Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion

I first heard Fr. Greg Boyle speaking in Krista Tippet's On Being radio show / podcast short time ago, and immediately bought his book from Amazon. The decision of purchase was even faster when I found out that all of the proceeds from the book are donated to Homeboy Industries. If you haven't heard him speaking, I highly recommend listening to the YouTube recording of this conversation (or audio version from onbeing.org). I was fascinated by his total dedication, deep, living faith, unstoppable energy and a sense of humor of a man, who is completely free of the weight of his own ego. This sense of humor constrasts with innumerable tragic stories he was involved in, including close to 200 funerals of young people. He is also very good, engaging speaker.I recommend this book especially because it's not only about external adventures -- although there're lots of stories here, both tragic and hillarious -- it's also about spiritual journey. It is written by Gregory Boyle himself, a man called by more and more people a proper saint (the kind of saint who can rush between two gangs ready to fight with all the f* words he can remind of -- a story from "G-Dog and the Homeboys"). In buddhist terms he ticks all the checkboxes to be called a boddhisattva -- a being who descends to hell to liberate all others before he liberates himeself). And this is a really good deal -- you can get a book filled with interesting stories which can change something in you and at the same time support a little a case which this book is about.I mentioned "G-Dog and the Homeboys" above -- a book by Celeste Fremon. It provides a different, more journalist-like view of early years around 1990. You can get some more historical background from it -- initial rejection by almost anyone, beginning with local people, conflicts with LAPD (with their operation "Hammer" and brutal attitude towards youth in the projects), building a supporting community, midnight alarms because of shootings, balancing on the edge-thin line in cases when "his" kids were involved in acts of violence, bullets missing his head by inches -- and a lot more.

Yes buy it. You will love it, be entertained, and be inspired. Despite the realness of the story, the side of society that we blame and often try to forget, and the street humor that brings it down to earth, the author warmed my heart and inspired me. This book is well written and funny despite the serious and deep moments shared. It is an inspirational story written by a priest who worked with gang members and street kids. The information he shares opens our minds to a lifestyle that is hard to understand but easy to judge. Although the topic is heavy and the author openly truly shares his perspective, his feelings, his failures, and his personal growth, he is still able to mix in humor and keep the book up-lifting enough to digest even the very bleak. His love and his knowing of God's unconditional love makes it possible to believe when there is no hope, but where faith and love find a vastness of worthiness. God bless him and all he did for those kids. Don't expect any bible quotes or any "bible banging" as they say just a true example of "walking the walk" without tooting any horns. Anyone who reads this book will be inspired, but if you work with children of different walks of life then this book is a must. It is easy to dislike the hard kid, the rude kid, the tough kid but the rewards and the healing powers of love and his stories make me this book a definite read. For anyone who judges, for all those who are religious but don't live the life they preach, it is beautiful to see a Christian, a Catholic know God as he describes in a very real way where love is so great that forgiveness is natural and there is no room for judgment. The author has a way of inspiring and adding a perspective from a place of love that I can only compare to Mother Teresa. Although he never claims to be special or be spoken to by Jesus, his knowledge of love and humbleness is just as admirable.

Father Greg’s experiences are life changing! As I read the book I was deeply moved by the powerful stories of kinship and redemption in one of the most challenging urban environments. Father Gregory Boyle's experiences with Homeboy Industries, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles' notorious gang landscape, were both heart-wrenching and inspiring. His narrative, filled with compassion and wisdom, brought to life the struggles and triumphs of individuals like Cesar and Pipi. Each story was a lesson in humanity – about feeling worthy of love, recognizing the importance of acknowledgment, and understanding the patience required to help someone out of darkness. Father Boyle's approach to spirituality and activism, focusing on love and personal connection rather than judgment and alienation, was a profound reminder of the power of compassion and empathy. This book isn't just a collection of parables; it's a guide on how to meet the world with a loving heart, stay faithful in the face of failure, and offer restorative love to those who need it most. The emotional depth and spiritual insight in these pages have left an indelible impact on my perspective towards life and human connections.