Stakes Is High: Race, Faith, and Hope for America

by Michael W. Waters

2018 Religion Communicators Council Wilbur Award Winner!
"Michael W. Waters...is both blunt and lyrical as he meditates on police violence, racism, hip-hop, and the power of faith." -- " New and Noteworthy," Sojourners , April 2017 What happens when a people can take no more injustice rained down upon their sons and daughters? When each new travesty echoes the cries of ancestors killed for the color of their skin? How do a people rediscover hope? And how do they use that new-found hope as momentum and strength for change? In his powerful new book Stakes Is High , pastor, activist, and community leader Michael W. Waters blends hip-hop lyricism and social justice leadership, creating an urgent voice demanding that America listen to the suffering if it hopes to redeem its soul. Weaving stories from centuries of persecution against the backdrop of today's urban prophets on the radio and in the streets, Waters speaks on behalf of an awakened generation raging against racism - yet fueled by the promise of a just future. Through the pain and hard but holy work, you will hear the call to join the faithful struggle for racial justice.

Genres: Social Justice

112 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2017

About the author

Michael W. Waters is an award-winning author, activist, professor, and pastor. A sought-after speaker to national and international audiences, he is a frequent social commentator for major media outlets. He was named one of America's emerging leaders by Ebony magazine and has received multiple honors for his work in peace and justice. He lives in Dallas, Texas.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very glad I read this. Rev. Waters has shown that in a few short words (all but the last piece are 2-4 pages long) you can address clearly and succinctly the crises we stand in as a nation. The pages of history are embedded in his mind, the Gospel embedded in his soul, and the muse in his pen the author speaks to us, all of us, in our grief, pain, and misery. He has a word of hope, but it is not one that is not hard won. It comes through the blood of the slaughtered - both long ago and near at hand. Bravo Rev. Waters.

[LaToya Obasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Waters did not come to play. From the first page, to the last he packs a punch that engages your heart and mind. Each chapter is brief, but a call to action and emotion. The way this book honors those who have gone before us, many of them before their time, is beautiful and heartbreaking. I was able to meet Dr. Waters at a convocation and had a brief discussion with him. He is truly honorable, humble and passionate about justice! This book is a must read.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The essays in this book certainly opened my eyes to understanding the current racial climate. Despite what seems to be progress in our country, there are stories we must read and really listen to in order to continue improving the way we treat one another. I agree that Faith and faith communities are a big part of the solution.

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely, inspiring read about the vast inequities in the USA. I heard the author speak at the Dallas JCC book festival.