Are you ready to jump some tracks?
Here’s the Amazon link.
The new movie, The Hate U Give, is now in theaters. I watched the trailer and was amazed at how my book, Off the RACE Track, shows how America got to the point documented in this movie and gives some nonpolitical answers. I plan to see the movie soon and review it here. More @ this link.
I saw it! Powerful! Very well written screen play. Deeply moving. This will be a fresh perspective for many people. Every American adult and teenager should see The Hate U Give.

“We live in a complicated world.”
Off the Race Track–From Color-Blind to Color-Kind is a kind, nonpolitical, and inspiring resource for racial reconciliation and healing America’s racial wounds. Here is what people are saying about it:
Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, first black National Commander, The Salvation Army, USA said: “The racial divide in America is real and it is deep. Steve Simms begins his exploration of the problem with three questions. He then takes the reader on his personal journey into lives and circumstances that too few would even dare imagine going. He is intentional about finding answers–no matter the risks. But he cannot question without engaging experiences that would otherwise be unknown and thus unappreciated. This is a rare account of a man who literally takes action on his belief in the worth of others. Interested in discovering what you can do to address the problem? Then you must read Steve’s story!”
Eric Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of Fireproof and Facing the Giants wrote: “Despite the many changes, our nation still struggles with racism and its legacy. Steve Simms walks us bravely through our dark history of slavery, while managing to do so with warmth and grace. He introduces us to unsung heroes, points out the faults of those we have long idolized, and ultimately paints a picture full of color and wonder and love. This is a book that should be read by everyone. It is a vital clanging of the bell, a wake-up call, and points us to-ward the power of love which can change generations to come. Simms writes with unsurpassed passion and grace”
Joe Calloway, professional speaker and author, said: “Quite simply, at a time in our country when tensions – racial, cultural, political – are threatening to tear us apart, ‘Off the RACE Track’ by Steve Simms offers a useful perspective. It’s a very real world perspective coming from a place of reason, kindness, and love. This book will do your heart good.”
Suzanne Jennings, song writer, said: “Steve Simms’ insightful book on race relations builds much needed bridges between areas of diversity and emphasizes the beautiful and unique contributions of the African American community throughout our collective history. Simms’ genuine and honest perspective is a timely addition to the racial milieu we find ourselves in.”
Jay Tyler, dental lab owner, said: “Racial tension is one of todays top news stories. How did we get to this point in our culture? Steve Simms lays out a detailed history of racism in our country in his new book ‘Off the Race Track.’ Steve also tells of his personal journey, living in the South, observing first hand the extent of racism. As an ordained minister, he brings in several Bible references that shine light on where our hearts should be with one another, and tells of the lives of several “heroes” of liberty and justice for all, as examples of what that looks like. This book is factual, heart lifting and heart breaking, very well written, and leaving the reader with a sense of hope in this very troubling world in which we live. If you care about how our culture can change from being color blind to being color kind, you must read this incredibly compelling book.”
Doug Krieger, publisher, retired public school administrator, said: “What you are about to read is both a history and the personal experience of Steve Simms from Tennessee. Steve grew up in the segregated South–but had no idea the ‘racial divide’ was as great as it was, nor why it existed in the first place. He speaks from the heart, while not skirting the main issues of racism in America–its history and present despair – but he provides incredible hope for America’s struggle with this most volatile issue. Seriously – you will not want to put this book down–it’s just too dynamic. It’s time to address these issue in a way of reconciliation and restoration of our fragmented society — this book has come during a most divisive time in American history.”
Bryan Entzminger, podcaster, wrote: “This book is full of variety, from a foundation of Scripture to personal (and practical) experience in putting the concepts covered into practice. And beyond that, it’s also filled with some of the history that’s been sorely missing from many of our upbringings. If you’re leading any kind of organization, it’s an important book.”
Ernie Froedge Simms (Steve’s wife) said: “So excited to introduce Steve’s new book, Off the RACE Track which , in my opinion, is his BEST book EVER! It’s an incredibly moving story of our own experiences in crossing racial barriers and reveals deeper truth at the same time. Please take a look!!”
To read a sample chapter go to this link: https://amzn.to/2NOnQvw

All reading is not created equal. Discriminate. Find reading material that is hope-giving, uplifting, challenging, and healing. Read books that fill up your heart with love, compassion, and understanding, not books that trash your heart.
Everything you read puts a seed in your mind. Plant seeds of love and hope, not seeds of anger and despair.
Train yourself to read something inspiring and healing, everyday. An uplifting book will blow the dust off your heart and help you see life more clearly and joyfully.
If you’re ever discouraged about your life, reading Off the Race Track will give you a new perspective and make you feel fortunate. Try it and see.
Have you ever wondered (even a little bit) how race became such a big deal in America? To criticize black history when you’ve never even read a book about it is like criticizing a food you’ve never tasted.
Read about my haircut from Oprah’s dad, in chapter 1 of Off the Race Track–From Color-Blind To Color-Kind. Find it at this link. Here’s a picture of the back cover.

If you look closely at history you will noticed that America was founded on a color-coded trick called race. That trick laid the track of dubious racial distinction and distracted us from the treat of compassionate color-caring and equality.
Perhaps we should learn from Halloween. It was originally started as an early celebration (the night before) for All Saints’ Day. Notice that it wasn’t celebrating “White Saints’ Day” or “Black Saints’ Day” or any other color of saints — but ALL Saints’ Day!
Let’s get off the race track. It’s time for ALL America’s Day! Need encouragement, support, and help getting off the race track? Then go to this link.

Here are some short quotes from my new book: Off the RACE Track–From Color-Blind to Color-Kind. To get a copy or download a Kindle version, search for — Off the RACE Track Steve Simms — on Amazon.
“There is much greatness in every shade of human being.”
“Under the skin, people have the same anatomy–human anatomy–not black, white, yellow, or brown anatomy.”
“Color beautifies the world around us. Color also beautifies people.
“Everyone deserves to be comfortable in his/her own skin.”
“I view people of every skin color as people who want to befriend me and I want to get to know them better.”
“One goal of this book is to cultivate and release color kindness in people of every skin complexion.”
“Much of our uneasiness about skin color comes from fake news–from centuries of misinformation.”
“We like to label in-groups and out-groups, but everywhere I look I see colorful shades of the human group.”
“In America today the chasm between whites & blacks is painfully obvious. We need to build bridges.”
“To truly value the various shades of humanity, we need to go beyond color-apathy to color- appreciation.”
“Maybe we could all let go of our negative views of people who are not the same color we are.”
“Let’s break out of the mold of clichés and discuss race in an open, honest, compassionate and heart-felt way.”

Talking about race doesn’t have to be political, stressful, or confrontational. It can be encouraging and healing. Check out my new book — Off The Race Track–From Color-Blind To Color-Kind at this link.
Don’t follow your heart when it tries to lead you into bad choices. Choose to make your life a wonder, not a blunder. When you let your feelings make your choices, you’re in for a reckless ride.
Choose thoughts, words, and actions that will make your life better, not botch it up. Disconcerting choices morph into disconcerting habits; disconcerting habits morph into a disconcerted life.
Everyday offers you many choices. You make a few from wisdom, some from responsibility, many from feelings, but most from habit. As long as you’re conscious, you always have a choice. At the very least, you can choose your thoughts.
Every choice involves consequences. We’re all free to make bad choices, but we’re not free from the consequences of those choices. If you’re unhappy with your consequences, make better choices. If you want better results in your life, choose better habits, make better decisions, and think better thoughts. Decisions made without regard for consequences produce many unpleasant surprises.
Past choices that have produced pain cannot be unmade, but they can be apologized for, renounced, and turned away from. Your attitude is the result of how you have chosen to respond to your circumstances.
No matter how good it feels, a sin is never a win. Don’t just go with your whims; follow the world’s best handbook for making wise choices — the Bible. Open up the Bible with an open mind and it will open up your heart.
It’s easy to miss out on miracles if you’re not willing to look for one. A dead church is out of sync with the risen Jesus. It saddens me that church services are often run as if Jesus is dead and gone, instead of present and active in the room.
Christ died and rose so that our dead ends can become U-turns. I believed that I was a good person, until I began to read the Bible and God showed me my own heart. Now I’m thankful for mercy and the opportunity for U-turns.
Christianity was never meant to be Christiapathy. It should produce fire in the soul! If you want to live with passion, let the risen Jesus inspire you into action!
Much taboo about nothing isn’t a good thing, but much taboo about evil is. Good and evil are not divided between good people and bad people, but are within us all.
We live in a culture where it’s hard to tell who is telling the truth and quite easy to get faked out. Neither accusation nor denial determines truth. A “good person” would always think, say, and do the right thing, whether anyone is watching or not. Unfortunately, any human is capable of doing bad things.