Latasha Morrison

4.5 stars

Today, civil discourse on difficult topics is usually anything but civil. Shares, re-tweets, and bombastic pronouncements are valued more than empathy and listening to understand. Writers like Latasha Morrison challenge us to set aside our egos, and build authentic relationships and understanding with those deemed to be "the other."

Morrison is the founder of Be the Bridge, a group whose mission is to inspire Christians and Christian churches to "have a distinctive and transformative show more response to racial division." This book highlights how Morrison came to this work; explores issues of systematic discrimination, biases, and racism; and provides a blueprint for whites and people of color to work together for reconciliation -- all through a Christian perspective.

This year, I've devoted particular attention to reading about racial inequality and "Be the Bridge" is the most honest and helpful book I've read on the topic. Morrison doesn't point fingers or assign blame to people today for decisions made centuries ago. That said, she lays bare the way U.S. policies have systematically disenfranchised people of color, either intentionally or unintentionally. Morrison challenges all of her readers to reflect on our shared history, our own personal biases (including unconscious biases), and how we can each work to eliminate the racial division that plagues our country.

Morrison's words aren't always easy to hear. She does not let the reader walk about without examining ways in which their complicity and biases have contributed to inequalities and racial strife. However, her challenges and examples are heart-felt and addressed to everyone. She's not interested in blaming or shaming. She's interested in dismantling inequities and building understanding and empathy.

Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. show less

This book hit me hard. As a white woman who grew up in a rural white area when I heard about this book I knew it was something I needed. I had heard Latasha speak and followed her for awhile so when she started sharing about the strong message she was working on in this book I was highly anticipating getting in my hands. I received an advanced copy from the publisher and these are my thoughts. I originally felt like a stumbling white girl who didn't want to be offensive but also really show more wanted to understand where I stood - this book is perfection. Empathy, sympathy, understanding, there were so many questions I had and things I just didn't get and then I started reading Latasha's words and my head and heart opened to so much understanding and hope that this will reach millions. Building bridges and reaching out to have an open mind. I feel like the numbness that I maybe didn't "get" before is gone and I keep shoving this book into friends hands and encouraging them to read it. I cried while I read and my heart hurt thinking about all that has gone wrong. But now I am determined to be a bridge builder in any way I can and Latasha has laid this out so well; she is brave, she, mindful, and so full of tact and matter of fact information that I cannot love this book enough. For adults and even for young adults - this message needs to be shared and understood - it's also given great insight on how to discuss this topic with my children as they grow so I can hope they will have the skills to understand better than I did before reading. show less

I feel like every new book I read on this topic answers a question I had before and introduces another one... which is why I still want to get all the writers together in a panel. I really appreciated the examples she provided about what racial reconciliation could look like. And I thought the questions at the back really provided a good starting point for introspection.

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 toward deeper understanding in the midst of a divisive culture.

In an era where show more 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.

A leading advocate for racial reconciliation offers a clarion call for Christians to move toward relationship and deeper understanding in the midst of a divisive culture.With racial tensions as high within the church as outside the church, it is time for Christians to become the leaders in the conversation on racial reconciliation. This power-packed guide helps readers deepen their understanding of historical factors and present realities, equipping them to participate in the ongoing dialogue and to serve as catalysts for righteousness, justice, healing, transformation, and reconciliation. show less