Bridges Between US: A Pathway to Unity Through Faith, Empathy & Mutual Understanding - Hardcover

by Khori Smith (Author), Michele Reber (Author)

So many believers hope for racial unity and reconciliation within the walls of our church buildings, our communities, and our world. With tension at a fever pitch, we allow fear and misunderstanding to overwhelm and paralyze us, sending us running back to our safe circles and camps. We are in desperate need of a re-frame; one without pointed fingers, political rhetoric, or a choosing of sides. Together, we will cast aside our ideologies and make a journey towards taking the side of Christ, which will disarm us, free us, equip us, and unite us. In this book, Khori illustrates: * God's unquestionable desire for unity as highlighted in Scripture * Important U.S. and world historical events that shine a light on our current culture * Practical solutions and tools to facilitate personal growth and equip churches to move towards authentic unity The goal of the book is to empower the Church to be an agent of positive change and healing to the cyclical, divisive racial issues plaguing our nation. This book is written to those who are open and not to the politically- and ideologically-entrenched. Khori Smith is the Teaching Pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Baltimore County, Maryland. Khori has the privilege of encouraging and inspiring thousands of people in their faith online and in-person weekly. In this role, Khori takes relevant, everyday topics and applies spiritual truths in a way that makes them palatable and relatable to the everyday person. Khori is also a Chaplain with the NFL Alumni, and works directly with retired NFL football players as they transition from the NFL to life after football. In this role, Khori serves as a spiritual coach who regularly meets with former players. Khori encourages players in "one on one" formats and leads group sessions that inspire retired players to discover and maintain their purpose in life after NFL football. Khori received his Master's degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. His life's mission is to build bridges between all people, all colors, all cultures and all communities. Khori's greatest desire is to see people walk in oneness and unity, rooted in authentic relationships. Khori also has extensive experience working as a waiter in the hospitality industry and thus is a sought-after amateur foodie and dessert connoisseur. Khori lives with his supportive wife and two brilliant sons in Timonium, Maryland. About Michele While copy- and content-editing are part of Michele's role as Managing Director of Operations at Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., a publicly-traded skilled nursing and senior housing REIT (NYSE: OHI), she also enjoys this work outside of her job as a way to support friends and family who are brave enough to attempt something so ambitious as publishing a book. Michele has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Video Production from the Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. When she is not working or editing, Michele enjoys being out in nature spending time with her Creator, especially while hiking or kayaking.