Benjamin Watson - Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race. Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations That Divide Us.

Benjamin Watson is one of the most intelligent and thoughtful men I have ever met, inside or outside of football. When he examines a topic, it is never from the perspective of societal norms or cultural traditions. His observations are always based on sound, biblical principles. I know you will benefit from his insights into race and religion in the United States today.

TONY DUNGY

Super Bowl-winning head coach and New York Times bestselling author

Packed with germane insights, this eye-opening book challenges current trends in American race relations, providing an important context for conversations about finding roads to racial unity. Read this book and be better prepared to narrow the gap between our national creeds and deeds.

BARRY C. BLACK

Chaplain of the United States Senate

Not many people can speak so honestly and eloquently about such a tough issue. From personal experiences and wisdom, Benjamin Watson shows great perspective on every side and challenges us all to embrace a higher moral and spiritual purpose in solving it.

DREW BREES

Quarterback, New Orleans Saints

If you thought you were moved by Benjamins words in the wake of Ferguson, wait until you read this book. It is intensely personal, provoking real race discussions based on his own life and the issues still plaguing this nation. More importantly, though, my friend Benjamin leaves us with a sense of hope.

BROOKE BALDWIN

Anchor, CNN

In his first book, Under Our Skin, Benjamin Watson does a superb job of exposing the many racial stereotypes that exist on all sides, and he helps people to understand that we are all human beings created by God and intended for great things. If we invest energy in understanding others, we will improve our own lives.

BENJAMIN S. CARSON SR., MD

Retired neurosurgeon and New York Times bestselling author

Benjamin Watson is an important African American voice of balance and sanity in a world of racial chaos and confusion. He has used his platform as an NFL player to speak Gods perspective on race. In this work, Ben will encourage and challenge you to think rightly and righteously about addressing the sin that is destroying our nation.

DR. TONY EVANS

Senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and president of The Urban Alternative

A must-read for anyone who is frustrated by the racial strife and problems in our world and ready to become part of the solution. Stop everything youre doing and read what Benjamin Watson has to say.

MARK RICHT

Head football coach, University of Georgia

I am honored to recommend my friend Benjamin Watsons first book, Under Our Skin. Ben has grabbed the attention of our nation with insightful writings on many of the issues that divide us. God has expanded Bens reach way beyond the football field. I believe Ben is a voice for our time. In Under Our Skin, you will soon see why his wisdom on the issue of race in our nation is so needed.

CHRIS TOMLIN

Musician, songwriter

This is a message every one of us needs to hear, and were listening to what Benjamin Watson has to say. Under Our Skin is unflinchingly honest, strong, and authentic. You wont be able to put it down, and it will surprise, challenge, and inspire you in ways you never expected.

HOLLY ROBINSON PEETE

Actress, author, philanthropist

RODNEY PEETE

Former NFL quarterback, author, entrepreneur

Benjamin Watson has been an outspoken advocate for racial unity based solely on the fact that Jesus Christ died for all people. Jesus came to this earth to cover the sin of mankind with his precious blood and to wipe out the sins of disobedience, immorality, and racial conflict. Under the skin of every human bei`ng beats a heart that has the potential to love and serve the Lord and Master of the soul made alive by the very breath of God. Thank you, Benjamin, for pointing people to the One who came and dwelt among us, who died to save us, and who lives to prove his everlasting salvation to all who will come to him.

FRANKLIN GRAHAM

President and CEO of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritans Purse

Racially offensive language is used occasionally in these pages, contrary to the normal standards of Tyndale House Publishers. However, because these occurrences are central to the telling of Benjamin Watsons story, we have permitted them to stand.

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Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race and Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations that Divide Us

Copyright 2015 by Benjamin Watson. All rights reserved.

Cover photograph copyright Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images. All rights reserved.

Designed by Alberto C. Navata Jr.

Edited by Dave Lindstedt

Published in association with the literary agency of Legacy, LLC, 501 N. Orlando Avenue, Suite #313-348, Winter Park, FL 32789.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The stories in this book are about real people and real events, but some names have been changed for the privacy of the individuals involved.

ISBN 978-1-4964-1329-1

Build: 2016-09-26 16:12:57

To my mother and father, for teaching me the power of words, to think before I react, to stand firm in my beliefs, and to always speak the truth in love.