Sometimes the chasm that separates people of different race, religion, and / or socio-economic backgrounds can seem too vast to cross. This book outlines a way to bridge those gaps in ways that bring us all together.

Sometimes the chasm that separates people of different race, religion, and / or socio-economic backgrounds can seem too vast to cross. This book outlines a way to bridge those gaps in ways that bring us all together.

“A treasure...a wise and entertaining book that should appeal to the spiritual pilgrim in all of us, no matter what the faith and no matter whether believer or nonbeliever.” – Chicago Tribune The New York Times bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Jesus: A Pilgrimage turns his attention to the relationship between LGBT Catholics and the Church in this loving, inclusive, and revolutionary book. A powerful call for tolerance, acceptance, and support—and a reminder of Jesus' message for us to love one another. In this moving and inspiring book, Martin offers a powerful, loving, and much-needed voice in a time marked by anger, prejudice, and divisiveness. On the day after the Orlando nightclub shooting, James Martin S.J. posted a video on Facebook in which he called for solidarity with our LGBT brothers and sisters. "The largest mass shooting in US history took place at a gay club and the LGBT community has been profoundly affected," he began. He then implored his fellow Catholics—and people everywhere—to "stand not only with the people of Orlando but also with their LGBT brothers and sisters." Father Martin's post went viral and was viewed more than 1.6 million times. Adapted from an address he gave to New Ways Ministry, a group that ministers to and advocates for LGBT Catholics, Building a Bridge provides a roadmap for repairing and strengthening the bonds that unite all of us as God's children. Martin uses the image of a two-way bridge to enable LGBT Catholics and the Church to come together in a call to end the "us" versus "them" mentality. Turning to the Catechism, he draws on the three criteria at the heart of the Christian ministry—"respect, compassion, and sensitivity"—as a model for how the Catholic Church should relate to the LGBT community. WINNER OF THE LIVING NOW BOOK AWARD IN SOCIAL ACTIVISM/CHARITY.

Knowing how to approach children and teens in counseling can be a challenge. Learning to enter into their world and draw them out can sometimes feel impossible. But with Julie Lowe’s Building Bridges—a practical workbook of expressive activities to do with kids and teens in counseling—you will find the biblical tools you’re looking for. There are thoughtful, biblically wise, and creative ways we can engage young people. The responsibility lies on us as adults to work hard at drawing kids out. Thankfully, there are helpful, practical ways to speak the gospel into their lives, and by building bridges with young people, we can build bridges with them to the Lord. With over fifteen years of counseling experience and by working as a registered play therapist supervisor, Julie Lowe understands there is a need to speak truth and hope into the lives of children and teens in a hands-on, meaningful way. That’s why the activities in Building Bridges can be used over and over in multiple contexts. This workbook walks men and women through the rationale for expressive activities, provides examples, and then shows counselors how to do it themselves. By pointing to the Lord through expressive mediums, counselors and youth workers will be able to reach kids and teens in a unique, biblical way.

This book shows educators how to address the discipline problems and learning disabilities that are prevalent in public schools by sharing an array of evidence-based strategies to build teacher-student relationships and create a welcoming learning environment that fosters student engagement, motivation, and achievement.

Have you ever wondered why you're on the earth, what's your purpose, and how you can make a lasting impact for Christ? Do you want to live out your faith, but are not sure how to do so in your daily life? Have you ever thought that with your past and imperfections that God can't use you? You're not alone. We are all imperfect, and that's no surprise to God, who uses imperfect people in His perfect plan. God created each of us with a purpose to use our God-given stories, strengths and weaknesses to connect with others. God revealed why I am here on this earth. It's not to be perfect: it's to imperfectly live for Him, encouraging hearts and building bridges. Actually, building bridges is our corporate purpose as Christians... If we keep calm, despite feeling crazy or uncomfortable, God will use us to build bridges to hurting hearts. How will both Christians and non-Christians ever come to know about God's love, Jesus's sacrifice and the Holy Spirit's power, unless they encounter authentic, compassionate and imperfect living examples? How will people know Jesus loves them, despite their imperfections, unless the body of Christ tells and, more importantly, shows them? Building Bridges, the latest book from author Stephanie Fink, candidly provides practical principles and strategies to help Christians tear down walls and build bridges out to love and share the Gospel with all, especially those outside of the church walls. Steph encourages readers with seven powerful concepts centered around building strong bridges to others, such as forgiving each other for past mistakes, opening ourselves to being used by God and being the comforting support for those who desperately need to know God is alive, cares, and created him or her on purpose for a purpose.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • CBC KIDS’ BOOK CHOICE AWARD WINNER Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges—who, at the age of six, was the first black child to integrate into an all-white elementary school in New Orleans—inspires readers and calls for action in this moving letter. Her elegant, memorable gift book is especially uplifting in the wake of Kamala Harris making US history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president–elect. Written as a letter from civil rights activist and icon Ruby Bridges to the reader, This Is Your Time is both a recounting of Ruby’s experience as a child who had to be escorted to class by federal marshals when she was chosen to be one of the first black students to integrate into New Orleans’ all-white public school system and an appeal to generations to come to effect change. This beautifully designed volume features photographs from the 1960s and from today, as well as stunning jacket art from The Problem We All Live With, the 1964 painting by Norman Rockwell depicting Ruby’s walk to school. Ruby’s honest and impassioned words, imbued with love and grace, serve as a moving reminder that “what can inspire tomorrow often lies in our past.” This Is Your Time will electrify people of all ages as the struggle for liberty and justice for all continues and the powerful legacy of Ruby Bridges endures.