Compassion With True Grit
Two books that I have read recently speak boldly of compassion and people’s values and faith.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore tells of two lives – opposite in interests, race, economic status – and how one woman brought them together. Ron Hall, a white man determined to make it big as an international fine art dealer in Fort Worth Texas, marries a woman with a strong tenacity to help others around her. Then there is Denver Moore. He would be considered your modern day slave. Born in Louisiana and worked the cotton fields for “the man” until he escaped and ended up in Fort Worth, Texas as a homeless man.
Ron’s wife persuaded him to join her at the mission to help serve a Tuesday meal to the homeless. Ron considered this to be a way to be helpful yet remain at a safe distance from getting involved. Well, his wife had other plans. She then wanted her husband to befriend one of the gentlemen at the mission who seemed to stand back away from everyone. This is where Ron meets Denver. Denver is hesitant to get close to Ron because when white men fish, “they do this thing of catch and release.” A black man would never think of throwing the fish back in. A black man would be proud of what he caught and then want to share it with family and friends. Denver wanted to make sure that Ron would not toss him back in the water when he was done with Denver’s friendship.
Their friendship grew over a short time. It became very strong during a sad and trying time for the two men. This is where the reader realizes the strength, compassion, and true grit of what two men shared. You have to read this book.
The other book, The Color of Water by James McBride, reveals the strength and faith of a white woman raising her 12 bi-racial children in a black neighborhood. She ran away from her Jewish parents, who saw faith as a strict discipline. This is a story about one woman’s strength and determination to raise her children with values, talents and an educated mind. James McBride, one of her sons, discloses her life and events alongside his own description of life growing up with 11 brothers and sisters and a white Mommy. Another thought provoking story of life and the strength of faith.
There are many other books out there to ponder over how precious life really is; no matter what color our skin may be, what political party we belong to or where we live. What have you read recently? Or What ‘cha Reading?
