Tuesday, September 28, 2021

The Simple Difference

Title: The Simple Difference: How Every Small Kindness Makes a Big Impact

Author: Becky Keife

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Christian Nonfiction, Kindness

Source: ARC

My Review:

 I loved The Simple Difference. I think what we all need right now is more kindness, making Becky Keife's book very timely. God gave the idea of this book to Becky long before a pandemic hit and the timing of the release could not be more relevant.

...our small, sometimes barely perceptible acts of love, kindness, and encouragement can not only put a little ripple in the currents of hate and blame, division and dysfunction they are enough to actually change the tide.

The Simple Difference is told in a first-person conversational tone. It feels like we are sitting down with Becky, talking over a cup of coffee, and being real with one another. Becky does not approach this book as one who has it all together, but as one who has made plenty of mistakes, and learned from them.

We are all born to be difference makers. 

Becky shares many stories, not just her own, of how kindness has made a difference in the lives of others. She talks about why kindness matters and how sometimes it can be awkward, or even hard. In a lot of ways, it is an act of trust to step out with whatever we have to offer kindness to someone. I especially love the story of Beth Moore included in the story. I had heard it before but the impact is like hearing it the first time.

At the end of each chapter, Becky inspires the reader with three keys to living The Simple Difference, which includes a prayer, living it now, and saying it loud. This is a book that you will not want to miss. In a world that is divided over all.the.things. we need people to be The Simple Difference. Are you willing? I am, I am in, all the way in.

Thank you to Revell and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

★★★★★/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

We've all got a lot of questions these days: In a world marked by division, how do we create bridges of meaningful connection? When despair runs rampant, is real hope possible? When competition is elevated, is compassion still relevant? And at the end of the day, can one person really make any impact at all?

When the world's problems loom large and your ordinary life stretches you thin, it is still possible to be a difference-maker--one small, intentional, extravagant act of kindness at a time.

Rather than telling you to do more, The Simple Difference shows you how to see more: more of the people in front of you, more of God's lavish love for you, more of his power within you. The Simple Difference will help you

- stop getting buried in busyness and distraction and discover countless opportunities for impact right where you are
- remove your perceived limitations and learn to see that your "not-enough" is exactly what the world needs
- discard expectations of what it takes to make a difference and delight in the life-changing power of simple kindness

The Simple Difference isn't about totally changing the course of your life; it's about letting God change you and work through you in the midst of your ordinary days. To say, As I go on my way, Lord, have your way with me. Be a part of The Simple Difference movement--your life and the world will never be the same.

 

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