Be The Bridge – Book Review – Spiritual Life Development

Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison

In the news, we have heard of the traumatic experiences of how racism is very much present in our current time. It is easy for many to turn the news off and not give a second thought to how these racial divisions are affecting our neighbors, friends, and community. Maybe you want to understand the impact that racial reconciliation can have. You wonder how you can go about being part of that shift to transform racial division. Be the Bridge is not only a book but “a nonprofit organization whose goal is to equip the church to have a distinctive and transformative response to racism and racial division.”

As Christians, our calling is to “do and be” like Jesus, not just talk about what He did. To be like Jesus, we may also experience resistance from those who don’t want to hear the truth. We often avoid the feeling of pain. There is a process in reconciliation, and lament is part of that. Latasha Morrison pulls you into why we need to lament our history, not repeat it in our present and future American history. The sensitivity that is eloquently portrayed in this book allows the space for people of all colors to find their voice in racial reconciliation. Being fully present by sitting and listening with one another may feel awkward and uncomfortable. Still, we must walk through the process together to see progress. It is about having an ongoing dialogue that will bring tears, joy, lament, reconciliation, unspoken truth, understanding, confession, and transformation within the church and small groups. Most importantly, it is about being humble as you read from your ethnic influence.

This book is enriched with scripture, prayers, reflective questions, liturgies, and other resources to help enhance the process of discussion with a group or reflection as an individual. Consider taking the first step and engaging in this book. Pray how you can begin taking steps to be part of racial reconciliation. “In the love of the family of God, we must become color brave, color caring, color honoring, and not color blind. We have to recognize the image of God in one another. We have to love despite, and even because of, our differences.” Consider being a bridge-builder, a follower in the kingdom of God. Seek unity in God’s love for God’s people right here in our communities.