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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.

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 ...

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 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

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...

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

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.

Financial Wellness at Urban Wellness Living supports your financial well‑being with resources and perspectives that help you build confidence, make wise money decisions, heal unhelpful money patterns, and strengthen your community and family relationships through shared financial care and support. Financial Wellness Resourcing Wellness in Community Financial Wellness is the practice of cultivating and mobilizing a diverse web of resources that champions and empowers financial health and well-being for all humanity. It is the ongoing work of creating and repairing a world where we are informed, supported, and able to discern wise and life-giving financial decisions, moving with confidence toward actions that honor our basic human needs. In this way, financial wellness becomes an invitation: to release scarcity-driven fear, to heal our relationship with money, and to build a collective movement of care and shared responsibility. It is a momentum that nurtures our families, strengthens our friendships, and restores our communities... both now and for generations to come (II Cor 8). SAINTWELL, is a contemplative space exploring money, meaning, and living well beyond scarcity. At the intersection of ancient wisdom, modern science, and Spirit, we offer shame-free pathways toward healing, wholeness, and true belonging. Learn More John Hope Bryant Operation Hope Our mission is to advance economic opportunity by providing the tools they need to reach their goals. We help individuals of all ages by offering financial education, one-on-one coaching, courses on credit score improvement, as well as pathways toward homeownership and starting a business. BiggerPockets Rookie Podcast The Real Estate Rookie Podcast Our real estate investing podcast for beginners featuring interviews, real-world deal analysis, and listener Q&A. Tiffany the Budgetnista Aliche Get Good with Money As a successful pre-school teacher with a healthy nest egg when a recession and advice from a shady advisor put her out of a job and into a huge financial hole. As she began to chart the path to her own financial rescue, the outline of her ten-step formula for attaining both financial security and peace of mind began to take shape. Jasmin Shupper Greenline Housing Foundation Greenline Housing Foundation is that solution. Stewarding anger and translating it into righteous action to bring about lasting change, Greenline is providing down payment grants, home maintenance grants, and financial education to qualified people of color to help restore justice. BiggerPocket Money Podcast Want Serious Passive Income? Try Private Money Lending Private money lending has been mentally squared away as “something mega-wealthy people do.” Most investors will write off lending money because they think they lack the experience or funds to do a successful deal. What if private money lending requires less money than thought. Mellody Hobson Priceless Facts About Money Priceless Facts about Money by Mellody Hobson is a children's non-fiction book that demystifies finance through fun facts, covering topics like the history of currency (from chocolate to meteorites), the origins of banking, and the meaning of symbols on money. READY TO JOIN OUR WEALTH JUSTICE MOVEMENT? GET IN TOUCH WITH 10SEVEN. At 10SEVEN, we address financial trauma at the root of the problem. Learn More Camelback Ventures Vision & Work Camelback Ventures MISSION | Camelback Ventures increases access to opportunity for entrepreneurs of color and women by investing in their ventures and leadership while advocating for fairness in their funding. Real Estate Investor Henry Washington Racial Disparity in Real Estate and How To Fix It Click Here. Henry is a real estate investor, author and has used processes and principles to achieve financial freedom. He desires to share them with others so that they can change the financial landscape of their family forever! Attorney Edmund Yan Tree of Life Law Firm Most people are overwhelmed by the complicated legal process of estate planning. We simplified it with our award-winning process to give you the most complete plan so you can feel confident that everyone and everything you love is taken care of. Budget App EveryDollar No matter what you want to do with your money, it starts with a budget. Don’t cross your fingers every time you swipe your card. When you have a budget, you can spend and save with confidence. Say goodbye to that overwhelmed feeling—because you’re about to start taking control of your money. Jordan Grumet Taking Stock Written by a hospice doctor with a unique front-row seat to the regrets of his dying patients. The goal of financial independence is to have the economic fuel to live a full life and avoid regret. Taking Stock is your guide to taking control of your finances and investing in yourself. Bola Sokunbi Clever Girl Finance Founded by Bola Sokunbi, we are a mission-driven company aimed at providing women with much-needed financial guidance and support to build financial confidence and make smart money decisions in their day-to-day lives. Association of African American Financial Advisors , AAAA has been committed to fostering the professional growth of Black/African American financial advisors, planners, and affiliated professionals while also advocating for increased diversity in the wealth management industry. Learn More Dave Zoller, CFP Streamline Financial Services Achieve Your Successful & Secure Retirement WITHOUT A Financial Advisor Ramsey Solutions The 7 Baby Steps You can take control of your money! Dave Ramsey's 7 Baby Steps will show you how to save for emergencies, pay off all your debt for good, and build wealth. It’s not a fairy tale. It works every single time! Vanguard Vanguard | The Value of Ownership Can estate planning feel like an act of love? Can a financial partnership lead to quality time with your family? Can your investments build a stronger community? How can financial advice enable generational wealth for the Black community? Financial Wellness Guides Urban Wallet We equip urban millennials with real-time money management concepts and tips to increase our efficiency, wealth and prosperity through investing OUR CASH. Gender Equity & Economic Security American Association of University Women We’ve led the fight for fair pay and economic opportunity for women, and the battle continues: Women still get just 83 cents for every dollar paid to a man, and men continue to dominate the top roles and highest-paying professions. Make Money Better Healthy Rich Race and culture are two factors that can be very important, not only because of the influence of external social and historical factors but also because of internal cultural factors and beliefs. BIPOC looking for financial advice sometimes need information tailored to our experiences as racialized people. About Dinner Table Dinner Table We believe that the foundation of a successful and fulfilling life lies in the ability to create value. Our mission is to empower parents to instill this crucial mindset in their children, ensuring they grow up to be confident, capable, and financially competent people ready to take on the world. Sparkle Acrey Escrow Officer Sparkle Acrey has 30 years of experience, offering expert guidance and support throughout the escrow process. Ensuring smooth and secure transactions for all parties, her extensive knowledge and dedication make her a trusted resource in the field. MoneyTime Blog MoneyTime We are an online financial literacy program for kids ages 10 to 14. The program teaches children how to manage their own money and what they’ll need to know to make smart financial decisions as they get older. About Credit Karma Credit Karma We are money calculators that can help you estimate your savings, see how compound interest works, and much more. About Rocket Money Rocket Money Managing money is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Rocket Money empowers you to save more, spend less, see everything, and take back control of your financial life. About Financial Wellness Financial Wellness (TBD) Text and Context Groundwork Reads

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

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