued this wreck of a man who, when she fell ill, in turn became her chief intercessor. For nineteen months, he prayed through the night until dawn and delivered the word of God to our door like a kind of heavenly paperboy. I was embarrassed that I once thought myself superior to him, stooping to sprinkle my wealth and wisdom into his lowly life." (p 183)
Oh, how it convicted me today to be reminded that my status in life, in my current or former career, my place in this world are all fleeting things. I love how much I have learned from a homeless man on the pages of this book. That he would be the one to write words that would comfort me and assure me that I have heard God and have answered God's call. That the art dealer who took him in would remind me that I am superior to no one and I have everything to learn from those who I view as "ministry opportunity." I love that a book copyrighted in 2006 would still be spreading love and acceptance and encouraging my faith six years later.
I'm headed off to read now - hoping to finish it tonight. In the meantime, I'm pretty excited for the other amazing and mysterious ways that God will continue to hammer me over the head to recognize that helping others understand how much God loves them has better eternal reward than any career path or perks that I selfishly continue to long for. Loving the homeless in Austin has been thrown in my face a few times in the past month I've been here and I imagine the conversation and response to this book could continue to inspire me to understand how the local churches in Austin are responding to the needs of those people.
In case you haven't read this fantastic story, please go check it out -
http://www.samekindofdifferentasme.com/purchase.aspx
No comments:
Post a Comment