Heaven Sent: The Bubba and Harry Dailey Story

Russ Pate is an author who knows how to choose a story. Once again, his subjects have a tale to tell that is filled with drama, redemption, love and compassion. Bubba and Harry Dailey are real-life characters whose love story will stay with you forever, for while they have seen and experienced the lowest points of life their lives are now overflowing with meaning. After years of personal highs and lows, they now care for and nurture the homeless in a way that will touch your heart. Buy this book, settle down with a cup of tea and read of lives that are rich and meaningful - and then, go out and do a good deed. Russ and the Daileys will make you want to have the same fulfillment in your world as they do in theirs.

People like to talk about the "homeless problem" as if it were purely theoretical. This book transforms the theoretical into the actual, presenting the stories of a woman who set out to do something real, one homeless person at a time, and a man who went from being homeless himself to transforming the lives of others. Even more interestingly, the stories are framed in the love story between the man and the woman, both of whom ultimately became Episcopal priests. But the author portrays them first and foremost not as saints but as ordinary people who between their own decisions and God's help have created a tangible and lasting resource to help those that many of us choose to ignore. The book is frank in its portrayal of the root causes of homelessness but also in the role of faith in deciding to, and ultimately succeeding in, serving "the least of these." I found the Revs. Harry & Bubba Dailey personally inspiring without ever losing their individuality. Truly this story serves as a wake-up call to each of us, for we can make a difference one person at a time. All it takes is faith and will. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know more both about the "homeless problem" or who wants to simply be inspired to solve whatever problem tugs at their heart.

Russ Pate has put not only a face, but a heart and soul to the issue of homelessness. While the book is about a facility in my home town of Dallas, it could just as easily have been written about anywhere from Seattle to Pittsburgh. The story is concisely written, wrenchingly accurate in its depictions, and quietly compassionate about the plight of "the least of these." I feel challenged and inspired. I've already given the book to many of my friends and family and plan to spread the word even more. Here's a place where we can make a difference.

This is a wonderful book about how determination and faith can change one life and touch so many others. Truly inspirational, especially since it is true.