Be the Bridge

Bridge-builders must learn: * how to slow down * how to discern * how to listen before responding * how to tell the truth without becoming consumed by rage We cannot heal what we are unwilling to understand. The goal is not winning the internet. The goal is becoming people who reflect truth, courage, justice, and love in real life. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19 NIV” Isolation fuels fear. Algorithms reward division. Fear pushes people into camps. Hostility convinces us that “those people” are unreachable. But healing has always happened in community. The early church survived political pressure, violence, and division because they stayed connected to one another. Bridge-building work cannot happen alone. We need: * honest conversations * trusted relationships * spaces for lament * communities that practice truth and grace together In a fragmented world, choosing community is an act of resistance. Stay tuned for the next gameplan in this formation equipping series. What feels harder right now? #BeTheBridge #BridgeBuilders #TruthAndLove #spiritualformation

Lately, I’ve been carrying a deep grief. Grief over the state of this country. Grief over the condition of parts of the Church. Grief over how easily truth, justice, compassion, and discipleship are traded for power, fear, outrage, and performance. And if I’m honest, trying to lead, encourage others, write, speak, sustain vision, raise funds, and care for people while carrying that grief has felt insurmountable some days. I know many leaders are quietly carrying the same tension right now. The tension of trying to remain hopeful without becoming dishonest. The tension of telling the truth without becoming cynical. The tension of continuing the work while emotionally and spiritually exhausted. But I keep returning to this: Lament is not the absence of faith. Lament is what love sounds like when the world is broken. Scripture never asks us to pretend. The prophets lamented. The psalmists lamented. Jesus lamented. Maybe part of spiritual maturity is learning how to grieve honestly without surrendering hope entirely. So this is simply my prayer in this season: God, keep our hearts tender. Keep us truthful. Keep us compassionate. Keep us from despair. And give us grace for the work ahead. If you’re weary too, you’re not alone.

With Earth Day this week, here are some thoughts on caring for creation.

🤩 Get Brown Faces, White Spaces on your Kindle or Kindle app today for just $1.99! If you already have it, I'd love for you to take a minute to leave a review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It really does help in spreading the word about the book! Get your copy today: https://amzn.to/4tLapl3 #BrownFacesWhiteSpaces #RacialLiteracy #Bookstagram #KindleDeals #BookClub

Tune in to the Be the Bridge YouTube channel at 6:45pm ET to listen to a special livestream with Latasha Morrison and Bri Stensrud! And, you can always come back later to catch the replay and share this important conversation with your community. youtube.com/@bethebridgeofficial

We had a great time at our Atlanta Civil Rights Tour a few weeks back! Bridge Builders are lifelong learners, and we love any chance we get to learn together.

Have you been looking for a Bible study that walks with you through this current cultural moment and helps you pursue peacemaking, equity, and wholeness with hope? @madeforpax has just what you've been looking for! We hosted Writer and Editor @chengtozun on the Be the Bridge Podcast where she shared about two of the studies: 📖 Migration: Experiencing God’s Care for Immigrants 📖 Mental Health: Experiencing God’s Care for Our Mind, Body, and Spirit Listen in to this conversation to be reminded that there are resources for bridge builders with theological depth and that the church should be a welcoming place for all.

📣 It's the last day to register for next week's Proximity Event with @womenofwelcome ! Registration closes this afternoon for the main equipping event for women. But registration will stay open until Monday for the free podcast recording open to all. We can't wait to gather for a powerful day of faithful learning, real-life stories, and local advocacy. Get your tickets now! bit.ly/atl-proximity #BeTheBridge #AtlantaGA #WomenOfWelcome #ChooseProximity #Immigration

Thank you for your engagement surrounding the Collaborative Lament Service. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must postpone the service at this time. But, we look forward to gathering together soon and will share an updated date as it becomes available!

Our Easter celebrations mattered, and our anger toward injustice matters. You are not alone; we are holding the tensions of these heavy days together. Keep pressing on, bridge builders.

We're saving a seat for you! If you're in the Atlanta area or want to come on over, we hope you'll join us for our upcoming events. 🗓️ Collaborative Lament Service with The Voices Project, AND Campaign, OneRace Movement, Open Table Community Church, United Church, and Skyland Church - Saturday, April 11 - 2:00pm-4:30pm 🗓️ Proximity Event with Women of Welcome - Thursday, April 16 - 8am-4pm | live podcast recording from 6:45pm- 8:30pm Find all the details and links at bethebridge.com/events! #BeTheBridge #AtlantaGA #Atlanta #RacialJustice

A few thoughts as we embark on Holy Week.