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  • About
    • Now Happening
    • Advocacy
    • Careers
    • Current Builds
      • Apostles Build
      • Fund for Humanity Builds
      • George Hammond Build
      • Interfaith Build for Unity
      • Maverik Build
      • Paul Johnson Memorial Build
      • Veterans Build
    • FAQ
    • Faith in Action
    • News & Media
    • Our Board of Directors
    • Our Global Impact
    • Our Staff Team
    • Reports and Financials
  • ReStore
    • ReStore Donations
  • Volunteer
    • FAQ
    • Volunteer – Individuals & Groups
    • Corporate Opportunities
    • Committees & Special Projects
    • Volunteer Appreciation Event
      • George Hammond Award
    • Women Build
  • Housing Help
    • Homeownership Program
    • Home Repair Program
    • Pikes Peak Habitat Support for Veterans
    • Pikes Peak Habitat Homeowners
  • Contact
    • Join Our Mailing List
  • Blog
  • Donate ♥
    • Donate Online
    • Planned Giving
    • Donate Land
    • Donate Your Vehicle
    • Donate Materials to the ReStore
    • Earn 25% State Income Tax Credit
    • Other Ways to Give
January 10, 2025 In Read With Us

Read with Us: Be the Bridge

Be the Bridge book coverThis month, in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Building the Beloved Community, we’re reading Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison.

Here at Pikes Peak Habitat, we build physical homes and metaphorical bridges! Our Christian faith calls us to radical inclusion, and we live out that commitment as one of 10 Habitat affiliates to participate in the White House’s Team Up bridgebuilding pilot program.

But we also recognize that we have more work to do in building bridges across lines of racial difference, especially in light of historic inequities (PDF) impacting homeownership and generational wealth. Morrison’s book calls us to live out our faith and work for reconciliation. Join us in reflecting on her ideas!

Discussion Questions

Opening Pages

Man preaching in front of congregation
At Emory Grove United Methodist Church in Maryland, Reverend Timothy Warner gives a sermon during the event “A Resolution Acknowledging Methodism’s Racially Exclusionary Past and Committing to an Equitable and Inclusive Future.” © Habitat for Humanity International/Meghan Cronin.

On the first page of the Foreword, she says Jesus “commissioned his church to be the healing agent that brings the ministry of reconciliation into broken and fractured places in society.” Why is reconciliation important to you, personally and spiritually? What does reconciliation look like in your life?

Why is knowing history so important for reconciliation?

Why does she say the church isn’t a “credible witness for racial reconciliation” (p. 5)? How does that statement align with your experiences?

Morrison says a posture of humility is crucial for this work. What does that look like for you?

The Bridge to Lament

Sunflower in front of building
The West Pullman area of Chicago is a food desert and lacks other amenities. Habitat for Humanity Chicago has been working with residents to strengthen and uplift the African-American community in this neighborhood through Habitat’s Homebuyer University program and Advancing Black Homeownership commitment. © Habitat for Humanity International/Meghan Cronin.

Did you learn anything about American history in this chapter? If so, what? Why do you think this wasn’t taught in the schools you attended?

Morrison says, “The truth is that it takes every tribe, tongue, and nation to reflect the image of God in His fullness” (p. 22). Respond to this statement. Are there aspects of God that you see more clearly displayed in cultures and ethnicities other than your own? If so, what are they?

Why is understanding the truth so important? Why is empathy crucial?

What is lamentation? What is the role of lament in working toward reconciliation?

The Bridge to Confession and Forgiveness

Group of people in a room
Halifax-Northampton Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Rochelle King and G.R.O.W. CEO Sheree Anderson lead a training session called “STEPS” (Success Through Empowerment Purpose & Sustainability) for people who are interested in becoming homeowners, as part of Habitat International’s Advancing Black Homeownership Initiative in Roanoke Rapids, N.C. © Habitat for Humanity International/Meghan Cronin.

Why do so many of us feel shame and guilt? How might that look different for people of different races? How do these emotions hinder reconciliation?

What is the Whitney Plantation, and why does it serve as such a powerful example?

Why is confession crucial to healing?

What role does forgiveness play in reconciliation? Why should we forgive people who don’t express remorse for their actions?

How does the example of Mother Emanuel show the power of forgiveness?

The Bridge to Restorative Reconciliation

Women embracing
Volunteers gather for breakfast at the 38th annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in St. Paul, MN, in 2024.  © Habitat for Humanity International/Nicole Neri.

What might repentance look like for you, depending on your own racial heritage and experiences?

Why do you think the American government and many churches have never apologized for the racism they perpetrated (see p. 142)? What do you think would be the impact if they did?

What does reparation mean? Why are reparations part of working toward equality?

How can you contribute to the process of reparations? What does this mean to you? How do your race and personal experiences impact the way you view reparations?

What might reconciliation and restoration look like in your life? What steps can you take to encourage these processes?

How can you share what you have learned (reproduction)?

Final Thoughts

Two women smiling
Logos Christian Ministries Senior Pastor and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity Jackie Peterson and Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Lynn Zucker talk about the importance of Habitat’s Breaking Barriers and Advancing Black Homeownership in Marion, Ohio. © Habitat for Humanity International/Meghan Cronin.

Were there any discussion questions that particularly resonated with you? What were they, and why did they impact you?

Did you find any of the liturgies particularly meaningful? Which one, and why?

Where are you in the process that Morrison outlines?

What is one concrete step you will take to work toward racial reconciliation?

Next Month…

In February, we’ll read Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond. This Pulitzer Prize-winning work chronicles the struggles of eight families and individuals living in low-cost apartments and run-down trailers in Milwaukee. Join us to discuss this book!

Previous StoryRead with Us: Our Better Angels by Jonathan Reckford
Next StoryWhy We Use Wood Instead of Steel in Our Home Frames

Related Articles

  • Read with Us: Evicted
  • Read with Us: Our Better Angels by Jonathan Reckford
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Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit recognized by the IRS. Our tax ID number is 35-1640064 and your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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2802 N. Prospect St. Colorado Springs, CO 80907

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