Leaving This World A Better Place…
I believe with everything in me that I have been put on this earth to profoundly change it. That may sound like an audacious statement, but I believe that with every ounce of my being.
My one desire above all else, is to leave this world a better place than I found it by changing and impacting the lives of each and every person that I meet.
Since starting my blog…
it is a flame that has been stoked into a raging fire. It consumes me to such an extent that this fire now burns into every project I take on, every conversation that I hold, and every person that I reach out to.
I had no idea when I received my third book to review, that this book would only work to flame that fire even more.
It is often said that one person can change the world. That seems like such an impossible feat, and yet, true stories such as this one continue to surface to remind us of the validity of that statement. You and I can truly change the world one person at a time.
This true story is told by two authors who share how one woman impacted and changed their lives forever. In doing so, she also changed a community. Today, this story is changing the lives of people around the world.
Denver Moore, was a modern-day black slave who moved to Texas to get away from his life and became one of the many homeless people there. He aptly reminds his readers that,
You never know whose eyes God is watchin’ you through.
And the truth of the matter is, we don’t. But as this story so beautifully illustrates, it is those eyes that are watching us that provide us with an incredible opportunity to reach out and touch someone in such a way as to transform not just their day-to-day lives as human beings, but their world perspective, as well as, enabling us to give them the tools to also leave their world a better place than they found it.
One of my favorite aspects of the telling of this story is that the chapters alternate back and forth between the two authors as they share their perspective and their worldview of the story of how God incredibly and divinely intertwined their lives in a way they would have never believed possible. God’s tool was a woman named Debbie who became burdened to find a way to make the lives of the homeless more positive, joyful and fulfilling.
This book in a nutshell is about how one person can truly make a difference.
One word of caution, however. If you have no desire to be changed or to be moved to be the instrument God uses to bring about change, then you may not want to read this book. If you do, I guarantee you will be profoundly impacted and motivated to step out of the ‘me’ box and move over to the ‘them’ box.
This book will forever change how you see the homeless, the elite rich, and the incredible ability of unconditional love and it’s transformational and changing power – not only to those who receive the unconditional love, but perhaps even more so, to those who give it.
This book is definitely a 5 out of 5!
*I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogging 4 Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Determined to continue forward,
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Dominique,
You make a difference by sharing your indomitable spirit.
Lillie Ammann´s last [type] ..Book Review- Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers
Lillie – Thank you!
Dominique,
This isn’t related to this post, but I wanted to point out this post on Joanna Paterson’s blog: http://confidentwriting.com/2010/07/blog-readers-are-lazy-dont-make-us-stretch/
She is advocating bloggers provide full feeds rather than partial. I commented that there are only a couple of blogs with partial feeds that I bother to read. One of those is yours. Normally if I don’t get the full post in my feed reader, I unsubscribe immediately.
Just thought you might be interested to know I’m not the only one who dislikes partial feeds…
Lillie Ammann´s last [type] ..Response cached until Sat 31 @ 10:38 GMT (Refreshes in 59 Minutes)
Lillie – I’m glad you told me about this. When I started blogging 2-3 years ago, the full feed was seen as a no-no. I will update mine to show the full feed. Thank you!
Note: I changed it but I can’t tell if it is now showing the full text. Can you let me know if it has now changed to the full text? Thanks.
You have made a difference in my life, Dominique. I come here almost every day to
hear your thoughts and respond and share my thoughts–that is friendship -
and that really helps with being isolated socially.
I have exciting news – it did happen fast – I’m getting my new dog today through Oregon Dauchshund Rescue. She comes already spayed and shots up to date.
I met her last Wed evening – a volunteer brought her to me for a visit.
That same volunteer is bringing Lucy here today. Without a computer
I don’t know how I would have found this resource as they are not listed
in the phone book. The Rescue place is only about 10 miles from here.
Everything was so easy – them bringing her to me. So I think it was meant
to be. Now the fun begins!
I knew my hear would win out over my head (should I really -
all the vet bills, etc) – She is 9 months old, a red smooth dauchshound. I
named her Lucy. She is going to be a great comfort during the missing
of Sammy. I can tell her all about Sammy and she won’t mind at all.
And after l8 months I can sleep with a dog again. I really missed that.
I’m enjoying your book reviews and may see if the library can provide.
Patricia – THAT is awesome news! I am so excited for you. Isn’t another name for these dogs, weenie dogs?
I love the part where you say you can tell Lucy about Sammy. Oh my gosh that grabbed my heart!
BTW – I agree. That is friendship!
Wonderful book review and post, Dominique….I like to think that if I never am able to influence the world in any other way..I already have because of our great older children and what they do for God and community. You make a big difference here Dominique. Look at all who follow your posts…comment, reach out to support and help you during this time…There may be more God has planned for you, but you have already blessed many.
Renee´s last [type] ..Saturdays Scribbles
Renee – Thank you. I think you would love this story, Renee! It is such an inspirational and loving story. I totally agree. You’re children are the next generation and you have raised them up to change their world. Isn’t that the most important job we have as women – our children! Totally agree.
Thank you. I think God is just beginning with me. It’s just a sense I have. I’m ready to get back to the business of moving forward and starting the next chapter of my life.
Yes, also called weenier or hot dog doggie. No groomming except nail trims.
She came with treats, food, beautiful blanket and coat, toys, spayed, shots
up to date and delivered to me at home. The adoption fee just covers all
of this or some may be a partial donation to help other dogs. I never dreamed
this cute, easy to care for little breed would have so many homeless doggies.
She is sweet and mouth gentle, follows me around like a shadow, soft as velvet
- a real beauty. Wish I knew how to scan pics into computer. Need a
new battery for my camera. Later I can take some photos and if Shelley
visits she can teach me how to scan the photos so I can send one to you. I still
feel sad and am missing Sammy terribly; but Lucy is a fun distraction and
a comfort.
Patricia – Wow! I can’t believe that Lucy came with all of that! You sound like you have everything you need to take care of her. She sounds delightful! I’m sure she will be such a great comfort as you move forward in grieving for Sammy. I know it will take a while. I still have moments where I miss Bronte terribly. Dekker definitely helps me with those moments.
I can’t wait to see a photo. I bet Lucy is beautiful! I’m so happy for you!
Wow, this sounds like a very inspirational book. I’ve read other with similar sorts of stories so I know what you mean.
I sometimes think that maybe I got CFS so that I could help other people in ways I couldn’t when I was healthy. It has certainly made me more aware of the challenges that every person deals with, even healthy people.
Sue
Sue Jackson´s last [type] ..Movie Monday 8-2
Sue – I can totally relate….
Hi,
Thank you for recommending Same Kind of Different as Me on your blog! I work with Thomas Nelson, and we would love to follow your blog and hear what readers think of this moving book. I also want to let you know that Ron and Denver have released a new book What Difference Do It Make? which updates readers on their activity since the first book came out. Please contact me with your mailing address if you are interested in receiving a complimentary copy of the new book for review on your site at your convenience.
Thanks!
Jodi – Thank you so much for dropping in and leaving a comment! I have no problem with you following my blog and I would LOVE to read the follow-up book. I have been telling everyone I know about this wonderful book!