Breathing Life into Faith: A Journey of Friendship and Faith

The Breathe Life Bible gives new air to the world of Spiritual encouragement.

In this world of varying ideas about faith and social justice, there is often a yearning for a cohesive narrative that seamlessly integrates these two pillars of human existence. Enter the Breathe Life Bible, a groundbreaking project by Thomas Nelson Publishing that was recently released on February 13, 2024. This Bible isn’t just a collection of verses; it’s a manifesto, a guiding light crafted by prominent voices within the African American faith community. At its heart are the tenets of Believe, Reconcile, Exalt, Act, Trust, Hope, and Elevate, each meticulously explored and expounded upon by contributors like Dr. Bernice King, Andy Young, Derrick Johnson, Reverend Matthew Wesley Williams, and others.

Behind this monumental endeavor are two remarkable women, Michele Clark Jenkins and Stephanie Moore. Friends turned collaborators, their partnership spans over a decade, marked by a shared passion for creating compelling content for the African American faith-based audience. Their journey, rooted in friendship and faith, is as inspiring as the pages they’ve penned.

Michele and Stephanie’s story begins long before the inception of the Breathe Life Bible. They met as friends, kindred spirits drawn together by a mutual love for Christ and a desire to make a difference in the world. Their bond, forged in the fires of shared experiences and common goals, laid the foundation for a partnership that would redefine the landscape of Christian publishing.

The spark that ignited their collaboration on Christian content stemmed from a shared realization: the need for authentic voices and narratives within the faith community. Michele and Stephanie understood that faith wasn’t confined to the pulpit; it permeated every aspect of life, including social justice issues often relegated to the periphery of religious discourse. They saw an opportunity to bridge this gap, to marry faith with action, and to empower believers to live out their convictions in tangible ways.

The genesis of the Breathe Life Bible emerged from this ethos. Michele and Stephanie envisioned a resource that didn’t shy away from the complexities of faith and social justice but embraced them wholeheartedly. They wanted to create a space where believers could grapple with tough questions, confront systemic injustices, and find solace in the timeless truths of Scripture. Thus, the Breathe Life Bible was born—a testament to their unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue, fostering change, and breathing life into communities hungry for hope and healing.

When asked about their creative process, Michele and Stephanie reflect on the collaborative spirit that defines their partnership. “We complement each other,” Stephanie muses. “Our strengths and weaknesses balance each other out, allowing us to tackle projects with a sense of unity and purpose.” Michele nods in agreement, adding, “It’s not just about the end product; it’s about the journey—the late-night brainstorming sessions, the heartfelt conversations, the shared victories and challenges. That’s what makes our partnership so special.”

As Michele and Stephanie unveil the Breathe Life Bible to the world, they do so with a sense of humility and gratitude. They recognize that their journey, though marked by triumphs, has also been fraught with obstacles and setbacks. Yet, through it all, their friendship has remained steadfast, anchoring them to their shared mission of spreading the transformative message of faith and justice.

In a society hungry for hope and healing, Michele Clark Jenkins and Stephanie Moore stand as beacons of light, their friendship and faith illuminating the path forward. As we eagerly anticipate the release of the Breathe Life Bible, let us be reminded of the power of collaboration, the beauty of friendship, and the enduring promise of faith to transcend barriers and breathe life into the darkest of places.