I read the book “Same Kind of Different as Me” and watched several videos online before watching the movie. The movie focuses on how Ron, Deborah and Denver met at a mission in Texas. The story began with a dream Deborah had about befriending a specific homeless man. In the process of restoring a hurt marriage, they began volunteering at their local rescue mission.
Storyline:
Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) lost track of what matters most in life. It took an affair, a confession, a dream and an unlikely friendship with a homeless man to help him remember. From the outside, Ron Hall’s seemingly charmed life looked pretty perfect: He had a flourishing art business, a beautiful wife, Debbie (Renée Zellweger), two fine teen children, and an amazing fifteen thousand square foot house in Fort Worth, Texas. But appearances can be deceptive. – Imdb.com
As the friendship develops, all three lives are changed. The key point in helping the homeless is to invest in a life long-term. Denver explained it through a fishing phrase. He said he didn’t want a catch and release friendship. The movie ends with Deborah’s funeral and dedication of a new chapel at the mission in her memory.
Watch Same Kind of Different As Me (2017) Trailer:
The book went much deeper into the history of each of their lives and experiences together over a decade. I was glad I read it first. Had I not read it, this would just have been a feel good movie. The book poured out their souls.
I have a young woman in my life that I can relate with like this movie. We can definitely see God’s hand in our lives over time. Decades later we begin to see the fruit of seeds planted.
A mission is a great place to come together. I volunteered four years at a mission and it was a great experience. I would keep in mind however, that though this was a great story, please keep safety as the first priority, especially when children are involved.
Even if you don’t have money to donate, just your time and friendship can do great things. I had great talks with guys I interacted with in Maryland. I told them they didn’t have to fake anything and that I was proud of them for finishing the program. They told me when they first got there, they were going to leave but when they saw me coming after work to volunteer on my own time, it inspired them to stay because they saw I really cared.
If you want to see change in the world, get involved. Nothing changes if you just stay to yourself. We all need someone, even when we don’t know it. God can do great things if we will listen to the nudges he sends our way. I’ve witnessed it in my life. He can do it for you. You can find your way home with a little help.
