I want to start by letting you know about my new e-book This Was Not on My Bingo Card: Essays on Cancer and Other Related Surprises. It is FREE, but the only way to get it is to subscribe to my blog. Do it today in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! I pray you will be blessed. Now…on to the post:
Over the summer I dedicated a big chunk of my blog real estate to racial inequality and events that rocked our country. You can read about my thoughts and growth toward becoming a better ally for black brothers and sisters here, here, here, and here. In some areas of the country, riots and protests rage on. And while the climate is much calmer here in the Dallas, Texas area, I don’t want the conversation to die. Because of these:
My nieces and my grandson deserve a different world. A better world. That’s why I’m so excited about the work that Latasha Morrison is doing over at Be The Bridge. They are working with diverse groups of people to move toward racial healing, equity and reconciliation. If you haven’t heard of Be The Bridge, head over to their website now to learn more about this ministry. And read Latasha’s book while you are at it. The website calls it a clarion call for Christians to move toward relationship and deeper understanding in the midst of a divisive culture.
I’m thrilled to be co-hosting an online “We See Color Gathering” with Noonday Collection/ Ruth Chiego to benefit Be the Bridge this month! (Don’t purchase directly from the Noonday link if you want 10% of your purchase donated. Click on the invite below). I love that I have the opportunity to share both about this socially responsible business that supports artisans around the world AND a ministry devoted to racial bridge building and equality. What is even cooler is that both were founded by brilliant and brave women!
Whether you like beautiful jewelry and accessories or want to learn more about Be the Bridge, it’s a win-win!
How you can help:
Click on the invite above to join the party over on Facebook. Buy yourself something pretty, or do your Christmas shopping from the comfort of your own home all while supporting the work of Be The Bridge for racial reconciliation. Over the next two weeks we will be showcasing these organizations and the gorgeous jewelry, bags, accessories and other gifts available through the facebook group. You will have an opportunity to purchase and a chance to add to the conversation there. If you have any questions, please let me know below or on the We See Color Gathering page. I can’t wait to do this with you!
And now for this week’s featured post!
The Struggle is Real by Barbara Harper of Stray Thoughts was a burst of truth that hit pretty close to home. In Western culture, we do everything possible to make ourselves more comfortable. But this thoughtful piece points out that suffering builds our faith muscles, making us both stronger and more dependent on God. In a time when we are all suffering to some degree, this perspective shift just might be a life preserver. Thank you, Barbara!
1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.
2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.
3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).
We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.
MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
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HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
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LAUREN SPARKS
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LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
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Now Let’s Link Up!
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I’m looking forward to checking into these businesses! Thanks so much for featuring my post. My default is to avoid struggle as much as possible, so I need the reminder that God does things through struggle that can’t be accomplished any other way.
Glad to know that you need that reminder too. It almost seemed like you were writing just for me!
Yes, it is so important that the conversation doesn’t die. Thanks for sharing about this event – will head over to Facebook and join! x
Great! Thanks so much, Wemi.
Lauren, I applaud you and others for seeking greater understanding about racial issues. We are all one in Christ and it’s such a stain on the image of Christ in us when we don’t! Blessings to you and your ministry in this area.
Thank you, Donna!
Lauren, this is spectacular! I appreciated your previous posts on racial injustice over the summer, and this event looks awesome. This is close to my heart as my son-in-law is African American, and I have two beautiful bi-racial grandbabies growing up in this world. As a young teen I faced racial riots in my neighborhood and had a dear friend fire-bombed out of their home. This is a much needed conversation!
Thank you for lending your perspective, Donna. Let’s not let the conversation die!
Thanks so much for hosting!
Glad to see you here, Dee.
Just joined! Thanks for hosting.
Thank you, Amy.
Thank you for giving a shout out to this wonderful group. I am a member of Be the Bridge. I have learned so much through them and I am still learning.
This is so great to hear, Laurie. Keep up the good bridge building work!
Lauren,
Thank you for being a much needed voice in our world.
Maree
That is so kind of you, Maree. I appreciate getting to be a part of your community.
Yes, yes, yes! It seems like people get hot on an issue, then let it die down until the next tragic event, but racial inequality is not an issue we can ever forget about. We must continue to stay in the struggle until there is greater victory. Thanks for your persistent voice, Lauren. It helps me stay stronger in the fight too instead of doing the easier thing and giving up. I read Be the Bridge and got a lot out of it too. I’m currently reading “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?”. It’s challenging but enlightening.
Thanks for the encouragement, Lisa. And that book does sound enlightening and challenging.
Thank you for this Lauren…
Blessings,
Jennifer
Blessings to you, Jennifer.
Hopping over to check out Be the Bridge right now! Thanks for the tip.
I’m so glad, Anita!
What a wonderful initiative, Lauren. I love that you are using your blog space to share this information, educate people, and spread awareness by sharing love and kindness. I am going to head over and check it all out as well. Also, how adorable are your nieces and grandson! I am all heart eyes over here! Thanks for sharing and linking with me.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks! I can’t take credit for any of them but I do think they are adorable!
Lauren, I just finished reading Be the Bridge yesterday, and wow. LaTasha’s book is beautiful and challenging and redemptive. I love that these events are going on to keep the conversation going and to encourage change. Thanks for sharing the Be the Bridge website. I’ve been wanting to find it and learn more about the groups!
Thanks for visiting and engaging.