Empowering Your Journey, One Story at A Time. Grace to Overcome invites you on a spiritual and historical journey, interweaving the rich tapestry of Black history with the profound narratives of the Bible. Crafted by Pastor Bryan C. Loritts, an influential voice in multiethnic church movements, Grace to Overcome is a powerful collection of 31 devotions that bring to life the stories of both renowned and lesser-known figures who have help shaped society. From the soulful notes of Miles Davis and Billie Holiday to the groundbreaking inventions of Jerry Lawson and Alice H. Parker, each story is an inspiring testament to resilience and faith. Through these reflections, Loritts not only shines a light on the triumphs and trials of Black history across various arenas including sports, politics, and technology, but also challenges readers to see their personal journeys within God's grand design. In a world where the importance of learning Black history often faces scrutiny, Grace to Overcome stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of heritage and the gospel's call to live with grace and purpose. Embark on this devotional path and discover how each story, including your own, contributes to the divine narrative.
"Full of snapshots of black history, Brian Loritts's offering has given a tremendous gift to Christians who long to learn and rejoice in God's big story of grace to people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. You'll encounter a wide range of historical figures, some who will encourage you, others who will challenge you. But the story of Jesus and his saving work runs through all of it. Read and be encouraged."
Matthew J. Hall, provost of Biola University
"Bryan Loritts's writing is both endearing and in-depth, comprehensive and clear. His personal vulnerability, historical scholarship, and theological precision shimmer in each devotional. Every page of this work will draw the reader into the deeper story of history and the thread of God's boundless grace that runs through it. This book may help you to understand humanity more fully, but it will do something more, something better-it will invite you to see Jesus more clearly. And isn't that the point? In Bryan's writing and preaching, it always is."
Priscilla Shirer, Bible teacher and author
"We need these historical narratives from the experience of African American Christ-followers. After all, we have come over a way that with tears has been watered, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered. The intersection of faith and the unique African American story is perhaps the most timely message for America today. It's not just a story that we read, but a story that reads us. This is the kind of book you will want to offer to your children in years to come."
Charlie Dates, senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, from the foreword