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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

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

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. The Faith I Share I share this faith rooted in an ancient confession, first spoken more than three centuries after the birth of Jesus. This Affirmation of Faith was written to draw hearts and minds toward foundational truths that unite humanity: belief in Creator God*, in Jesus Christ*, and in the Holy Spirit*. Across generations, these words have carried through countless communities of Jesus' followers, sustaining a steady truth of justice: righteousness, mercy, grace, compassion, and love. This is not a private confession. It is one story, held together across time and culture, telling of a God who has been at work reconciling all things from the very beginning (Col. 1:19-20) . Yet even as these words remind us of our shared foundation, I recognize that division still wounds the body of Christ, born of envy, fear, shame, pride, and the love of money that scripture names as a root of so much harm and evil (1 Tim. 6:10) , and of systems that have long organized these very wounds to protect power and wealth for the few. These are old wounds, familiar to every generation, and they call for honesty as much as hope. This Affirmation calls us back with courage, back to the heart of what has the power to bridge our differences and awaken a shared vision of God's reconciling love. It invites us to hold fast to the living hope we find in Jesus, a hope that stretches beyond every boundary human systems have drawn, beyond every empire theology built to serve the powerful rather than the flourishing of all, beyond every line drawn to decide who belongs and who does not. Belonging was never empire's to give, or any system's to withhold. It has always belonged to God, freely given. Just as God's creation flourishes in radiant diversity, each culture, language, and people bearing the reflection of God's own image (Gen. 1:27), we remember that all things, in their time, find their harmony and wholeness through Christ. This is the story that gathers every nation, tribe, people, and tongue into the presence of God (Rev. 7:9) , and the story I have found home within. Wherever you find yourself in your own story, I hope you find home there too. I believe in one God,* Creator of heaven and earth, the Source of life, of all that is, seen and unseen, who calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves. I believe in Jesus the Christ,* God's only beloved Son, true God from true God, one in being with the Father, our companion and Redeemer. Conceived by the Holy Spirit's power, born into the world through Mary's courage, he entered our human story with love, standing among the humble and the overlooked, proclaiming good news to the poor, release to the captive, and the year of God's favor. Emmanuel, God with us and among us, in solidarity with the weary and the forgotten. For us and for our salvation. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, under the weight of empire and authoritarian power, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into the depths of death and sorrow, yet on the third day, he rose again... a sign that love cannot be overcome or interrupted. He ascended into the mystery of heaven and rests in communion with God, from where he will come again, restoring justice and mercy among the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit,* the giver of life, worshiped and glorified with the Father and the Son, God's breath still moving through creation, forming one holy catholic* and sacred family of faith. In the Spirit, we are joined with all who have gone before us... the communion of saints, the gift of forgiveness, the promise of resurrection, and the life of the world that has no end. Amen. God God, the One who holds all things together, is both strength and tenderness, mystery and communion. The Source of all life, God creates and sustains heaven and earth through boundless love (Genesis 1:1-2; Colossians 1:16-17). Scripture reveals God as Father and Mother, a Presence who comforts as a mother comforts her child (Isaiah 66:13) and who shepherds with steadfast care (Psalm 23:1-4). This is a God who hears the cry of the oppressed and moves toward their liberation (Exodus 3:7-8), whose Divine Love shapes us in wisdom and compassion, calling us to live in harmony with creation and with one another (Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:9). Made in the Image of God To be made in the image of God is to bear the reflection of Divine Love, a love that is both powerful and nurturing. Within each person lives the capacity for strength, creativity, empathy, and grace (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 139:13-14). God's image is not limited by gender, culture, or language; rather, it is revealed through the fullness of humanity. In Scripture, Wisdom (Sophia) calls with a woman's voice, guiding and sustaining life (Proverbs 8:1-3, 22-31), and Jesus himself speaks in maternal imagery, longing to gather his people "as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings" (Luke 13:34). These passages remind us that Divine Love is both fatherly and motherly, forming, restoring, and drawing us deeper into belonging (Hosea 11:3-4; Psalm 103:13). Jesus the Christ Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, was born in Bethlehem under the shadow of Herod's throne, a ruler so threatened by news of his birth that he sought to destroy him (Matthew 2:16), a pattern of empire fearing what it cannot control that has repeated itself across every generation. As a child, he fled violence and lived as a refugee in Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15), later raised in Nazareth, a village so overlooked that even his own countrymen asked, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (John 1:46). It was among the humble and dismissed, not the powerful or privileged, that God chose to raise him. As a first-century Jewish man under Roman occupation, he entered the world without civil standing, yet embodied God's liberating presence among the people (Philippians 2:5-8). Through his life, teachings, death, and resurrection, Jesus revealed the heart of God's justice and mercy. His words on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and his proclamation in Nazareth (Luke 4:14-21; Isaiah 61:1-3) invite us to love God wholly, love our neighbors as ourselves, and participate in the renewal of all creation (Deuteronomy 6:4-12; Matthew 22:34-40; Acts 2:42). In his suffering, Jesus stood with the persecuted and the weary, with the faithful Church of Smyrna and the enduring Church of Philadelphia (Revelation 2:8-11; 3:7-13), showing that even in weakness, Divine strength prevails (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). The risen Christ walks beside us still, the Good Shepherd leading us into truth, healing, and liberation (John 10:14-16; Luke 24:30-32). Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is God's living breath, present and active from creation's dawn, still moving through all that exists (Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30). Named Ruach in Hebrew and Rukha in Aramaic, both grammatically feminine, she comforts, renews, and guides with tender strength, interceding for us with deep compassion (John 14:16-17, 26; Romans 8:26-27). In Scripture, the Spirit is Wisdom's voice, leading us toward justice, unity, and peace (Isaiah 11:2; Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit forms one sacred family of faith, connecting generations past and present, the communion of saints, reminding us that God's presence cannot be confined (Ephesians 4:3-6; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7). The Spirit is the divine rhythm of life that restores, reconciles, and breathes hope where there was none (Ezekiel 37:9-10; Titus 3:5-6). The Holy Catholic Church The Holy Catholic Church, meaning the universal body of Christ, embraces all who believe in Jesus across time, culture, and tradition (Ephesians 4:4-6; Galatians 3:28). The word "catholic" is not found in the Hebrew or Aramaic Scriptures; it comes from the Greek katholikos, meaning "universal" or "of the whole." In the traditional creed, it does not refer to the Roman Catholic denomination, but to the worldwide fellowship of all who follow Christ. This sacred family of faith holds the beauty of diversity within unity, reflecting the Creator who delights in difference and calls many members into one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). The Church exists not as an institution of power, but as a community of mercy and justice, called to embody God's reconciling love in the world (2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Micah 6:8). Trinity God has never been alone. Before the world began, the Father was already loving the Son through the Spirit, an eternal community of self-giving love rather than a solitary power (John 17:24). This is not three gods sharing a name, nor one God wearing three masks, but one Divine life held in relationship, Father, Son, and Spirit, distinct and undivided, giving and receiving love without beginning or end. The Spirit who hovered over the waters at creation is the same Spirit who descended at Jesus' baptism, revealing that the Father's love for the Son, and the Spirit's work of blessing and empowering, is not a one-time event but the very rhythm of who God is (Genesis 1:2; Matthew 3:16-17). To say "God is love" is to say something about God's inmost identity, not just God's actions (1 John 4:8-11). This community of love now reaches outward, drawing us into its fellowship, into the koinonia of grace, love, and communion Paul names in his blessing over the Church (2 Corinthians 13:14). To trust this God is to be welcomed into a relationship that has been overflowing since before the foundation of the world (Galatians 4:4-6).

Experience a Soul Care Mini Retreat with guided spiritual direction, reflective practices, and restorative care tailored for teams, ministries, or communities. Soul Care Mini-Retreat Hourly Rate: $80 + Travel & Participant Materials (Personalized Online or In-Person) A Note on Shared Care & Pricing Let’s explore what a soul care mini-retreat could look like for your team or community, your hopes, expectations, and the unique needs of your group. I look forward to partnering with you to create a meaningful experience. Schedule a Call

Spiritual Direction sessions offer guided reflection, spiritual companionship, and soul care practices that support discernment, healing, and deeper connection with God. Complimentary Call Let’s take a moment to connect. Listening, learning, and exploring together how Soul Care and Spiritual Direction can nurture freedom, healing, and hope. Let's Connect Spiritual Direction An invitation into a sacred rhythm where your story, sorrows, and longings are held, your hidden strength is honored, and your transformation is companioned with care. Spiritual Direction Soul Care Mini-Retreat A space for groups to gather, rest, and receive spiritual care. Participants are invited to reflect, be supported, and explore practices that nurture both themselves and one another. Soul Care Mini-Retreat Why Spiritual Direction? A Journey of Transformation Why Spiritual Direction... because Spiritual Direction transformed my life when I needed it most. In one of my lowest moments, I finally raised my 'surrender flag' (literally, raised my hands!) and opened myself to the gift of spiritual directors and spiritual mentors. They walked with me as I faced the pain I had buried for far too long: overwhelming grief, stress, trauma, shame, anxiety, fear. All of it had been held behind protective armor I believed would keep me safe. There was something about the way they held space helped soften what felt impossible to face. I slowly began reclaiming parts of myself I had lost along the way. Still, it was two defining invitations that drew me deeply into this sacred path. The 'First Invitation' was the courage to name the wound. It began through a dream… unsettling and deeply embarrassing. Something buried in my soul surfaced without warning, forcing me to confront my own sexual brokenness. I tried everything to make it go away: prayer, healing services, repentance, striving. Yet the thoughts lingered. Shame whispered that I was beyond help. When I finally shared this with a trusted spiritual companion, her response surprised me. Instead of condemnation, she offered compassion and said simply, “Cynthia, you’ve been wounded. Those words settled into my body like truth I had been afraid to claim. I wasn’t defective. I wasn’t beyond repair. I was wounded. And Jesus, the Wounded Healer, was not turning away. He was inviting me into restoration. That moment marked the beginning of my interior work toward sustainable freedom. The 'Second Invitation' was wrestling with justice. It was a defining moment emerged through my own family story. My auntie, a fierce civil rights advocate for African American nurses, worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to break barriers in the medical field. She fought for equity, dignity, and spaces where Black nurses could thrive. Yet in her final years, I witnessed exhaustion, disappointment, and the heavy cost of battles fought without the rest she deserved. I struggled with God. More honestly, there was a burning indignation in me that I could not quiet. My anger reflected the emotional weight of those who have been unjustly cast into wilderness places, unseen and discarded. I could not reconcile what I was witnessing with the version of faith I had inherited. A faith entangled with individualistic caste-like ideals, promising ease for the faithful while overlooking the wounds of the marginalized and oppressed. What I encountered was not the life of Jesus as I had come to know it, but a theological derailment clothed in religious language, masking injustice and silencing the cries of the wounded. Yet in that wilderness, something shifted. I was drawn back to the justice of God... not a justice formed by prosperity logic or merit, but the embodied presence of a God who sees, who stays close, who does not abandon the wounded. I had felt dismissed and unseen. Still, my anger did not disqualify me. It became a doorway into lament, into righteous grief, into deeper truth. Even there, God was inviting me further: not only to grieve injustice, but to confront the emotional and spiritual structures within me, the unexamined desires and instincts, the inherited ways of seeing and surviving, that could subtly mirror the very systems of empire and religious entitlement I longed to dismantle. The Power of Spiritual Direction & Strength in Surrender Here, in the tension between lament and hope, I began to embrace the layered work of healing... an inside-out transformation that could not be hurried. As I surrendered to this vulnerable path, an unavoidable truth resurfaced: to love my neighbor as I love myself . I had to ask hard, compassionate questions. How am I actually caring for myself with love? What happened that required so much self-protection that it began to shape, and at times limit, how I love others? I could no longer repress, suppress, or hyper-spiritualize my pain and struggles. They emerged fully... not demanding perfection, but inviting honesty. Vulnerability. Truth. Compassion. Grace. As I allowed myself to move through the process... naming grief, embracing what some clinicians and wellness practitioners refer to as ' clean pain ', and letting truth rise... something emerged. A liberation I had longed for, often without language, started to take root. Slowly, freedom unraveled patterns that had subtly kept me captive: ways of thinking and reacting shaped by fear, control, and longings I hadn’t yet known how to name. I became aware how these forces had shaped my imagination and guided my decisions beneath the surface. And yet, as I entrusted myself to the Healer, I found a steadier anchor. I was being redeemed not only from pain, but from a kind of inner captivity that had once helped me survive. I learned to honor my body as bearing God’s image. To receive rest as a sacred gift rather than reward. To discover unexpected strength through lament. I was being freed into a new way of living... new habits, renewed thought patterns, and an imagination reshaped by Love rather than fear. Purpose in Spiritual Direction & Networks of Freedom One of the most life-changing truths I have learned is this: soul work is never meant to be done alone. Healing is communal. Formation is relational. None of us arrive at truth by ourselves. The voices of those who encouraged, challenged, and walked with me revealed the sacred interconnectedness of our healing. The wisdom and endurance of my ancestors became a guiding thread, reminding me that my interior life is never a private project. The Spirit forms us internally so that God’s love may be made visible externally. Therese Taylor-Stinson names this truth beautifully in Walking the Way of Harriet Tubman: “The more connected I am to those committed to freedom in my own life, the further I am able to travel in my own trek to freedom. Networks of freedom have supported my own growth, and I have built networks of my own to sustain and affirm the viability of community.” Her words continue to invite me, again and again, into soul care communities that cultivate freedom, and into the sacred work of creating spaces where others can experience that same liberation. Now more than ever, I see community as a lifeline, an ongoing invitation to grow, build bridges, and sustain this path of belonging, worth, renewal, and purpose that God longs for us to walk together. A Sacred Thread (A brief note about my heritage) Courtesy Disclaime r At Urban Wellness Living, the hope is to offer a space where people can tend to their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in ways that feel honest, human, and rooted in God’s presence. Many of us arrive carrying grief, questions, fatigue, longing, or simply the desire for a deeper, more integrated way of living. Here, you are invited to come as you are. Nothing to fix. Nothing to prove. Spiritual direction offers room to slow down and pay attention… to the places within you that are asking for care, to the movements of God that may be subtle or surprising, and to the stories shaping how you live and love. This is not a path of striving or perfection, but a caring walk marked by curiosity, courage, compassion, and trust. It is also important to name clearly that Urban Wellness Living, including the Spiritual Direction and Soul Care Advising services I offer, is not a substitute for licensed counseling, psychotherapy, or medical diagnosis. When support from a trained mental-health professional is needed, seeking a qualified, licensed provider is both wise and life-giving. I am always willing to help you discern what kind of support best honors your needs in this season. In our work together, held with confidentiality and care, the focus will be on noticing what nurtures your growth, your resilience, and your experience of God’s nearness. This may include exploring holistic spiritual practices, reflecting on patterns in your life rather than judgment, or connecting you with additional community or professional resources when helpful. At its heart, spiritual direction is a shared listening… to your story, to your body and spirit, and to the God who meets you right where you are.

Explore faith-based resources for justice, racial healing, and reconciliation. Discover books, films, and formation tools that nurture righteousness and community healing. Build a World of Justice & Righteousness The Color of Compromise The Color of Compromise Video Study Extended Trailer The Color of Compromise takes readers on a historical journey: from America’s early colonial days through slavery and the Civil War, covering the tragedy of Jim Crow laws and the victories of the Civil Rights era, to today’s Black Lives Matter movement. Author Jemar Tisby reveals the obvious, and the far more subtle, ways the American church has compromised what the Bible teaches about human dignity and equality. He exposes the concrete and chilling ways people of faith have actively worked against racial justice, as well as the deafening silence of the white evangelical majority. He shows that while there has been progress in fighting racism, historically most of the American church has failed to speak out against this evil. This ongoing complicity is a stain upon the church, and sadly, it continues today. The Color of Compromise provides an accurate diagnosis for a racially divided American church and suggests creative ways to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment among God’s people. RACE: The Power of an Illusion The Power of an Illusion questions the very idea of race as innate biology, suggesting that a belief in inborn racial difference is no more sound than believing that the sun revolves around the earth. Episode 1: The Difference Between Us examines the contemporary science, including genetics, that challenges our commonsense assumptions that human beings can be bundled into three or four fundamentally different groups according to their physical traits. Episode 2: The Story We Tell uncovers the roots of the race concept in North America, the 19th century science that legitimated it, and how it came to be held so fiercely in the western imagination. The episode is an eye-opening tale of how race served to rationalize, even justify, American social inequalities as "natural." Episode 3: The House We Live In asks, If race is not biology, what is it? This episode uncovers how race resides not in nature but in politics, economics and culture. It reveals how our social institutions "make" race by disproportionately channeling resources, power, status and wealth to white people. Freedom Road by Lisa Sharon Harper Slavery, the Church, and Christianity by Lisa Sharon Harper Tells the Truth Lisa Sharon Harper, former chief church engagement officer of Sojourners in Washington DC and prolific writer, speaker, and grass-tops organizer, founded Freedom Road in 2017 and set out to assemble an equally prolific and diverse team of leading experts, advocates and trainers dedicated to shrinking The Narrative Gap, as coined by Lisa Sharon Harper, in our nation. Through the power of story, the Freedom Road consulting group identifies your community’s core issues and strengthen its capacity to build a just world together. Our team works with faith communities, non-profits, academic institutions and the business sector. At the intersections of faith, race, gender, economic development and environmental justice, we custom design strategic forums, trainings, and transformational experiences that build your community’s capacity for collective engagement toward a more just world. Be the Bridge Founder and President Latasha Morrison: We exist to empower people and culture toward racial healing, equity and reconciliation. Our vision is that people and organizations are aware and respond to the racial brokenness and systemic injustice in our world. That we are no longer conditioned by a racialized society but are grounded in truth. That all are equipped to flourish. We build our bridges with three Piles, a foundation to carry the weight of this work. We inspire people to have a distinctive and transformative response to racial division and to be present and intentional toward racial reconciliation. We equip bridge-builders toward fostering and developing the vision, skills, and heart for racial healing. We partner with existing organizations who have a heart for racial justice, restoration, and reconciliation. Through the Eyes of Color Unspoken The vision of the Ministry encompasses apologetics that address current issues and the intellectual struggles of Christians of African descent in the United States and abroad. We are committed to equipping the local Church that the mandate of Jude 1:3 might be fulfilled, contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. The Unspoken documentary is an in-depth look into the Christian heritage of Africa and people of African descent, intended to dispel the notion of Christianity being an exclusively white man’s religion. Sankofa: A Journey Toward Racial Righteousness Sankofa Impact Sankofa is a word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. It means San (to return), ko (to go) fa (to fetch, seek, and take). The bird with its head turned backwards taking an egg off its back embodies Sankofa’s meaning. Sankofa attests that we must look backwards (into our history), before we can faithfully move forward together, in the present and future. The Sankofa experience does just this, by exploring historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement, connecting the freedom struggle of the past, to our present realities. Sankofa is an invitation to understand race as a critical component of our Christian discipleship. It is an interactive, spiritual formation, pilgrimage that equips Christians to pursue racial righteousness inside and outside the church. This relational journey traces the history of race in the U.S., and tangibly equips believers to begin living into the church’s mission to be ambassadors of reconciliation. White Awake Comrades Education COMRADES EDUCATION (formerly White Awake) offers online courses and learning communities built around antiracist, decolonial, and justice centered education. Their courses blend history, political analysis, and intellectual rigor with reflective practices that support emotional, spiritual, and psychological integration of what participants are learning, including grounding practices, small group discussion, and space for personal story. United Methodist North Carolina Conference Anti-Racism Resources The North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church is committed to anti-racism through discipleship, leadership development, congregational transformation, and advocacy for systemic change. By equipping individuals and communities with resources, training, and action steps, NCCUMC fosters courageous conversations, healing, and justice-centered ministry. CORE: Community Organization for Racial Equity Communities Organizing for Racial Equity (formerly CORR) has been providing Christ-centered anti-racism training for organizations and churches in the West Michigan community and beyond for over 20 years. We seek to pursue our God-sized vision of individuals, churches, and institutions discipled through a robust theology of justice, equipped for life-long biblical antiracism and pursuing shalom together as the beloved community. Racial Justice and Unity Center Faithful Antiracism by Christian Edmondson & Chad Brennan The Racial Justice and Unity Center (RJUC), facilitated by Renew Partnerships, is a Christian ministry dedicated to helping churches, leaders, and communities reflect the justice and unity of God’s kingdom. Grounded in Scripture and guided by the call of Jesus to love, peacemaking, and reconciliation, RJUC equips believers to recognize and address the realities of racial division through biblically based training, coaching, and assessment tools. Their work is informed by one of the largest research projects on racial dynamics in U.S. Christianity, ensuring both theological depth and practical application. With a focus on discipleship rather than divisive partisanship, RJUC invites the body of Christ into Spirit-led action that fosters healing, equity, and lasting unity. Undivided BEGINS WITH U Activating communities for racial healing and justice. What if engagement over diversity became a catalyst for increasing revenue and belonging in your workplace? Studies report racial segregation in U.S. workplaces is greater today than in the 1970s. Studies also demonstrate that diverse and psychologically safe work environments produce better outcomes. WorkingUNDIVIDED is a breakthrough program developed by the team at UNDIVIDED, Inc. White Awareness WHITE AWARENESS is a volunteer run resource helping people understand why conversations about racism and racial identity are so difficult, and what it looks like to develop a healthy White racial identity in a multiracial world. The site draws on Janet E. Helms's model of White racial identity development, which maps six stages people move through: contact, disintegration, reintegration, pseudo-independence, immersion, and autonomy. At each stage, the site offers reflection prompts, readings, and action steps suited to where someone actually is in their process. The tone throughout is patient rather than shaming. Their language is clear on this: the goal isn't to make anyone feel accused or guilty, but to help people move from unconscious privilege toward active, sustained antiracist practice. What Can We Do? View More > Groundwork Reads

Explore Black and African American religious studies through theology, history, and soul care resources that nurture healing, justice, and spiritual formation. Black & African American Religious Studies Where to begin! My exploration into this collection of books was sparked by a quote from Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited: “What does the religion of Jesus offer to those with their backs against the wall?” For Thurman, this question begins with context... Jesus as a first-century Palestinian Jew living under Roman occupation, an outsider in his own land, part of a marginalized and oppressed people without civil protections. As you move through these books, I invite you to listen inwardly and notice which one, gently or boldly, calls your attention. Trust that what resonates, unsettles, or opens something within you is not accidental. It may be an invitation. A doorway. A next place for your own healing, unlearning, and exploration to continue. A Black Theology of Liberation Sisters in the Wilderness: The Challenge of Womanist God Just a Sister Away: Understanding the Timeless Connection Between Women of Today & Women in the Bible Black Church Studies: An Introduction Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance The Cross of the Lynching Tree How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind: Rediscovering the African Seedbed of Western Christianity Jesus and the Disinherited Gospel Haymanot: A Constructive Theology and Critical Reflection on African and Diasporic Christianity African American Religious History Black Theology and Black Power Liberating Black Theology: The Bible and the Black Experience in America Esau McCaulley Reading while Black; The Whole Counsel of God. Listen Jude 3 Project Is Christianity Good For Black Women? by Jude 3 Project. Listen Hush Harbors Black Church History: Hush Harbors Secret Worship. Listen Sermons & Teachings Faith & Works Initiative ( Guidelines for a Constructive Church by Martin Luther King Jr.) View More EARLY AFRICAN CHRISTIANITY BIBLIOGRAPHY Video & Primary Texts by Jude3 Project View More THE BIBLE PROJECT Videos Podcast & Guides View More

Embodied Soul Care resources for spiritual formation, contemplative practice, and healing rooted in justice, embodied faith, and communal renewal. Embodied Soul Care Where to begin! The intention is for these resources to inspire you to discover enriching elements of soul care as spiritual formation... both personal and communal journey. As you look through these books, I invite you to notice which one reaches toward you, trusting that the Spirit often meets us through what resonates in the body, stirs curiosity, or settles us into a sense of peace and hope. Crisis Contemplation: Healing the Wounded Village Disciplines of the Spirit Walking the Way of Harriet Tubman: Public Mystic and Freedom Fighter Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves What Makes You Come Alive: A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices of the Black Church Forged in the Fiery Furnace: African American Spirituality Black Contemplative Preaching: A Hidden History of Prayer, Proclamation, and Prophetic Witness Embodied Spirits: Stories of Spiritual Directors of Color Anatomy of the Soul The Enneagram for Black Liberation The Complete Enneagram Our Unforming: De-Westernizing Spiritual Formation The Spirituals and the Blues Kaleidoscope: Broadening the Palette in the Art of Spiritual Direction The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice African Saints, African Stories: 40 Holy Men and Women Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transforms Us Therese Taylor-Stinson Walking the Way of Harriet Tubman, Public Mystic and Freedom Fighter. Listen Lerita Coleman Brown What Makes You Come Alive, A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman. Listen E. Tray Clark A contemplative spirituality and preaching in the Black church. Listen

A curated collection of books and resources to deepen your spiritual journey, expand your understanding of soul care and justice, and inspire thoughtful reflection and transformation in your life and community. Recommended Reads Resourcing Wellness in Community Recommended Reads are designed to enrich the lives of people and communities alike... mind, body, and spirit. “Education serves a twofold purpose in society. On one hand, it should discipline the mind for sustained and thoughtful reflection. On the other, it should integrate human life around central, guiding ideals. It is a tragedy that the latter is often neglected in our educational system" (Martin Luther King Jr.). “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it "(George Santayana). "Education is the key that unlocks the golden door to freedom" (George Washington Carver). As we engage these works, we hold both text and context with care... honoring the words themselves while remaining attentive to the histories, power dynamics, and lived realities that shape them. Reading, then, becomes not just an act of learning, but an act of healing, remembrance, and liberation. May these resources invite you to slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover the fullness of your own spiritual journey as we walk together in Jesus’ way of justice, mercy, and love. Features of the Month Soul Care Spiritual Formation Soul Care & Spiritual Formation Lament Advent Prayer Devo Lament & Advent Soul Readings Reparative Healing Reparative Healing Colonialism Colorism Caste Caste. Nationalism. & Racism. Mainline Church Racial Dilemma Mainline Church Racial Dilemma Historical Racial Compromise Historical Racial Compromise Black African American Religious Studies Black & African American Religious Studies EARLY AFRICAN CHRISTIANITY BIBLIOGRAPHY Video & Primary Texts by Jude3 Project View More THE BIBLE PROJECT Videos Podcast & Guides View More ASIAN AMERICAN CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION Videos , Han Theology Article & Books View More

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. Sorry About That. The link you clicked may be broken or the page may have been removed. Back to Homepage

Search Results 28 items found for "" Urban Wellness Living | Online Soul Care Advising Urban Wellness Living Resourcing Wellness In Community Meet Cynthia Soul Care Advisor Hello, I'm Cynthia—a soul care advocate, trauma healing facilitator, dedicated educator and an active collaborator on wellness initiatives. I'm blessed to be Doug's wife and a mother of three incredible children. Over the past 30 years, I've devoted myself to full-time urban ministry which includes mentoring, initiating micro-churches, coordinating prayer efforts, and providing guidance on member care. My passion extends to addressing issues related to generational historical trauma, God's righteousness and justice, and the whole gospel for the whole person. I focus specifically on emotional and spiritual well-being for urban workers, particularly within the framework of Black and African American spirituality and history.​ I envision vibrant urban workers experiencing transformation through a collective effort of resources that promote the well-being of an entire community. My purpose is to offer under-resourced urban areas the gift of Hope and healing through education, advocacy, health initiatives, and spiritual practices for soul care and spiritual formation. Ultimately, I desire to see more communities, genuinely united, living out of a sustainable rhythm of life and work. In the face of adversity, failures, and grief, I've become a certified Trauma Healing Facilitator through the Trauma Healing Institute. I'm also engaged in training with the Cultural Somatic Training & Institute and am pursuing my Spiritual Direction Certification through Sustainable Faith. My aspiration is to thrive within a community committed to internal and external freedom, exploring how God heals wounds caused by caste systems and systemic oppression while also examining the intersection of God's justice, mercy, and grace. Beyond my occupational endeavors, I find joy in comedy, fantasy, and action-adventure movies. I enjoy reading a good book in cozy serene natural settings, attending theater shows, camping, sharing laughter, participating in spiritual retreats, and cherishing meaningful friendships. Soul Care Advising My Soul Rhythm Why Soul Care within the Framework of Black & African American Spirituality & History? "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." -- Barba ra Holmes, Joy Unspeakable Why Urban Wellness Living Why Urban Wellness Living 1. Health Embrace healthy ideas, exercises, & practices to rejuvenate & strengthen the body. 4. Hope Instilling unwavering confidence to embrace pathways that inspire new beginnings & possibilities. 2. Education Providing valuable insights, nurturing knowledge for growth & cultivating renewed understanding & wisdom. 5. Advocacy Extend support for restorative peacemaking, justice, & truth-telling movements. 3. Community Love God & Love Others with humility, mercy, justice & compassion, catalyzing unity. 6. Healing Encourage spiritual & emotional healing practices to cultivate healthier life & work r hythms. “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 ~ Wellness Resources 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 > Web Etiquette Practicing good web etiquette: be respectful, be thoughtful before responding, and engage in healthy, constructive discussions. Let's cultivate a friendly and inclusive online and offline space for everyone. Thank you for your curiosity, courtesy, and understanding while exploring and searching on this website! Contact SAY HELLO Email: urbanwellnessliving@gmail.com Say Hello Connecting with God as a Source for Life and Purpose. Fullscreen Page | UrbanWellnessLiving Soul Care Conversation | UrbanWellnessLiving Soul Care Conversation (20 minutes | Virtual Conversation | No Fee) This is a complimentary service offered only once per person. Contact Email: Instagram: Linktree: urbanwellnessliving@gmail.com @urbanwellnessliving linktr.ee/urbanwellnessliving Scheduling Soul Care Conversation Let's explore and imagine what your hopes or expectations are for soul care, questions surrounding what is my approach as well as what your needs are. I look forward to meeting with you! Scheduling Soul Care Conversation Soul Care Advising | UrbanWellnessLiving Soul Care Advising (60 minutes | $40 to $60 Scale) (Virtual Advising) Contact Email: Instagram: Linktree: urbanwellnessliving@gmail.com @urbanwellnessliving linktr.ee/urbanwellnessliving Scheduling Soul Care Advising ​What Does Soul Care Advising Make Available: Listening-Companion to an Individual’s Soul Care Narrative. Safe Space to Lean in with Love with One’s Spiritual and Emotional Rooted Needs. Respond to Generational Historical Pain with Kindness, Compassion, Justice, and Advocacy. Invite Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional Practices to Repair, Nuture, and Refine One's Soul. Uncover or Rediscover Authenticity, Belonging, Worth, and Purpose. Noticing and Identifying the Attributes of Resilience. Together Create Pliable Plans, Guides, and Goals to Rebuild Healthy Movements. Scheduling Soul Care Advising Soul Care & Spiritual Formation | UrbanWellnessLiving Soul Care & Spiritual Formation Resourcing Wellness In Community Soul Care and Spiritual Formation are integral components of our journey toward the intentional nurturing of the whole person. We ground these principles in transformative practices that cultivate spiritual growth, emotional well-being, heightened self-awareness, and a deepening connection with the Divine. Rooted in the transformative process that shapes communities into the likeness of Christ, these practices lead to essential virtues such as love, empathy, courage, humility, compassion, justice, grace, and wisdom. By staying on the road to internal and external freedom, we are ultimately guided into the sustaining rhythm of life, work, and the embodiment of a profound sense of Hope and Peace (Gen 2:7, I Thess 5:23, Matt 22:37-39, Is 61:1-3, Rom 12:1-2, II Cor 3:17-18 & 5:20, Deut 6:4-8, Lk 4:14-37, and Jn 14:16,26 ). Soul Care & Spiritual Formation Centers The Center for Formation Justice & Peace Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation Center for Action & Contemplation Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Fuller Center for Spiritual Formation Transforming Center | Strengthen the Soul of Your Leadership Adele & Doug Calhoun | The Journey to Your True Self Peacock Soul Care | Experiencing the Deep Journey Together Grafted Life Ministries Spiritual Directors Spiritual Directors International Spiritual Director of Color Network Daniele Evans Spiritual Direction Soul Reparations Sustainable Faith Fuller Spiritual Directors & Formation Grafted Life Ministries Soul Care with Erica Chaplins Spiritual Directors & Leaders Spiritual Direction with Jackie Sevier 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 Daily Examen Lectio Divina Gratitude Prayer of Intention I Need You Light Spiritual Practice Guides Centering Prayer Fixed Hour of Prayer Body Scan Loaves and Fishes Statio Prayer Spiritual Practices 8 Practices of Emotionally Healthy Preaching & Teaching by Pete Scazzero Download Emotionally Healthy Preaching and Teaching by Pete Scazzero Listen Soul Care Resources Groundwork Reads View More > Readings on Soul Care & Spiritual Formation View More > Defining Words CONTEMPLATION refers to several Christian practices which aim at "gazing at", "a way of seeing", or "being aware of" God. It is the act of gazing into the mystery of God, an act beyond words or logical expression (Spiritual Director Therese Taylor-Stinson). It is a prayerful letting go of our sense of control and choosing to cooperate with God and God’s work in the world. Prayer without action, as Father Richard Rohr says, can promote our tendency to self-preoccupation, and without contemplation, even well-intended actions can cause more harm than good. ​ "The Scripture engagement practice called contemplate is an intimate way of communicating with the Lord. All too often in prayer and worship, we talk to God but don’t give God a chance to communicate back to us. It's like hanging up the phone on God after we spoke. C ontemplate is a tool to help us use God's word for that. So the fou r traditional stages of contemplate are reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. The steps were created simply to provide structure and guidance for people who wish to learn how to partake in this practice. ​ The four steps of contemplation have been compared to “feasting on the Word.” Reading is taking a bite of food. Meditating is chewing food. Praying is savoring food. Contemplating is digesting food and ma king it a part of your body. Too often we are “fast food” Bible readers, rapidly gulping down the Bread of Life (John 6:35). The result is that we are unable to properly absorb our “spiritual meal.” Instead, slow down. Savor your time in God’s Word and find joy in meeting God (Unknown Author)." SPIRITUAL DIRECTION IS OFTEN DESCRIBED AS SOMEONE... by Ruth Haley Barton & Grafted Life Ministry Who is being guided by the Holy Spirit and helping us to see what the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives. They are getting together with you to pay attention to the real Director, which is the Holy Spirit. Who is a trained listener who will accompany you as you share about your spiritual journey, helping you to notice God’s presence and activity along the way, as well as your personal reactions, motives, attitudes, and responses. Who might bring a problem but do something very different with it. They are not trying to get the problem fixed, psychologically. They are trying to open up through the Holy Spirit and ask, "What are God’s invitations here? How is God present with me in this? What is God’s invitation to transformation within the situation? What is God calling me to?" A very different set of questions than counseling. Who draws attention to what the Holy Spirit is doing. To ask compassionate questions to help you further understand what the Holy Spirit might be doing or is already doing. But they would rarely give advice in that sense. Who is hospitable, confidential, and is well versed in the ways of the body, heart, and mind. Who understands and helps you grow in prayer as well as live into your calling as a follower of Christ. Who understands spiritual practices and guides you into spiritual practices to hold you, to teach you those, and to process what happened in the context of those disciplines. Who gently directs you to listen deeply and personally, cultivating a growing intimacy with God, resonating with the profound words of Martin Luther King Jr.: 'Justice is love correcting that which would work against love [L oving ourselves and one another]...'. Who stays awake with you on the road when you are spiritually weary, helping you persevere toward inner and outer freedom. Who compassionately leads us into the biblical principle of 'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also' (Matthew 6:21). Henri Nouwen illustrates this truth, stating, 'The farther the outward journey takes you, the deeper the inward journey must be.' Who celebrates God’s work of transformation with you and for you. Who is trained and often certified in the art of Spiritual Direction. ​ ​ ​“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 ​ Psalm 139*Micah 6:8*Jn 14:26 * Jn 15:26 * Acts 1:8 * Rom 8:26 * Rom 12 Soul Care Facilitating | UrbanWellnessLiving Facilitating a Group Session (60 minutes | $70 to $100 Scale + travel expenses & materials) (Virtual or In-Person) Scheduling Soul Care Facilitating Contact Email: Instagram: Linktree: urbanwellnessliving@gmail.com @urbanwellnessliving linktr.ee/urbanwellnessliving Let's come together and explore ways to support your community's soul and spiritual growth. I'm looking forward to sharing this journey with you every step of the way! Scheduling Soul Care Facilitating My Soul Rhythm | UrbanWellnessLiving "They will be like a tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by streams of water, bearing fruit in every season of life; and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers." ~Psalm 1:3 My Current Soul Rhythm... Drink a Cup of Water After Getting Out of Bed 30 min - 1 hr Work Out Slowly Read a Psalm & Centering Prayer Mini Body Scan Exercise Dream, Envision, & Goal Setting Engaged in Work Activities & Projects Mid-Day Gratitude or Centering Prayer Practice Be Intentional to Connect with Neighbors Family, Friends, Community: Genuine Fun Connections & Meaningful Conversations Civic Engagement Quality Time with My Spouse Youtube Shorts: Camping ASMR Encouraging Phrase & Journaling Earlier Bed Time ...and Soul Rhythm Tools Bite Size Body Scan by Smiling Mind​ Lectio 365 Walking Workout, Strength Training , & Swimming Currently Reading: Walking the Way of Harriet Tubman | Public Mystic and Freedom Fighter by Therese Taylor-Stinson Spiritiual Direction Centering Prayer & Lectio Divina Civic Engagement Bible Project | Sermon on the Mount Videos & Podcast Contact Say Hello Email urbanwellnessliving@gmail.com Follow Give | UrbanWellnessLiving Give Every contribution counts as we expand our reach and make a healthy multigenerational impact in our neighborhoods. Whether you give to us or other like-minded collaboratives like ours, your actions will inspire others and will create a chain reaction of restorative love, justice, and healing in our communities. My family appreciate you for being a worthy connector and collaborator of resouring lasting wellness rhythms throughout all generations. We are humbled and deeply grateful. Thank You So Much! How 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 ~ Why focus on African American History | UrbanWellnessLiving Why focus on Black and African American spirituality and history to encourage wellness as well as dismantle global caste systems, colorism, and racism? Focusing on Black and African American spirituality and history when discussing wellness, caste systems, colorism, and racism is not about prioritizing one group's experiences over others or ignoring global issues. Instead, it is about acknowledging and addressing an intentional and historically significant aspect of caste systems in the United States and, by extension, highlighting broader issues related to socio-race trauma, and inequality of wellness worldwide. Here are some reasons why Black and African American spirituality and history are often emphasized in discussions about health and caste systems: Historical Significance: Black and African Americans have a distinct and deeply rooted history of oppression and discrimination in the United States. Focusing and studying this history allows for a much deeper understanding of the roots of socio-race injustices and serves as a compelling case study for understanding the behaviors of caste systems both domestically and worldwide. It highlights, fundamentally, how deeply ingrained and pervasive systems of oppression have been and their long-lasting consequences. ​ ​ ​ Intersectionality: Focusing on Black and African American history is not only inclusive but also serves as a vital starting point to explore intersectionality. It allows us to address broader issues of caste systems that impact diverse communities. Understanding the effects of racism on Black and African Americans helps us grasp how these dynamics intersect with the experiences of other marginalized groups. Educational & Awareness Purposes: Education about Black and African American spirituality and history helps raise awareness about the generational propensities and persistence of caste systems and their consequences on the well-being of humanity's soul. It encourages dialogue and cultivates empathy, ultimately contributing to efforts to address colorism and racism more broadly. It allows ears to hear and eyes to see the world from different perspectives and recognize the real challenges that others face due to established systemic barriers. ​ ​ Policy & Reform: Black and African American communities have historically shouldered a disproportionate burden of colorism and caste systems, evident in areas such as criminal justice, housing, education, and healthcare. By focusing on these disparities, we can advocate for specific policy changes and reforms aimed at addressing these systemic issues and promoting equity and justice for all individuals affected. This approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also cultivates a more inclusive society, acknowledging and rectifying past and present injustices while working towards a sustainable fairer future. ​ ​ Inspiration & Solidarity: Black and African American spirituality and history includes numerous inspiring narratives of reparative healing, rebuilding, resistance, and resilience. These stories can serve as powerful sources of inspiration for people of all backgrounds, motivating us to engage in the fight against caste systems, colorism, and racism. Additionally, they foster solidarity among diverse communities in the quest for civil righteousness, justice, and a sense of unity in the Creator God who made us all. Again, it's important to emphasize that focusing on Black and African American history is not meant to exclude or ignore the experiences of other marginalized groups. Rather, it is a necessary component to address and dismantle the deep work of caste systems, colorism, and racism in all its forms, both within the United States and beyond. An inclusive approach to anti-racism and wellness recognizes the interconnectedness of various behaviors and patterns of marginalization and seeks to cultivate a more just, healing, and equitable world for all humanity's sake ( Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson , Howard Sermons on the Parables by David B. Gowler, Kipton E Jensen & Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World--and How to Repair It by Lisa Sharon Harper ). 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, Is 61:1-3, Ps 139 Defining Word SANKOFA is a word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. It means San (to return), ko (to go) fa (to fetch, seek, and take). The bird with its head turned backwards taking an egg off its back embodies Sankofa’s meaning. Sankofa attests that we must look backwards (into our history), before we can faithfully move forward together, in the present and future. The Sankofa experience does just this, by exploring historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement, connecting the freedom struggle of the past, to our present realities. Sankofa is an invitation to understand race as a critical component of our Christian discipleship. It is an interactive, spiritual formation, pilgrimage that equips Christians to pursue racial righteousness inside and outside the church. This relational journey traces the history of race and tangibly equips believers to begin living into the church’s mission to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Soul Care Resources | UrbanWellnessLiving Soul Care Resources Where to begin reading! The intention is for these resources to inspire you to discover enriching elements of soul care and spiritual formation on your personal or communal journey. Crisis Contemplation: Healing the Wounded Village by Barbara Holmes Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman Walking the Way of Harriet Tubman: Public Mystic and Freedom Fighter Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transforms Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun What Makes You Come Alive: A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction by Dr. Robert W. Kellemen, Karole A. Edwards Forged in the Fiery Furnace: African American Spirituality by Diana L. Hayes The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence by Henry Nouwen Embodied Spirits: Stories of Spiritual Directors of Color by Sherry Bryant-Johnson Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson The Enneagram for Black Liberation by Chichi Agorom The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr Kintsugi Japanese Pottery: Mending Our Brokenness Download A Simple Form Lectio Divina? by Fr. Josh Johnson View More > Spiritual Practice Guides View More > Readings on Soul Care & Spiritual Formation View More > Healthy Living | UrbanWellnessLiving Healthy Living Resourcing Wellness In Community Healthy Living is having the opportunity, capability, empowerment, and motivation to act in a way that positively affects our environment as well as our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It is paying attention to what we eat, being physically active, resting, learning more about ourselves and our connection with our body. All for the purpose of developing good habits and helping us meet our health goal needs. We share these in the hope that they can contribute to your own well-being or inspire you to discover valuable and health-promoting resources within your local community. Zack & Zoe Sweet Bee Farm Our Culture Hub Elderberry Syrup Edens Garden Essential Oils Monteray Bay Herb Co. Plant Therapy Make It Dairy Free Adams/Vermont Farmer's Market Baba's Vegan Cafe Exposition Fish & Poultry Market Hilltop Coffee & Kitchen Peloton App Community | LA Cafe Green Vibrance South LA Cafe Orgain Organic Protein CurlMix Orgain Collagen Peptides Dash Diet & Brief Guide Afro City Marketplace Zenni Eyewear for Everyone Moonlight Bath Treats U.S. National Parks Soul Fire Farm The King's Offspring HerHealing Blaze Pizza Kettle & Fire Chicken Bone Broth Casa Tlatenchi Moody Vegan Eating Healthy Today Recreaton.gov Erin McKenna Bakery LA SeniorShape Fitness Hipcamp CAVA Civic Engagement | UrbanWellnessLiving Civic Engagement Why Civic Engagement? Many principles and teachings in the Bible emphasize the importance of caring for one's neighbor, seeking justice, and being a responsible steward of the world. For instance, Jesus' command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39) is an inherit call to actively engage in the well-being of one's community and society as a whole. Additionally, passages such as Micah 6:8, instructs believers to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God," underscore the value of pursuing justice and compassion in one's civic actions. Thus, civic engagement is not only a duty but also a way to demonstrate the heart of God fulfilling a higher moral and ethical purpose as outlined in the Bible. ​ We know there are so many civic engagement opportunties in the world. We know that many of you are fully engaged in them. Below are just a mighty few that our family have connected with, amongst others not listed, that we thought to share. We hope this will keep ecnouraging all of us to stay in the alignment of God's desire for healing and wholeness in the unity of Christ. Black Visions of Wellness To strengthen African and African-American communities through services that encourages physical, mental well-being and recovery while bringing cultural awareness and appreciation of the mind, body and soul. 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 individuals, 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 > Previous 1 2 3 Next