Summer 2020 Staff Reading List
We love reading about themes of justice from different perspectives. It broadens our understanding of injustices in our world, deepens our understanding of God’s heart for others, and reminds us of God’s heart for us too.
To cross of a square on your #BJMBingo, read along with us! Here are some of our staff members’ picks from this summer.
Julia’s Pick: Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
Brené Brown. One of my heroes. And at BJM, a respected, thoughtful voice. Brené Brown, a PhD social worker who studies what people do and why, has written a thoughtful book about the tenuous balance between wanting to engage in civil dialogue and respectful relationships, and wanting to speak with one's own voice without being afraid to stand alone.
This book, Braving the Wilderness, is about braving that narrow balance beam between kindness and respect of others. Between creating community as a goal. And honest, self-honoring actions and words. Acknowledging one's own voice. And acknowledging the compromise, negotiation, and choices needed to build community and draw others in rather than push them away.
Doing justice requires bold action and confidence, and a willingness to take risks and be honest. It also requires creating trusting relationships and building community. Brené Brown talks about that challenge.
I value all Brené Brown's books, and I found this one to be a useful tool in the present contentious culture as I strive to make peace, work for justice, and be true to myself.
~ Julia Pferdehirt, Director of Women’s Ministry
Lynae’s Pick: Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery by Mark Charles
Unsettling Truths took me to the next level in my understanding of America as I know it and dismantled the untrue history that I was taught as a child. It explains how racism and white supremacy were deeply ingrained in the foundations of the USA. It explains the very important Doctrine of Discovery and how it continues to give power to those who are white and continues to take away power to people of color. Mark Charles articulates truth in a truly unsettling, yet digestible and peacemaking way. I recommend this read/listen with very high regards!
~ Lynae Byler, Director of EdenMade
Annie’s Pick: I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
Austin showed me that I'll never really understand what it is to be Black in American, but she deepened my understanding and gave me a better idea of what it means to listen to, learn from, stand in solidarity with, and advocate for people of color. She showed me what I didn't know because I couldn't know, and she also showed me that not knowing is part of my privilege that I need to set aside. It's not Austin's responsibility to educate us, but I'm grateful that she is. In her bold and articulate voice, Austin describes systemic racism with examples that made me cringe as I realized "Yep, I've said that. Done that. Thought that.” She showed me that complacency is complicity, and doing nothing is no longer an option for me.
~ Annie Sears, Youth & Communications Staff
Sylvia’s Pick: Hermanas: Deepening Our Identity and Growing Our Influence by Natalia Kohn Rivera, Noemi Vega Quiñones, and Kristy Garza Robinson
"Bienvenidos a la mesa hermanas! You are welcome to come and take a seat at the table, set before you by Jesus and many women who've gone before us."
Hermanas invites us to begin understanding the strength and bravery of Latina women through scripture. Exploring themes of identity and intimacy (part 1), then influence and impact (part 2), Hermanas shares honest, vulnerable stories in a beautiful tapestry of how God created each of us as diverse, richly complex people.
All three authors help us understand the struggle and the beauty of being a Christ-follower as a Latina in America. This book is not only a leadership-development resource for Latina women, but also essential for those of us who seek to walk alongside and empower Latina leaders.
~ Sylvia Kamande, Director of Families Ministry
Sonja’s Pick: Becoming Brave: Finding Courage to Pursue Racial Justice Now by Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil
How will the belief in God’s reconciling work in the world practically impact impoverished people and those discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexuality, class, or social status? How does our belief in the reconciling power of the resurrection engage us to speak truth against the powers of injustice that are at work in the world?
If you think you know the story of Esther, think again. Becoming Brave examines Esther’s life “for such a time as this” as a model for pursuing racial justice today. Dr. Brenda honestly discusses her journey in reclaiming reconciliation work to more holistically address injustice. This is reconciliation on the next level. Throughout the narrative, Dr. Brenda reminds us that you cannot have “Jesus without Justice.” Justice is not just for some Christians, some churches, this political side or that one—justice is holistic work that the entire Church must be involved in.
In her own words, Dr. Brenda does not hold back. She’s done with that. It was an act of bravery to write this book and it’s an act of courage to read its words and reflect on its message.
~ Sonja Schappert, Director of Operations
Ruthie’s Pick: Be the Bridge by LaTasha Morrison
In her New York Times bestseller Be The Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation, LaTasha Morrison beautifully weaves together history, Biblical perspective and life experience. Challenging us to reflect on our own heart, listen intentionally to the stories of others, and to lean into the heart of God, this book is poignant and transformational. I'm so grateful for LaTasha and this book. What a beautiful light she shines on Jesus and on something so central to the heart of Christ: racial justice. I highly recommend it!
~ Ruthie Kim, Founder & Executive Director
And just a few others….
Looking for something else? Here are a few more our staff have been reading. We’d love to hear what you picked and your reflections.!
