NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • ECPA BESTSELLER • “When it comes to the intersection of race, privilege, justice, and the church, Tasha is without question my best teacher. Be the Bridge is THE tool I wish to put in every set of hands.”—Jen Hatmaker WINNER OF THE CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD® • Winner of the Christianity Today Book Award • A leading advocate for racial reconciliation calls Christians to move … advocate for racial reconciliation calls Christians to move toward deeper understanding in the midst of a divisive culture.
In an era where we seem to be increasingly divided along racial lines, many are hesitant to step into the gap, fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing. At times the silence, particularly within the church, seems deafening.
But change begins with an honest conversation among a group of Christians willing to give a voice to unspoken hurts, hidden fears, and mounting tensions. These ongoing dialogues have formed the foundation of a global movement called Be the Bridge—a nonprofit organization whose goal is to equip the church to have a distinctive and transformative response to racism and racial division.
In this perspective-shifting book, founder Latasha Morrison shows how you can participate in this incredible work and replicate it in your own community. With conviction and grace, she examines the historical complexities of racism. She expertly applies biblical principles, such as lamentation, confession, and forgiveness, to lay the framework for restoration.
Along with prayers, discussion questions, and other resources to enhance group engagement, Be the Bridge presents a compelling vision of what it means for every follower of Jesus to become a bridge builder—committed to pursuing justice and racial unity in light of the gospel.
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This book really opened my (embarrassingly naive) eyes over the struggle of race in the church today, and historically. A great encouragement to prod us to build bridges with the help of God’s grace in the area of racial reconciliation.
No matter what your ethnic background Latasha Morrison has written a book that opens the discussion on hard topics related to race, and the role of Christians in bringing true reconciliation.
Citing personal experience, historical data, and scripture she paints a picture of the difficult path walked by people of color, and how the Christian community can be part of the healing process rather than hiding behind church walls.
Be the Bridge is an eye-opening book that is a must read for anyone wanting to see the complete unity of the church, “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language . . . “
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I received a copy of this book courtesy of WaterBrook a Random House imprint through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
If like me, you are upset and concerned about racism, this book gives us all a starting place to change. It is a book of great courage, both by the writer as well as for us as readers. Honestly, it was a difficult book to read yet I needed to read it! In these times of really seeing the racism in our society and our churches, Latasha is a voice of truth. She is loving and honest. Her God-given idea for us to “be the bridge” is challenging and tough. Her book is asking me to look at my life and consider what advantages I’ve had. And, then, to look at the lives of my brothers and sisters of color and consider the difference. Thank you, Latasha!
Aside from tackling a difficult topic with grace, I totally want to be Latasha’s friend after reading this book. Her love and dedication to healthy, honest, Biblical reconciliation is evident in every word she pens to the page. It is evident, after reading this book, that she is pursuing both truth and the path the God has laid before her. Bravo, girl! When it comes to the topic at hand, the first half of the book blew me away. There was so much that, as a white woman, I had never heard before. I also really enjoyed the reflection/prayer section at the end of each chapter, particularly the questions included to help you work through your own beliefs and have a meaningful dialogue within yourself or with others. I really wish the second half would have dealt more with the topic of sin and how it drives the narrative of racism (and the disregard of others, in general), but I held on because of the practical steps to achieve reconciliation both in the church and in society. This book made me THINK, which was worth its weight in gold. I’d recommend it to any of my friends.
I was given a copy of this manuscript from the publisher, via NetGalley, for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is an incredibly important book for such a time as this. Though conversations around racial reconciliation are trending, Latasha Morrison grounds the conversation in scripture and gives an in-depth and practical perspective of what reconciliation entails. She takes the reader through clear steps along the path to reconciliation. Her writing is engaging and easy to read but the concepts are a challenging call to action. She used personal stories from her own life and the lives of other bridge builders to show practical application. She tells the truth with grace and compassion, inviting the reader along in the difficult but rewarding, transformative journey of racial reconciliation.
I received an advance reader copy of this book.
A unique book of its kind. Morrison is excellent at approaching this subject with knowledge, kindness, strength, and conviction. I felt often like I was reading a letter from a friend rather than just a book. This one’s a treasure.
Racial reconciliation is a topic that’s not easy, nor could you cover everything necessary in one book. However, I did find “Be The Bridge” to be a book that can begin to turn the tide towards a hopeful understanding. LaTasha Morrison is the founder of “Be The Bridge,” a group that encourages people of all races and cultures to come together to work towards reconciliation.
Morrison begins the book with history that many have never heard in school. She discusses not only white and black issues but also the colorism that affects the black community internally. Each chapter has a specific focus, which I found helpful. There are three main parts to the book: Part 1- The Bridge to Lament, Part 2- The Bridge to Confession and Forgiveness and Part 3-The Bridge to Restorative Reconciliation.
This is not a book to read quickly, as there are many things to ruminate on, pray over and learn from. I think this book would be best used in conjunction with a Be The Bridge group, but it could also be useful for individuals to learn from on their own, as well, as some areas may not have the availability to participate in a group (yet). This is hard work, so do not be afraid, but prepare your heart to receive the message within.
Here are a few quotes from the book that I highlighted:
“When we lack historical understanding, we lose part of our identity. We don’t know where we came from and don’t know what there is to celebrate or lament. Likewise, without knowing our history, it can be difficult to know what needs repairing, what needs reconciling.”
“If we come together in the posture of humility, we can start to bridge the racial divide. A bridge that lifts up the marginalized voices. A bridge of voices that is about equity of marginalized voices, not equality.”
“The truth is that each ethnicity reflects a unique aspect of God’s image. No one tribe or group of people can adequately display the fullness of God. The truth is that it takes every tribe, tongue and nation to reflect the image of God in his fullness.”
If you’re willing to do the work and take to heart this book that encourages change, courage and understanding, “Be The Bridge” is for you. I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher, and I appreciated the opportunity to read early. All opinions are my own.