Kinda Like Grace: A Homeless Man, a Broken Woman, and the Decision That Made Them Family

by Ginger Sprouse

The inspirational story of how a woman with a difficult past befriended a homeless man whose kind, life-affirming spirit taught her and their Texas community about forgiveness, humility, and the boundless love of God.

Stopped at a familiar Houston intersection on her way to work, Ginger Sprouse watched the homeless man pacing the garbage-strewn ground in his bare feet. Compelled to pull over and say hello, she was drawn to his exuberant joy and infectious smile. Over the next few months, she would learn that Victor, who was mentally disabled, had been returning to that spot because it was the last place he had seen his mother--three years earlier.

Motivated by her faith and their deepening friendship, Ginger set out to help Victor, creating Facebook and GoFundMe pages to raise funds for Victor's medications, clothing, and food. When it became clear that he could not live safely on his own, she and her family took a leap of faith and offered him a permanent place in their family. What Ginger learned from Victor about forgiveness, humility, and love changed her forever. Kinda Like Grace is a powerful reminder that seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome, that we all deserve second chances, and that each of us has a limitless capacity to love our neighbors, no matter how different from us they may appear to be.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Christian

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2019

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I really enjoyed this book, it seemed she was trying to tell two stories, and perhaps should have written two separate books.

One story, roughly the first 50 pages, deals with her role in the dissolution of her first marriage. Heart rending stuff.

The second story, told in the balance of the book, examines her role in serving the needs of a street person.

Throughout both stories, she is willing to shine light on her weaknesses, and on the grace of God.

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the past couple of years, I’ve learned to appreciate memoirs and other biographical works a lot more than I ever did before. I saw this book available as an ARC several times, and finally took the time to figure out what it was about—and was immediately hooked. I couldn’t imagine taking a homeless man into our home, so I was curious how Ginger and her husband navigated that!

This is much more than just a story of Victor and how he changed the Sprouse’s lives. It’s also Ginger’s story, and from my perspective, her story was more impactful than Victor’s! I’ve rarely seen anyone talk so candidly—with such brutal honesty—about how sin brought about such devastating consequences in their lives as Ginger’s did in her divorce from her first husband. Though she wrote that part of the book mostly to give background to where she and her second husband were at the time they met Victor, I found her story confronting, heart-wrenching, sobering, but ultimately very, very helpful. I may not face the same temptations she did, but her words resonated with me, and though I may not agree with all of her decisions, just the fact alone that she was willing to tell her story (and the gospel-oriented faith that infused that telling) would make me buy this book.

Then there’s Victor’s story. My heart went out to him, even though, for the most part, I’m the kind of person who tends to shy away from any interactions with homeless people (this story puts me to shame!). I loved the way Ginger honored him as a child of God, and the ways she and her husband worked together to provide him with the home and family he so desperately needed. It was beautiful.

This book took me by surprise with its honesty, gripping writing style, and the beauty of the gospel. It’s been almost two weeks since I read the last page, and I feel like in some ways, I’m still processing it—still struggling to put it into words. I just know that these stories—Ginger’s and Victor’s—deeply impacted my heart, and I’m grateful she took the time to share them with us. If you’re looking for a memoir that will cause you to do some soul-searching, or love reading about other Christians living their lives for Christ’s glory, don’t pass this book up.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, quick read. The way that she starts out so self-seeking, with little care for how her actions will affect the ones she loves, and then is called to be so selfless with everything in her life and how that has positive affects on the ones she loves. It is really a great story and I am glad she told it. Also enjoyed the bible verses throughout as a part of the story.

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A quick, easy read. A good book that spoke about God’s forgiveness and reconciliation when there is true repentance. Ginger was so raw and honest about her mistakes and failures. I can only imagine how hard that would be to write down for the world to see. Sin however does has consequences that she is still experiencing to this day. I think we can all relate to this part of Gingers story whether our fall was as big or smaller we all fall and need God’s love and forgiveness that he gives freely and lovingly. I love how she was so honest and described what she was thinking when she made that fatal decision how the devil egged her on and encouraged her pride. I thought that was really well done. The second part of the story was about her relationship with Victor and her redemption. I think what was important here was that if she had have let the devil keep her down and believe she was beyond redemption she would not have been available to God to be used in Victors and Gods story. Accept his grace and then you can show grace to others.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda Like Grace
Author: Ginger Sprouse
Format: Kindle epub
Tissue warning: not for me
My reviewer rating: 3 of 5
Published: June 4, 2019

Thank you, Netgalley, for my digital copy of Kinda Like Grace in exchange for my honest-to-goodness review of this novel by Ginger Sprouse.

I feel like I completely misread the blurb for this title, so it took me for surprise a little, which caused me to put this on the side burner for longer than I normally would. I was expecting something a lot different. Once I got past my initial surprise, and all of the wonky early-release formatting mishaps, this was a very compassionate and "gracefull" story told by Ginger. I will say I was slightly put off by the dialogue style that Ginger used for when Victor spoke. I'm sure there are folks that speak this way, but it felt very 1960's.

[Patrice DeLaPaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be inspirational and filled me with hope. I see a woman on the corner I pass nearly every day. She is preaching and spreading the love of Jesus. I honk and wave every time I see her, but I’ve never stopped. I think she is homeless and may live in her suv. But I’ve never stopped.
This memoir was written to share a story of faith, trust and to encourage us all to care a little more. And to listen to the Holy Spirit when we hear the call to stop.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author’s transparency and candid openness around her own decisions and the consequences of them - good and bad - makes this a valuable lesson in personal growth. I enjoyed the many themes she discussed, contrary to other reviews, because no one’s life is a singular narrative. Our life journeys are influenced by a myriad of circumstances, and I appreciate the path the author took us down to tells us hers.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book "Kinda Like Grace" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. I liked this book but the formatting was crazy. It was hard to follow - some words missing from my copy and huge Do Not Duplicate all over the place. Made it hard to read. I finished it quickly. Nice Story.

[Sylvia Meincke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great inspiration!

It was a little distressing in the beginning as I hurt along with the author in the breakup of her marriage but stuck with it and what an inspiration both she and Dean and also her children to make amends! Victor, you are one lucky guy!

[Anya Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a pretty lighthearted read. I found the story to be quite lovely, showing the soft rhythms of God’s grace as He patiently works in us to bring blessing to others.
However, I am not sure that I can fully endorse her work, given her misguided practice of remarriage after a divorce.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars because this is a wonderful story of human compassion but it was too preachy for me

[Millicent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It’s a beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness and Grace.I couldn’t put it down.

[Bernie Maheu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. I love true stories and not only is this story true but you can get a lot out of reading it.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard this author interviewed on Moody, so I knew her story. I would have liked this book better if I didn’t know anything about the author.

[Jenn Prichard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love loved this story about a woman who follows Jesus' call and ends up changing the life of a homeless man. SO GOOD.

[Dennis Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful example of how God needs us to both practice our faith, and to be persistent in this practice. All good comes from this. Very heartwarming.

[Gina Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Listened on audio-it was fine.

[Deb Beachburgmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but would have liked a bit more than what was written....

[Jenna Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Amazing story about kindness and how the Lord works in our lives.

[Stacyand Brody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this story. I could appreciate the struggle worth old sin and new life. I applaud Ginger's obedience and her husband's! Very inspiring.