Quote from the book: Same Kind of Different as Me
Story by Randy Grathen
“Yea though I walk through the valley…”
Learning to trust God. Really trusting Him, only happens when we find He is the one thing left in our life that is unmoving, and unchangeable. He becomes our rock and our anchor during the storms in our life. He is our salvation. If you’ve never walked through the valley one can never truly appreciate the depth of His love. Sometimes it’s an arm around the shoulder, or it can be a full-on bear hug. Whatever we need at the moment. He will never leave us or forsake us.
When I’m walking through “The Valley,” I always learn something new about myself, about God, or maybe having to face some demon I’ve been running from that must be conquered. I want my journey over as quickly as possible, but in all things God related, it is over when He’s done with me. I learned God does his best work in the Valley when I am not as distracted by my daily routines, and I’m forced to look inward. My focus narrows. What is God trying to teach me? I’ve also learned that rarely do I fully understand what the journey was about. Not until I climb up out of the valley and from that safe vantage point, I can look back at the path of my journey. Sadly, people can get lost in the valley because they refuse to follow the path God laid out for them. They are in denial or are angry, blaming God for being there. Not willing to learn, but to complain the whole time. The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years before they entered the promised land. Apparently, they were slow learners.
Anything can happen in the valley. The loss of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, homelessness, accidents, illness, abuse. Any number of tragedies can push us into the Valley. As Christians we need to come to grips with the fact that we will suffer, sometimes beyond anything we could imagine. Sometimes even unto death. But if we survive the journey, we always come out wiser, more humbly, and more tenderhearted.
I just finished reading the book ‘Same Kind of Different as Me.’ I have NEVER been more moved by any other book as I was by this. It was extremely hard to read because half the time my tears blurred the words.
Denver Moore was a 30-something homeless Black sharecropper; unable to read or write. One day Denver walked away from the Louisiana plantation he grew up on, hopped a Hobo Train headed West, and got off in Texas, living on the streets of Fort Worth. He was befriended by Ron and Debbie Hall, an affluent couple who served food at the Fort Worth Union Gospel Mission. One of the most poignant lines in the entire book was a warning God gave to Denver one night regarding Deborah, and he shared this message with Ron. “Those precious to God become important to Satan. Watch your back Mr. Ron! Somethin bad fixin’ to happen to Miss Debbie.” The book is not just about a homeless man meeting some rich people. It is a deep dive into trusting God in circumstances that would crush someone if they didn’t grab ahold of God and hang on to Him with all their might.
(You will have to read the book. There is no spoiler here.)
If we belong to Jesus, we are a target for Satan. No one can stand alone against him. As this world becomes darker and more dangerous, we must become more vigilant and discriminating in what we believe and hold on to. We know that Satan is the Great Deceiver, a Liar. New age teachings are creeping into our churches and vocabulary. But as King Solomon said so long ago, “There is nothing new under the sun.” God is unchanging. He said what He meant and meant what He said. There are no new interpretations of His word. Stand fast, do not be moved, do not be deceived. And most importantly, do not stand alone!
Be sober and be watchful: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Do yourself a favor. Get the book. If you aren’t moved by it. I’ll buy it back from you.
Here’s the link. It’s the best ten bucks you’ll ever spend.
Ron Hall & Denver Moore
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