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- Urban Wellness Living | Online Soul Care Advising
Soul care, spiritual direction, and trauma-informed support nurturing emotional, spiritual, and communal healing through justice, restoration, and hope. Resourcing Wellness in Community Urban Wellness Living Meet Cynthia Spiritual Director | Trauma Informed Care | Member Care Hi, I’m Cynthia. I’m a soul care advocate, trauma healing facilitator, embodied-practice educator, and a companion for those seeking spiritual and emotional wholeness. More than anything, I’m someone who believes healing grows in safe, sacred spaces… and that we flourish when we are truly seen, heard, and held with care. For over three decades, I’ve had the gift of serving in full-time urban ministry... walking alongside individuals and communities, nurturing micro-churches, tending to prayer, and offering member care. My heart has long been drawn to the places where faith, suffering, history, and hope meet, especially within the lived wisdom of Black and African American spirituality. Much of my calling centers on tending generational and historical wounds, advocating for God’s righteousness and justice, and supporting others as they journey toward freedom, dignity, and restoration. One of the deepest lessons I’ve learned is the power of the in-between space... the often-unexamined space between our instincts and our responses. In that space, I believe God meets us with clarity, courage, tenderness, and the freedom to choose love instead of fear. My work in soul care begins here: helping people notice this sacred in-between, tend it with ongoing attention and reflection, and trust that God’s Spirit is already at work… gently, faithfully, restoring what has been worn thin. From this grounded center, I imagine communities where every person is honored as a reflection of God’s compassion, justice, and faithfulness... communities that learn to respond rather than react, and that move together toward wholeness of body, soul, and spirit. My own journey has been shaped by adversity, failure, grief, and the sustaining grace of God that has held me through it all. These experiences led me to become a certified Trauma Healing Facilitator through the Trauma Healing Institute and Quest Movement, and a trained Spiritual Director through Sustainable Faith (with ongoing supervision that continues to deepen my formation). My recent work with the Cultural Somatic Institute has further illuminated how our bodies carry racialized and systemic trauma... and how God meets us there too, with patience and presence. To stay grounded, I treasure the simple joys: laughing over a good comedy, disappearing into fantasy or action-adventure films, curling up with a book in a cozy, quiet space, or escaping into the peace of theater, camping, or retreat. I am held up by beloved friendships, shared laughter, and long, honest conversations that remind me of the sacredness of walking life’s road together… “while being on this side of dirt,” as my sistah-friend Brittany says. Spiritual Direction "The moan is the birthing sound, the first movement toward a creative response to oppression, the entry into the heart of contemplation through the crucible of crisis." ~ Barbara Holmes, Joy Unspeakable ~ Why Urban Wellness Living Why Urban Wellness Living Health Embrace healthy healing ideas, exercises, & practices to rejuvenate & strengthen the whole body. "How can I care for my whole self when I feel overwhelmed?" Community Love God & Love Others with humility, mercy, & justice, catalyzing belonging. “How do I love well when connection feels costly or hard?” Advocacy Extend support for life-giving practices of peacemaking, justice, & truth-telling. “How can I speak or act for justice when I’m still finding my own courage?” Education Cultivating knowledge, wisdom from life’s experiences, & the value of revelation. "I should know this by now... but what if knowing is still becoming?” Hope Cultivating assured expectation to embrace pathways that inspire renewed possibilities & purpose. “How do I keep believing when the way forward feels uncertain?” Restoration Encourage spiritual & emotional practices rooted in renewing rhythms of life & work. “What does renewal look like when I’m weary from holding it all together?” Why is it vital to honor the lived wisdom within Black and African American spirituality and soul care? Learn More Urban Wellness Living Resources Soul Care & Spiritual Formation View More Emotional & Mental Health View More Healthy Living View More Recommended Reads View More Righteousness & Justice View More Financial Wellness View More Wellness Resources “Listen to the long stillness: New life is stirring. New dreams are on the wing. New hopes are being readied: Humankind is fashioning a new heart. Humankind is forging a new mind. God is at work. This is the season of Promise.” ~ Howard Thurman Web Etiquette As you explore this space, you’re invited to arrive with care, for yourself and for one another. Each person comes from a different journey, carrying questions, insights, stories, and at times overwhelm or grief. All of that is welcome here. With this in mind, we aim to cultivate an environment… both online and offline… where conversations are rooted in respect, generosity, and presence. A space where listening matters, where words are offered thoughtfully, and where growth is not rushed. Thank you for the curiosity you bring, for the care you extend in how you respond, and for helping shape a space where people are free to learn, reflect, and grow at their own pace. SAY HELLO Email: urbanwellnessliving@gmail.com Say Hello Connecting with God as a Source for Life and Purpose.
- Soul Care & Spiritual Formation | UrbanWellnessLiving
Soul Care Spiritual Formation guides you into a meaningful journey with God that nurtures your whole self in times of struggle and growth. It invites deeper connection, healing, and wisdom as you learn to live with love, purpose, compassion, and trust in God’s presence and transforming work in everyday life. Soul Care & Spiritual Formation Resourcing Wellness in Community Soul Care is the sacred and ongoing journey of nurturing the whole being in the presence of Creator God. It draws us beyond the surface of daily life into deeper connection, where we are met, seen, and loved. Here, God’s nearness is not something to grasp or perform for, but something to receive. As we become aware of Divine presence... especially in suffering, adversity, and struggle... we are invited to respond not through striving, but through resting, listening, and opening ourselves to transformation. Soul Care creates space for both God’s voice and our own to be heard, forming sacred ground where truth, healing, and belonging can take root at a pace that honors our humanity. Spiritual Formation is the lifelong shaping of our inner life and shared life through the transforming presence of God’s Spirit. It flows from this sacred journey, gradually shaping our way of being in alignment with God's spirit of justice, mercy, love, and humility. It invites individuals and communities into life-giving rhythms that reflect Divine purpose, grace, and embodied presence. This formation is not a destination to reach, but a responsive path we walk, an unfolding expression of hope and trust in God’s transforming movement already present beneath the surface of every moment. As we attend to this holy undercurrent of the soul... our motives, desires, and longings... we grow in awareness of how God’s love is being formed within us and shared through us, revealed and carefully restored. Soul Care & Spiritual Formation Centers The Center for Formation Justice & Peace Black Lives & Contemplation Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation Awakening | Heal Renew Inspire Center for Action & Contemplation Fuller Center for Spiritual Formation Emmaus Formation Centre Peacock Soul Care Transforming Center The Journey to Your True Self | Calhoun Renovare Spiritual Directors Spiritual Director of Color Network Abide with Vanessa Sadler Spiritual Direction with Cynthia Peters Soul Reparations Spiritual Direction with Daniele Evans Emmaus Formation Centre Soul Care with Erica Peacock Soul Care Spiritual Directors Sustainable Faith Chaplains Spiritual Directors & Leaders Spiritual Direction International Selecting the appropriate Spiritual Director is a deeply personal process, requiring careful consideration of various factors. Please discern diligently to identify the qualities and expertise that align with your specific needs and preferences. Spiritual Directors Spiritual Practice Guides Prayer of Examen Centering Prayer Lectio Divina Fixed Hour of Prayer Gratitude Rooted in Resilience Prayer of Intention Loaves and Fishes I Need You Sacred Pause Lament as Sacred Formation Welcome Practice Forgiveness Retreat Light Spiritual Practice Guides Spiritual Practices Pete Scazzero 8 Practices of Emotionally Healthy Preaching & Teaching. Listen Embodied Soul Care Groundwork Videos & Reads. View More Text & Context Readings on Soul Care & Spiritual Formation. View More A Sanctified Art In our work, remembering is a spiritual practice. We remember that God created all creation with a goodness refrain. We remember that the poetry of love proclaims that darkness is sacred and black is beautiful (Song of Songs 1:5-6). We remember that Jesus was not white. However, we remember that the white Church has perpetuated violence and oppression against black, brown, and indigenous peoples. We remember that the white Church has profited from slavery. We remember that in the 1820s, white American churches mass-produced and mass-marketed images of white Jesus in order to form a unified national identity of white superiority.* We remember that racism is still alive in our faith communities. As we remember all of these things, we commit to the ongoing work of disrupting racism wherever it persists—trusting that through this journey, God re-members us and makes us whole (*Ibram X. Kendi, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. (New York, NY: Nations Books, 2016). 153). View More Kelly Latimore Icons Kelly began painting icons in 2010 while a member of the Common Friars, a community focused on connection with others, the land, and God through service, meals, and farming at “The Good Earth Farm.” Inspired by traditional iconography and encouraged by a priest friend, Kelly developed a unique approach, blending inherited practices with reflections on community life and mission. His first original icon, Christ: Consider the Lilies, was shaped by the question of how to live in right relationship with creation, embodying art as a communal and contemplative expression. For Kelly, iconography is a spiritual practice, a meditation on color, light, and meaning, that seeks to cultivate dialogue, challenge biases, and reveal Christ’s presence in daily life. His work invites viewers to pause, ponder, and grow in connection with God, neighbor, and creation. View More Bette Lynn Dickinson Bette Lynn Dickinson is a prophetic artist, author, and speaker dedicated to creating sacred spaces where individuals can encounter the transformative love of Jesus. Through her evocative paintings and writings, she crafts visual parables that invite reflection on the spiritual journey. As the founder of Awakening the Soul, a nonprofit ministry, Bette offers resources and experiences designed to nourish the souls of ministry leaders and seekers alike. With a B.A. in Art from Western Michigan University and a Master of Divinity from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, she seamlessly blends theological depth with artistic expression. Her debut book, Making Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder, showcases her unique integration of art and spirituality. View More An Artist's Note The featured artwork on this page is created by or in collaboration with artists who are deeply committed to honoring the history, heritage, and lived realities of Black, Brown, and Indigenous peoples. Through proceeds and partnerships, their work supports ministries and communities in ways that embody soul care, spiritual formation, justice, and a shared commitment to solidarity, healing, and advocacy. May this work stir us toward the vital practice of soul care and justice, not only as personal reflection but as part of our shared spiritual formation within God. You may already have artwork or know artists whose creativity invites this movement. Engage with them as fellow companions on this liberating path. Learn More Sanctuaries of Renewal Sanctuaries of Renewal Retreat Spaces for Rest and Reflection Tahquitz Pines Retreat View More Oak Glenn Christian Conference Center View More The Oak Center View More Monastery Retreat Centers View More Forest Home Retreat Centers View More Retreathood View More Exploring Inexpensive Housing and Pet-Sitting Platforms for Retreats As you consider creating sacred spaces for retreat...whether for solitude, soul care, or communal renewal...there may be unconventional yet accessible ways to make it possible. Platforms like GlampingHub , VRBO , or even 'pet-sitting exchanges' such as Rover or TrustedHousesitters could provide creative, budget-friendly options. These resources might open doors to peaceful stays in nature, quiet urban sanctuaries, or unexpected places of rest. But what if retreat isn’t found in a dedicated space at all? What if quiet must be carved out in the middle of noise, in a one-room home filled with children, in a war-torn city, or in the relentless rhythm of daily survival? Sacred space, then, becomes not just about location, but about intention...finding stillness in the small pauses, claiming a moment of breath between demands, or turning an ordinary corner into a refuge of prayer. Even a walk through a nearby park or path...beneath open skies, alongside trees, desert plains, rubble-strewn roads, or winding alleys...can become a sacred pilgrimage. These everyday places, whether peaceful or marked by struggle, might not be far from home, yet they can hold room for holy encounters, deep breaths, and unspoken prayers. May you be led to places that offer not just shelter, but deep renewal. And when the world around you is anything but quiet, may rest find you in the cracks and corners of your days...in a lingering sunrise, a whispered prayer, the steady rhythm of your breath. May provision meet you where you are, and may peace unfold in ways you never expected. MY CONTEMPLATION. . . by Barbara Holmes, Crisis Contemplation: Healing the Wounded Village "My contemplative practices include writing, music and dancing, prayer, stillness, social justice activism, and teaching. These practices are the choices of one individual. What happens when the practices are communal and practiced together? What happens when contemplation is not a personal practice, but a collective, biogenetic, and spiritual response to crisis? Contemplation is the highest expression of [human] intellectual and spiritual life. . . It is a spiritual wonder. It is spontaneous awe at the sacredness of life, of being. . . It is a vivid realization of the fact that life and being in us proceed from an invisible, transcendent and infinitely abundant source. Contemplation is, above all, awareness of the reality of that Source [God]. Thomas Merton (1915 - 1968) reassured us that when we reach the limits of our knowledge categories and intuitions, there is a wellspring, deep and inexhaustible. In the darkness, we can gather in Spirit and be filled by this Source [God]. Contemplation is not just an effective response to crisis. It can also arise during the most intense aspects of the event. When bodies are being tortured, when minds are pushed to the breaking point, the human spirit falls through the cracks of the crisis into the center of contemplation. Howard Thurman (1899 - 1981) referred to this inner space as an island, a place that cannot be breached without personal consent: "When all hope for release in the world seems unrealistic and groundless, the heart turns to a way of escape beyond the present order." "Contemplation is not a privilege of the few but a vital necessity for our interconnected lives. We are called to stillness, to pause, and to listen deeply." Scriptural Anchors: Romans 12:1-2 | Psalm 46:10 | 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 | Isaiah 40:31 | Matthew 18:20 A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR IS SOMEONE WHO... Is guided by the Holy Spirit , in the same spirit as those who, from the earliest gatherings, sought to listen together for God’s direction (Acts 13:2–3) . We help one another attend to how the Spirit is moving and speaking in our lives. Is a Trained Listener , offering a compassionate and grounded presence as we reflect together on experiences, questions, griefs, and joys. In shared attentiveness, we discern what is unfolding in daily life and how we are invited to respond (Jn 14:26; 1 Kings 19:11–13) . Does Not Seek to Fix or Diagnose , but holds space where God’s healing and direction can emerge, even amid struggle. Spiritual direction does not remove us from our challenges; it helps us notice God’s presence and invitation within them. Asks Meaningful, Compassionate Questions , opening pathways of reflection and discernment that reflect the invitational questions of Jesus: “What are you looking for?” (Jn 1:38) or “Where do you want to be made well?” (Jn 5:6) . These questions help us listen beneath the surface without pressure or presumption. Embodies Hospitality and Confidentiality , offering a sacred and trustworthy space where we can bring our whole selves... hopes, doubts, wounds, and desires... before God (Rom 12:9–13; Heb 13:2) . Guides You in Spiritual Practices , such as silence, prayer, meditation, and reflection... that nurture our relationship with God and strengthen our attentiveness to the Spirit’s work in everyday life. Invites You into Deeper Union with God , helping us attune our hearts to God’s presence in both stillness and action, and to participate in the Spirit’s transforming work within us and through us (2 Cor 3:17–18) . Encourages Spiritual Growth Rooted in Love , supporting us as we live with greater alignment to Jesus’ teaching that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21) . As Howard Thurman wrote, “A person becomes who they are by the way they order their life around their ultimate concern.” Celebrates the Transforming Work of Grace , walking together as we notice how God’s love restores and renews our lives, just as the early Church rejoiced together in the ongoing movement of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:42–47) . Continues a Long Lineage of Spiritual Companionship grounded in training and ongoing practice in the art of spiritual direction. We follow the pattern of faithful guides throughout history who have helped communities discern God’s guidance and live into their calling (Prov 11:14; Is 30:21) . “A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR is one who helps another recognize and follow the inspirations of grace in their life, in order to arrive at the end to which God is leading them.” ~Thomas Merton Scriptural Anchors: Psalm 139 | Jn 10:27 | Jn 14:26 | Jn 15:26 | Acts 1:8 | Rom 8:26 | Rom 12 | 1 Thess 5:11 | 2 Timothy 2:2
- Complimentary Call | UrbanWellnessLiving
Schedule a complimentary call to explore soul care and spiritual direction, ask questions about the process, and discern next steps for your spiritual journey. Complimentary Call Together, we’ll reflect on your hopes for soul care, your questions about my approach, and the needs you’re carrying. I look forward to sitting with you and beginning this journey. Schedule a Call
- Elderberry Syrup | UrbanWellnessLiving
Natural handcrafted elderberry syrup for immune support made with wildcrafted herbs and raw honey to help ease inflammation ease cold and flu symptoms and support overall wellness with locally made options and a DIY batch guide. Elderberry Syrup Resourcing Wellness in Community 8oz Elderberry $12.00 Give your body a boost of herbal strength for immune system wellness. An incredible superfruit supplement that eases the inflamed body for all seasons. DIY Elderberry Batch $7.00 (8oz) Learn how to make your own homemade elderberry syrup! Just add water, your local honey and you’re ready to go! 12oz Elderberry $18.00 Enjoy nature’s most powerful berries. An age-old remedy used to boost the body’s immune system and help reduce cold and flu symptoms. Our Elderberry Market We are currently a local pick - up small business in the Adams-Normandie District in Los Angeles, CA desiring to expand so that more neighborhoods can recieve this resource. Local Pick-Up Directions Purchase Form PURCHASE FORM DETAILS 1. Use "Purchase Form" button a bove. 2. Fill-In your Name , Email , & Phone Number along with your Choice of Items (8oz, 12oz or DIY) & How Many . STEP 1 REVIEW YOUR PURCHASE ORDER 1. After you Review your order Click Send. 2. We have 3 Payment Methods: (1) Venmo @Cynthia-Peters-206 (2) Zelle urbanwellnessliving@gmail.com (3) Cash on Arrival STEP 2 RECEIVE OUR RESPONSE YOU WILL Receive an Urban Wellness Living Email or Text Response with the... 1 . Amount owed 2. Local Pick - Up Directions 3. And Payment Methods STEP 3 How It's Made Natural Made Elderberry Syrup Our Elderberry Syrup is handcrafted using wildcrafted and organic herbs to create an all natural remedy that helps stimulate the immune system. Ingredients include whole elderberry sambucus nigra, whole cloves, cut & sifted echinacea purpurea, cut & sifted ginger root, cut & sifted cinnamon chips and unfiltered raw honey. Our Elderberry Syrup is done in small batches for quality control, flexibility changes, affordability, and increased efficiency. To promote healthy safeguard measures, our elderberry syrup is adequately prepared by using gloves and masks. And all our bottles are cleaned in high temperature sanitizing cycles. To reduce cost for our urban community, we package our product with minimal materials that can either be used again or be recycled. In addition, it is why we are currently a local pick-up mom and pop business. Our Elderberry Syrup is made with care and thoughtfulness as it has not only impacted our family’s health but also the health of our neighbors. Note: we will be transitioning from glass bottles to plastic bottles in order to maintain our current cost structure. Benefits Immune Support Provides the body a boost of herbal strength for immune system wellness. A good source of vitamin A and C, calcium, iron, and vitamin B6. Lessen symptoms Lessens the symptoms of cold and influenza as well as reduces the recovery timeline. Allergy Relief A great natural antihistamine that defends against seasonal allergens. Ease Inflammation Helps tame inflammation and has antioxidant effects to help reduce swelling in the body while repairing the immune system. Good-Keeping Ingredients Ingredients include whole elderberry sambucus nigra, whole cloves, echinacea purpurea, ginger root, cinnamon chips and unfiltered raw honey. Dosage Children: 1 Tsp Adult: 1 TBs Intense Use: 1 Tbs every 3 to 4 hours up to 6 times per day (for children 1 Tsp). Storage Store Elderberry in the fridge. Refrigerate for up to 3 months. About the Inspiration Biddy Mason Speaks Up I continue to be deeply moved by Biddy Mason on so many fronts. Her convictions about the value of learning, the way she invested in her community, and her steady presence in both everyday needs and long-term change, these speak to me in ways that feel both grounding and inspiring. Her involvement in charitable and civic life was not small. She helped found the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, opened a school for African American children, and stood alongside her neighbors with determination and practical support. Her faith was not abstract; it shaped how she showed up for people and how she imagined a better future. I’m also struck by her work as a healer and midwife. The skills she carried... skills that saved lives, brought comfort, and strengthened families... became a lifeline for many. Knowing that elderberry syrup was one of her remedies makes me smile; it’s a reminder that healing work can be both ordinary and profound, and that what we pass down can reach far beyond where we stand. And of course, facing enslavement, discrimination, and prejudice did not crush her conviction. She continued to believe in equality, justice, and the dignity of every person. Her story isn’t simple, and her path wasn’t easy, but her resilience, clarity, and commitment remain a powerful witness. Biddy Mason’s legacy keeps calling me forward. It reminds me that courage can grow even in harsh conditions, and that faith lived with integrity can shape generations. If you haven’t spent time with her story, I truly encourage you to. Biddy Mason Speaks Up by Arisa White and Laura Atkins is a meaningful place to begin. The book offers a clear look at slavery, caste systems, and community-building in the United States, all woven together with lyrical verse, vivid illustrations, timelines, historical context, and primary sources. Throughout, the authors invite us into reflection with questions like, “How do you see power at work in your community?”... making her life not just historical, but deeply connected to the choices and struggles we see today. “The fact that flowers, herbs, and vegetables eventually burst forth from dampened seeds is always a wonder. May our individual tears moisten the soil of our common humanity, germinating seeds of hope, compassion and mercy that will blossom and heal our collective suffering” ~ Barbara A. Holmes
- Give | UrbanWellnessLiving
Every contribution matters as we walk alongside communities, cultivating lasting wellness, hope, and justice through shared restoration and generous support that reaches beyond a moment into future generations. Give Every contribution matters as we continue walking alongside our communities and building something with meaning, purpose, and long-term impact. Your giving, whether directly to us or to other like-hearted collaborations, joins a larger story of restoration, hope, and justice unfolding in our neighborhoods. Your generosity becomes part of a shared journey, one where people’s real experiences, challenges, joys, and longings meet God’s ongoing work of renewal. And whether your path has been shaped by resilience, overwhelming grief, perseverance, or steady faith, your action helps spark movement toward healing that reaches beyond a single moment and into future generations. My family and I genuinely appreciate you for being a connector, a co-creator, and a collaborator in cultivating wellness rhythms that honor every story and every season of life. Your support means more than we can fully express, and we hold it with gratitude and humility. Thank You So Much! Ways to Give Paypal Venmo Zelle Linktree "What is important is how well we love. God will make our love fruitful, whether we see that fruitfulness or not." ~ Bread for the Journey A Sacred Thread (A brief note about my heritage)
- Why Lived Wisdom with Black & AA History | UrbanWellnessLiving
Explore why lived wisdom in Black and African American spirituality deepens soul care, healing, justice, and embodied faith rooted in history and hope. Why is it vital to honor the lived wisdom within Black and African American spirituality and soul care? To honor the lived wisdom of Black and African American spirituality is not to narrow our vision; it is to deepen it. When we listen to this history, especially in conversations about caring for one's soul and neighbor, caste systems, and racism, we are not turning away from others. We are learning to see more clearly the wounds shaped by structural inequity as well as the resilience and communal faith-fullness that have met those wounds across generations. This is the gift at the heart of this work. Soul care, shaped by this living tradition, becomes more than personal healing. It becomes a shared practice of renewal and embodied faith that draws us together toward justice, mercy, grace, reconciliation, and shared flourishing. This is why this emphasis matters: Historical Significance (Remembering as Sacred Retrieval): Black and African American spirituality carries sacred memory that calls us to Sankofa… to go back and retrieve what has been forgotten or taken. Like the Exodus story, it reveals God’s movement in the midst of oppression, guiding communities from bondage toward redemption. Honoring this history is not merely remembrance; it is an act of retrieval and repair. Through soul care, history becomes a living space where we hear echoes of resilience, lament, and Divine presence whispering across generations. As we engage these memories, we learn how the Spirit sustains people and leads them toward wholeness. Soul care then becomes an ongoing Exodus... an embodied journey of remembering, healing, and collective liberation. Intersectionality (Love as Collective Awareness): Intersectionality grows from the command to love God and neighbor. It reminds us that our lives are bound together… across culture, gender, class, ability, and faith… and that harm to one body is harm through the whole body. This love calls for a relational awareness that begins within and expands outward. Here, compassion becomes a shared ethic. Intersectionality becomes soul work. It teaches us to notice where power, pain, and privilege intersect, within us and around us. Through this awareness, we learn to listen across our different narratives, to soften our defenses, and to build bridges of active-empathy. Liberation, in this way, is not solitary… it is shared, restoring all of creation toward right relationship with God and one another. Education & Awareness (The Sacred Space Between): Education and awareness lie at the heart of soul care. Viktor Frankl reminds us, “Between stimulus and response there is a space.” In that sacred in-between, we discover choice, agency, and grace. The capacity to choose healing, truth, and growth. Soul care tends this space, teaching us to pause, breathe, and listen, especially to our bodies, before we respond. Here, the guiding question shifts. Rather than asking, “What’s wrong with you?” , a question shaped by fear, power, and dominance or “What’s wrong with me?” , shaped by shame and self-blame... we are invited into deeper inquiry: "What am I carrying? What patterns are forming within me? What harm, hierarchy, or control have I internalized? What is my body asking me to notice before I speak or act?" This awareness does not excuse injustice or collapse accountability; it clarifies it. By tending first to the log in our own eye, we learn to respond with humility, confronting harm without reproducing it and creating space for the Spirit’s life-giving work to restore our identity, renew our dignity, and deepen our belonging. Awareness then moves outward, revealing how internalized wounds and dehumanizing formations are woven into our collective life and systems. Policy & Reform (Systems that Mirror Justice): Caring for the soul does not end in personal reflection; it moves outward into the work of public transformation. Instead of asking, “Who failed?” we ask, “What systems create harm or support healing?” This practice embodies justice as love in action. Black and African American communities have long carried the burdens of inequitable systems in housing, education, healthcare, professional opportunities, and criminal justice. Naming these realities is both prophetic and pastoral. Caring for our souls sustains those engaged in advocacy, tending to the emotional fatigue that comes with pursuing justice and reminding us that every just structure begins with a heart reordered by the Spirit. As we are transformed, our engagement shapes the structures around us, turning reflection into courageous, compassionate action in the world. Christ Formation & Theological Anthropology (Love that Takes Flesh): Christ’s formation unfolds within human history, not apart from it. In the lived experiences of Black and African Americans, we encounter a faith that wrestles honestly with imperial, class, colonial, and authoritarian powers, fear, domination, capitalism, and despair, both around us and within us. And yet, it is here that God draws near. Theology becomes embodied, breathing through lament, communal faithfulness, and hope. Christ’s life shows that transformation happens in relationship, where love resists the pull of counterfeit power and resurrection rises from what was silenced. This formation is not abstract or ideal; it is daily practice, choosing love over control, courage over avoidance, and mercy over judgment. Caring for one's soul mirrors Christ’s work by restoring dignity, reconciling what is broken, and revealing the Divine image in every life. Inspiration & Solidarity (Shared Breath, Shared Becoming): The stories of Black and African American communal faithfulness remind us that healing is never solitary; it is shared. Their witness draws us into a wider belonging, rooted in the truth that our well-being is bound together. Solidarity grows when we breathe together, listen without rushing, and allow another’s story to expand our own. Caring for one's soul cultivates this shared becoming, forming empathy and mutual strength. Inspiration is not escape but courage awakened through connection. Standing with one another, we carry hope into wounded systems and embody the Spirit’s promise of liberation and new creation. Focusing on soul care through Black and African American spiritual wisdom invites us into God’s ongoing work of healing and justice. By remembering history and attending to its present echoes, we join the faithful witness of those, like the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia, who endured suffering yet remained rooted in the love of Christ. This sacred journey reveals how our stories of struggle and renewal are bound together, and how God’s love continues to weave wholeness where the world has been, and still is, torn apart. It calls us toward a world where liberation and dignity are not privileges but Divine birthrights rooted in God’s grace. Within this work, we turn away from patterns shaped by fear, envy, and shame, and learn to reflect God’s heart, a heart that forms courage in adversity, restores belonging where division once ruled, and gathers every person into the shared story of redemption and living Hope. Scriptural Anchors: The Book of Genesis & Exodus | Deut 6:4-12 | 2 Samuel 21:1-14 | Amos 5:24 | Micah 6:8 | Lk 4:17-19 | Lk 10:25-37 | Rom 12:1-2 | 2 Cor 3:17-18 | 2 Cor 5:18-19 | Is 61:1-3 | Ps 139 | Matt 5-7 | Rev 2:8–11 | Rev 3:7–13 Justice & Righteousness Listen In a world where faith has become entangled with empire, division, and brokenness, Reclaiming Faith offers an invitation to rediscover the liberating essence of the Gospel. Through four thoughtful sessions led by José Humphreys, this series guides viewers on a journey of decolonization, healing, and spiritual renewal. Each film explores how we can reclaim a faith that truly liberates, restores, and creates authentic belonging... moving beyond inherited systems of power and control to encounter the transformative heart of Christ's message. Whether you're wrestling with disillusionment, seeking deeper understanding, or longing for a more compassionate expression of Christianity, this series provides space for honest discernment and hopeful reimagination. Listen America’s Unholy Ghosts is a thoughtful short film series from The Work of the People inspired by Joel Edward Goza’s book of the same name. The series invites viewers into deep, honest conversation about how racialized ways of thinking and cultural assumptions have shaped American faith and politics... and how those “unholy ghosts” can haunt Christian life and public life today. It includes eight films framed around five sessions that explore topics like how systems of white supremacy are sustained, how scarcity and racialized images of God are constructed, how cultural narratives can be rewritten, and what faithful responses rooted in dignity and justice might look like. Each segment is paired with practices for discernment and conversation. SANKOFA is a word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. It means San (to return), Ko (to go), and Fa (to fetch, seek, and take). The well-known image of the bird... its body facing forward while its head reaches back to lift an egg from its back... captures the heart of Sankofa. It reminds us that returning to what has been carried, forgotten, or left unexamined is not regression, but wisdom. Oftentimes, healing and faithfulness require us to look back with honesty so we can move forward with clarity, courage, and repair. The Sankofa experience follows this way of learning. It guides us through historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement, inviting a living connection between the freedom struggle of the past and the realities we carry today. Sankofa names the truth that understanding race and caste systems is not an optional add-on to faith, but a vital part of our Christian discipleship… especially for those seeking a love that is rooted, embodied, and just. This journey is interactive and deeply formational. It invites participants to notice how Jesus’ righteousness, generosity, and justice take shape in real places, real stories, and real people… inside and outside the church. As we trace the history of caste systems and witness their ongoing impact, Sankofa creates space for awareness, repentance, and repair. It equips believers to join Christ’s work of reconciliation and conciliation, integrating faith and action so that our spiritual formation is not only personal, but also communal… woven into the healing, restoration, and hope God calls all of us to live into together.
- Light Mindfulness Practice Videos | UrbanWellnessLiving
A collection of gentle mindfulness videos and guides to support grounding, present‑moment awareness, and calming breath practices for everyday life rooted in intention, presence and emotional well‑being. Light Mindfulness Practice Videos & Guides Humming Video Humming Guide Container Video Container Guide Joy & Thankfulness Video Grateful Guide Diaphragmatic Breathing Video ... The 5-4-3-2-1 Method Video The 5-4-3-2-1 Method Guide Place of Peace Video Place of Peace Guide PMR Video (Progressive Muscle Relaxation ) PMR Guide Body Scan Video Body Scan Guide Vagus Nerve Reset Video ...
- Civic Engagement | UrbanWellnessLiving
Discover meaningful ways to participate in civic engagement that reflect biblical principles of justice, compassion, and love for community while exploring organizations and initiatives that align with God’s call to care for neighbor and contribute to healing and wholeness in the world. Civic Engagement WHY CIVIC ENGAGEMENT? Many principles and teachings in the Bible remind us that caring for our neighbors, seeking justice, and being responsible stewards of the world are not just noble ideas... they are invitations to live out love in tangible ways. Jesus' command to "love your neighbor as yourself (Matt 22:39)" calls us to actively participate in the well-being of our communities and society. Similarly, Micah 6:8 encourages us to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God," inviting us to let justice, compassion, and humility guide our actions. Civic engagement, then, becomes more than duty; it becomes a way to reflect God’s heart, to contribute to healing, and to help build a world that mirrors the wholeness Christ desires for us all. We know there are countless opportunities for civic engagement in our world, and many of you are already walking this path faithfully. Below are just a few of the ways our family has connected, among many others, that we wanted to share. May these examples encourage you, gently remind you of the power of your participation, and invite all of us to align our actions with God’s desire for healing, wholeness, and unity in Christ. Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence Empowering Black women, birthing persons, and their families to feel safe, respected, and informed through their entire pregnancy journey. The idea for the Black Maternal Health Center Of Excellence (BMHCE) was born in 2017 by the Charles Drew University (CDU) Department of Urban Public Health (DUPH), in partnership with the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM). These organizations partner with BMHCE to prevent infant and maternal mortality in LA County and the broader U.S. Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice focuses on developing, implementing and teaching sustainable and regenerative earth practices. AddiEun Foundation The mission of the AddiEun Foundation is to fund, in the form of small micro-grants, the creation of primarily black and indigenous women led reprieve spaces and infrastructure building and strengthening for black and indigenous people, families, and communities confronting and enduring the persistent historical intergenerational and institutional effects of White Body Supremacy. These spaces will be the cultural and philosophical foundation for healing and economic development for the next nine generations. NAACP National Association for the Advancement of Colored People The NAACP or National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was established in 1909 and is America's oldest and largest civil rights organization. It was formed in New York City by white and Black activists, partially in response to the ongoing violence against Black Americans around the country. Imagine Abolition Watch to hear former executive director Patrisse Cullors’ vision of abolition, and how Black Lives Matter was birthed from a passion to set us all free. Video Color of Change OUR MISSION: Color Of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. We help people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by 7 million members, we move decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. Watts of Power Foundation The Village Initiative The Foundation’s mission is to strengthen families and communities through a focus on education and community revitalization. Our five-pronged approach empowers Black male pre-service teachers through: education, housing, financial literacy, job training and advocacy. Teacher Village featured ABC 7 Eyewitness News Children's Defense Fund The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities. Care Portal CarePortal is a technology platform that connects churches, community members, and local agencies to meet the real-time needs of vulnerable children and families. Through vetted requests submitted by child-serving professionals, communities are mobilized to provide practical support... such as beds, food, or transportation... helping stabilize families and prevent unnecessary foster care placements. By linking compassion with coordinated action, CarePortal strengthens relationships and empowers communities to care for children together. Breaking Barriers, Building Belonging Anti-Ableism Resources Across Faith & Advocacy California Black Power Network The California Black Power Network is a united ecosystem of Black grassroots organizations working together to change the lived conditions of Black Californians by dismantling systemic and anti-Black racism. Black & Asian Solidarity FACE See how FACE is bringing together the Black and AAPI community to bring racial healing and unity to fight for a more equitable world. After Hours We are a community compelled by the hope of Christ to participate in transformation and healing among people in L.A. involved in all aspects of the cycle of sexual exploitation. We do this by building community, aligning resources, and fostering healthy relationships. Catholic Legal Immigration Network "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." In light of ongoing debates about immigration, this call from Matthew 25:35 remains as relevant as ever. Immigration is a key issue in the U.S. and globally, involving not only legal and policy complexities but also significant social and ethical concerns. For over 30 years, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) has defended immigrant families' legal rights and upheld their dignity, grounded in the Catholic tradition of welcoming the stranger. CLINIC trains and supports a network of 400+ Catholic and community-based immigration law providers across 49 states, helping nearly 500,000 immigrants annually. It also supports immigrant defenders in court and provides expertise in religious immigration law for religious workers coming to the U.S. Supporting Immigrants: A Call to Action Race Equity & Justice Ministries by North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church Video Poor People's Campaign In 1968, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and many others called for a “revolution of values” in America. They sought to build a broad, fusion movement that could unite poor and impacted communities across the country. Their name was a direct cry from the underside of history: The Poor People’s Campaign. Today, the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival has picked up this unfinished work. From Alaska to Arkansas, the Bronx to the border, people are coming together to confront the interlocking evils of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism and the war economy, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. We understand that as a nation we are at a critical juncture... that we need a movement that will shift the moral narrative, impact policies and elections at every level of government, and build lasting power for poor and impacted people. The Equal Justice Initiative The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. EJI challenges poverty and racial injustice, advocates for equal treatment in the criminal justice system, and creates hope for marginalized communities. Founded in 1989 by Bryan Stevenson, a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer and bestselling author of Just Mercy, EJI is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons. We challenge the death penalty and excessive punishment and we provide re-entry assistance to formerly incarcerated people. Tsuru for Solidarity As an ethnic group who has received an apology and reparations from the federal government for wrongs committed against us, Japanese Americans have a moral imperative to support Black people seeking a past due similar path for a structural remedy. We also have moral authority to stand in solidarity with other communities: especially a community targeted by historic racism seeking accountability and a process for redress and reparations. Chasing Justice Chasing Justice will equip and inspire you in new ways. The invitation to live justly can often feel overwhelming with all the darkness in the world, but we believe that God cares about the injustice and pain in the world and has designed us to make a difference. Being led by people of color, we are forming a community of people that will journey together. This journey will provoke a social imagination that centers the voices of those most impacted by injustice. Chasing Justice will guide you to live justly and see God’s goodness for the world. Let’s rebuild a just world. Video Harambee Ministries Rooted in Christ, transforming community, located in the heart of Northwest Pasadena, Harambee Ministries is a Christ-centered, justice-driven organization committed to developing a thriving community through discipleship, education, and leadership development. With a legacy of empowering youth and families, Harambee works to cultivate hope, academic excellence, and spiritual formation, ensuring every individual is seen, supported, and equipped to lead. From after-school programs to mentorship and neighborhood engagement, Harambee lives out the Gospel through holistic love, action, and presence. Los Angeles Regional Re-entry Partnership The mission of LARRP is to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive, culturally competent, and effective community reentry system, by providing a strong community voice in public policy and funding decisions; by serving as a convener of reentry service providers, advocates, and other stakeholders; and by building capacity across the county to meet the needs of the reentry community. Private School Village PSV is a unique community of support, created for Black families by Black families. A highly collaborative organization, PSV brings together families and students from across private schools to share resources, centralize offerings, and truly build community. We believe that a healthy education includes a community where students, parents, and schools are in partnership to ensure all students thrive fully. Together we are working to increase racial literacy, racial socialization, representation and support related research. Mental Health Resources for Children and Youth in Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMHLA) Download Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Toll Free Assistance (DMHLA) Download Mental Health Resources Download Expert Insights on Youth Suicide Awareness & Prevention in K-12 Schools Download How School & District Leaders Can Recognize & Prevent Student Harm to Self & Others Download Creating a Modern Youth Suicide Awareness & Prevention Program for Your District Download www.navigate360.com Los Angeles City Resource List (The Housing Authority has developed a resource list with possible sources and assistance. The Housing Authority does not endorse these services) Download Los Angeles County Consumer Business Affairs View More
- Healthy Living | UrbanWellnessLiving
Healthy Living invites you to explore how mindful choices about food, movement, rest, and self‑awareness can strengthen your physical, emotional, and mental well‑being while honoring the environments you inhabit and shape. Healthy Living Resourcing Wellness in Community Healthy Living is an invitation... an opportunity to notice, to choose, and to care for ourselves in ways that honor both our inner and outer worlds. It is the capacity to act with intention, cultivating practices that support our physical, emotional, and mental well-being, while remaining mindful of the environments we inhabit and shape. It asks us to listen closely: to what we eat, how we move, when we rest, and what we are learning about ourselves and our connection to our bodies. Over time, these small, attentive choices become sustaining habits... ones that gently guide us toward wholeness, balance, and the health goals that matter most to us. We share these resources as an offering, trusting they may support your well-being or encourage you to uncover life-giving resources already present within your local community. Sweet Bee Farm Elderberry Syrup Monterey Bay Our Culture Hub Edens Garden Plant Therapy Make It Dairy Free Baba's Vegan Cafe Hilltop Farmer's Market Fish & Poultry Market The L.A. Cafe South LA Cafe Blaze Pizza Casa Tlatenchi The Moody Vegan McKenna's Bakery Eating Healty Today Green Vibrance Organic Protein Collagen Peptides Tumeric Curcumin Swanson Bone Broth Ashwagandha Recreation Hip Camping National Parks CAVA SeniorShape Fitness Peloton App CurlMix Moonlight The King's Offspring Zenni
- Frequently Asked Questions | UrbanWellnessLiving
My Soul Care Rhythm embodies a profound commitment to care for the soul. In this cherished rhythm, I recognize the intricate orchestra between personal well-being and the greater harmony of community. Rooted in principles of compassion, love, and justice, I believe that nurturing the soul extends beyond individual contentment; it encompasses a collective pursuit of justice and righteousness for the sake of all humanity. Frequently Asked Questions (Power, Privilege, Profit, & Liberation in the Way of Jesus) These questions come up often because people are trying to be faithful, honest, and grounded in real life. Many of us were taught to love God and love our neighbors, yet we’ve also inherited stories, systems, and experiences that don’t always line up well. When words like power, privilege, profit, racism, or class enter the conversation, it can feel confusing, personal, or even threatening... especially when our own lived experiences don’t seem to match what we’re hearing. These questions are not signs of resistance or bad faith; they are signs of people wanting coherence between Scripture, daily life, and the way of Jesus. This space exists to gently slow the conversation down, honor context, and explore how Jesus speaks to the realities we are all navigating... together, with humility and care. Racism doesn't exist. Collapsible text is great for longer section titles and descriptions. It gives people access to all the info they need, while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...
- Blogs & Articles | UrbanWellnessLiving
Discover curated blog articles rooted in spiritual formation, justice, and healing wisdom to support your journey toward wholeness, hope, and grounded living. Blogs & Articles A living library of reflections, stories, and resources rooted in the pursuit of justice, righteousness, and embodied soul care. These offerings are not just updates or insights...they are companions for those resisting disconnection, disembodiment, elitism, nationalism, and racism. Here, personal truths are held with tenderness, and history is honored as a guide rather than a weapon. Each resource is curated to nurture clarity, courage, and communal healing in a fragmented world. African Burial Ground National Park Service A Sacred Space in Manhattan. African Burial Ground is the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. It protects the historic role slavery played in building New York. Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a theologian, psychologist, and professor dedicated to healing the legacies of racial and gender oppression through faith, justice, and holistic care. In her Substack newsletter, No Trifling Matter, she offers personal reflections and insights on topics like motherhood, resistance, and spiritual growth. Sheila Wise Rowe Sheila Wise Rowe is the co-founder of The Cyrene Movement, an online Christian community dedicated to helping people of color heal from racial trauma, realize their potential, and embrace community. The movement draws inspiration from Simon of Cyrene, a man of color from North Africa who helped Jesus carry the cross, symbolizing the act of lifting each other's burdens. Dr. Lerita Coleman Brown Lerita Coleman Brown , a heart and kidney transplant recipient, spiritual director, and professor emerita of psychology...intertwines her personal journey with profound insights into the integration of spiritual and psychological healing. Her exploration of the intersection between spiritual direction and psychotherapy reveals how blending psychological insight with spiritual accompaniment can cultivate a more holistic model of care, one that honors both the inner life and mental well-being. Lisa Sharon Harper Lisa Sharon Harper reflects on the events of our day, through the lenses of theology, culture, politics, and the arts. Think of this space as “LSH Acoustic”: raw, thoughtful first takes without the bells and whistles. Sometimes her reflections appear as short Twitter moments. Other times they grow into essays, columns, or even chapters of books. Here, she invites us to pause and touch base, offering a place where her voice can stretch beyond Instagram or Facebook. Lisa values dialogue. She loves hearing how her words land and what they spark in you. So, join the conversation: write back in the comments, share with friends, and lean into the reflection. We are living in extraordinary times. Dr. Jemar Tisby Jemar Tisby is a historian, author, and public theologian whose work centers on truth-telling, racial justice, and faithful Christian witness. Through careful historical analysis and pastoral clarity, he helps communities confront the realities of racism while cultivating practices of repentance, repair, and hope. Jemar’s voice bridges scholarship and lived experience, inviting the Church to engage history honestly, embody courageous love, and participate more fully in God’s work of reconciliation and liberation. The Center for Formation Justice & Peace The Center for Formation Justice & Peace is an interdenominational community cultivating Christlike character to pursue peace through kingdom justice. Through articles, podcasts, and spiritual practices, the Center explores how to become a "people of repair," addressing societal brokenness with compassion and action. On Being On Being . A profound conversation from The On Being Project exploring what it means to be human, live wisely, and act with courage in a fractured world. On Being features transformative voices like Resmaa Menakem, who brings deep insight into healing racialized trauma and embodying justice. Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez Kristin Kobes Du Mez , a historian that delves into the intricate ties between American evangelicalism, politics, and gender roles. Her acclaimed book, Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation, examines how evangelical culture has embraced a rugged, militant masculinity, influencing political allegiances and shaping national discourse. Through her writings and interviews, Du Mez highlights the cultural forces that have redefined religious beliefs and practices in contemporary America. Corey Evan Leak Corey Evan Leak is a writer, speaker, certified diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner, and creator of Justice & Belonging. Through his blog, essays, and conversations, he challenges norms that uphold injustice and invites deeper reflection on race, faith, and community. His work doesn’t just analyze problems, it sparks transformative conversations that push readers to consider how beliefs and practices shape belonging, dignity, and shared life together. For those seeking a grounded witness at the intersections of spirituality and justice, his writing is both a provocation and a call to engage more honestly with the questions of our time Lectio 365 Lectio 365 is created to help you develop a deeper, daily connection with God. Inspired by the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, daily devotionals guide for you to pray the Bible through Scripture, reflection, and prayer each morning, midday and evening. Since launching in 2019, Lectio 365 desire is to help people make prayer a regular, life-giving habit... wherever we are and whatever our day holds. How Hip Hop Changed the World How Hip Hop Changed the World . Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World" is a four-part documentary series that explores the evolution of hip-hop from its roots in the Bronx to its global impact today. Presented by Chuck D of Public Enemy, the series examines how hip-hop has served as a powerful medium for political expression and social commentary over the past 50 years. Dr. Curtis Thompson Curtis Thompson MD . Explore thought-provoking reflections on healing, connection, and the intersection of neuroscience and spiritual formation by Dr. Curt Thompson. These articles offer rich insight for anyone longing to live with greater purpose, presence, and wholeness. The Work of the People The Work of the People is a spiritual media ministry offering contemplative films and visual liturgies that invite deep reflection, healing, and justice. Their resources help individuals and communities encounter God through honest storytelling and creative liturgy. Dr. Sophia Park Dr. Sophia Park is a prophetic voice in global feminist theology, Dr. Park weaves together biblical spirituality, intercultural wisdom, and liberating practices rooted in the margins. As a scholar, spiritual director, and sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, her work invites us into deeper belonging, healing, and global sisterhood. Father Maurice J Nutt Father Maurice J. Nutt is a Redemptorist priest, revival preacher, and author dedicated to uplifting African American Catholic voices through prophetic preaching, social justice, and spiritual renewal. His ministry emphasizes faith, cultural identity, and the transformative power of the Gospel. Father Maurice shares reflections like “Preaching in a Time of Crisis” and “Pursuing a Life That Matters,” offering guidance on living a faith-filled life. Through his preaching, writing, and retreats, Father Maurice continues to inspire others to embrace a life of purpose and faith. Center for Action & Contemplation Center for Action and Contemplation Daily Meditations are everyday wisdom for a transformed lives. They are rooted in the Christian contemplative traditions, offering reflections from Richard Rohr, CAC faculty, and guest teachers to help you deepen your spiritual practice and embody compassion in the world. Kahlil Greene Kahlil Greene , also known as the “Gen-Z Historian”, is a 2x Emmy-nominated, Forbes 30 U 30 Honored, Peabody Award-winning, and New York Times, WSJ, and Variety Magazine recognized digital educator with over 800,000 followers and 50mm views across his TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles. He has authored op-eds about Gen Z and social impact in the Washington Post, LA Times, and Harvard Business Review. Kahlil also graduated from Yale with a degree in History and served as the college’s first-ever Black student body president. Kahlil is now a full-time, self-employed speaker, influencer, and educator and is known for his TikTok series, Hidden History–which dives into stories of American injustice–and for his commentary about politics and culture.Take a Look at Substack Top Black History Creator with Jemar Tisby & Kahil Greene Center of Spiritual Imagination The Community of the Incarnation is a new monastic community which embodies and teaches engaged contemplative spirituality in response to what Father Bede Griffiths called “the universal call to contemplation.” We affirm that intimacy with God does not belong to a special group of religious professionals but is available to all. Our practice democratizes the gifts of monastic spirituality and translates them into a form that can be lived in everyday life. Writings Asian American Christian Collaborative By Asian American Christians, for Asian American Christians, about Asian American Christians. Read compelling stories, rich theology, and thoughtful reflections from our community in our weekly newsletter. Sign up and be the first to get new content, updates, and resources pertaining to Asian American Christians. Articles Christian for Social Action Christians for Social Action is a community of Christian leaders, scholars, and practitioners committed to integrating faith and justice. Through theological reflection, spiritual formation, and practical engagement, CSA equips individuals and communities to pursue personal and systemic transformation rooted in the whole gospel... seeking peace, justice, and flourishing for all. Articles
- Justice & Righteousness | UrbanWellnessLiving
Explore biblical justice and righteousness through soul care, racial healing, lament, and spiritual formation resources that restore relationships and cultivate faithful action. Justice & Righteousness Resourcing Wellness in Community "Biblically, justice is a Divine act of reparation where breached relationships are renewed and victims, offenders, and communities are restored. Justice, therefore, is about relationships and our conduct within them. Justice asks, "How is righteousness embodied and exuded in how I live in relationship with God, neighbor, and creation?" Biblical justice is established and worked out within the confines of a relationship. The relational working out of justice is righteousness. This is why we are called to pursue right(eous) relationship with God. And through our realigned relationship with God, in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we "become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor. 5:21) ." ~ Dominque Dubois Gillard Build a World of Justice & Righteousness Links & Books View More A History of Racial Compromise Links & Books View More Embodied Soul Care Links & Books View More Sacred Rhythm Defined View More Lament Links & Books View More Healing Race-Based Trauma Links & Books View More Black & African American Religious History Links & Books View More Civic Engagment Links & Books View More "The world is the cloister of the contemplative. Always the quest for justice draws one deeply into the heart of God. In this sacred interiorty, contemplation becomes the language of prayer and the impetus for prophetic action." ~ Barbara Holmes, Joy Unspeakable Must See Videos & Movies View More Race & Reconciliation curated by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Decatur, GA Download Anti-Racism Resources curated by United Methodist Church of Garner, NC View More Righteousness & Justice Resources curated by Rock Community of Los Angeles, CA Download Racial Justice Resources curated by First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, CA Download SANKOFA is a word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. It means San (to return), Ko (to go), and Fa (to fetch, seek, and take). The well-known image of the bird... its body facing forward while its head reaches back to lift an egg from its back... captures the heart of Sankofa. It reminds us that returning to what has been carried, forgotten, or left unexamined is not regression, but wisdom. Oftentimes, healing and faithfulness require us to look back with honesty so we can move forward with clarity, courage, and repair. The Sankofa experience follows this way of learning. It guides us through historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement, inviting a living connection between the freedom struggle of the past and the realities we carry today. Sankofa names the truth that understanding race and caste systems is not an optional add-on to faith, but a vital part of our Christian discipleship… especially for those seeking a love that is rooted, embodied, and just. This journey is interactive and deeply formational. It invites participants to notice how Jesus’ righteousness, generosity, and justice take shape in real places, real stories, and real people… inside and outside the church. As we trace the history of caste systems and witness their ongoing impact, Sankofa creates space for awareness, repentance, and repair. It equips believers to join Christ’s work of reconciliation and conciliation, integrating faith and action so that our spiritual formation is not only personal, but also communal… woven into the healing, restoration, and hope God calls all of us to live into together.

