During a two-hour drive home, my friend Zee and I were discussing the oppression of her people by Boko Haram, a militant Islamic group in Nigeria. She then told me the many ways her own family was a direct victim of Boko Haram. I was caught off guard. I realized how little I knew about her life and what she had gone through, as well as the many other people I spent the most time with. I was blessed to have been able to study the Bible on my college campus with a diverse group of students that I now call friends, including Zee. I have always been an advocate for the Biblical importance of diversity in the faith, and this conversation, along with many others, personalized and deepened these beliefs even further.

Imago Dei explores the intersection of race and ethnicity with the Christian faith, through the personal and powerful stories of people close to my heart. It shares four stories from individuals in my life, each from different backgrounds, by navigating through their heritage, defining moments, faith testimonies and how all their experiences mold together and make them who they are. It celebrates diversity as a whole but specifically amongst the Christian community and how each person’s story brings immeasurable value, personality and strength to every community.