The subject of race has been a polarizing topic in our
country for longer than any of us have been alive. In many ways, the lasting
effects of the racism that divided us are still entrenched in many communities.
If we move into the church, we find that even among God’s people, diversity and
freedom from race divisions is still a longed for reality.
How should God’s people think about diversity in light of
our history and his word? What does diversity in relationships look like? How
does the fact that we bear God’s image play into our thinking about diversity
and race?
My friend, Trillia Newbell, author of the new book United, enters this conversation with grace,
conviction, and boldness. Through her own story of longing for diversity,
worshipping as a minority in her own local church, and subsequently finding
diversity through two dear friends, she shows us God’s plan for making a people
for himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation. It truly is a beautiful sight
to behold.
Trillia speaks not only to subject of race, but very real
issues in our own hearts as we think through relationships with people who are
different than us. As a chronic man-fearer, I was convicted and encouraged to
not look to myself in situations of fear and self-awareness, but to look to the
God who secures my identity in Christ. Through her personal story of diverse
friendships, she shows us that God’s plan for diversity often comes to us
through relationship. It is in community with other believers that we grow in
Christ but also grow in our understanding of how uniquely different we all are.
It is easy to gravitate towards the people who are like us and pull away from
the ones who are different, even if they share our skin color. But Trillia
shows us that because of our standing as image bearers of God and now his
children through Christ, we have more in common than we tend to realize.
United is a refreshing read for anyone who longs to see the
biblical promise fulfilled that God is securing a people for himself from every
tribe and tongue. I know I do. Which is why reading United ignited my passion
once again not only for diversity, but to see God’s name declared throughout
the world.
Order it on Amazon
No comments:
Post a Comment