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Soul Care and Spiritual Formation are grounded principles in transformative practices that foster 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 cultivating virtues such as love, empathy, courage, humility, compassion, justice, grace, and wisdom. Embodied Soul Care 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 and communal journey. 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 The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence Embodied Spirits: Stories of Spiritual Directors of Color Anatomy of the Soul The Enneagram for Black Liberation The Complete Enneagram Sisters in the Wilderness: The Challenge of Womanist God The Spirituals and the Blues Kaleidoscope: Broadening the Palette in the Art of Spiritual Direction The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transforms Us African Saints, African Stories: 40 Holy Men and Women 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 By using my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, which helps support this website.

Online Soul Care Advising embraces healthy ideas, exercises, and practices to strengthen the body. Providing valuable insights, nurturing knowledge for growth, cultivating renewed understanding and wisdom. Values loving God and loving others with compassion catalyzing unity. Instills unwavering confidence to embrace new beginnings and possibilities. Extends support for restorative justice movements. And encourages spiritual and emotional healing practices for healthier life and work rhythms. Resourcing Wellness in Community Urban Wellness Living Meet Cynthia Spiritual Director | Trauma Informed Care | Member Care Hi, I’m Cynthia, a devoted soul care advocate, trauma healing facilitator, passionate educator (teaching through embodied practice), and collaborative partner in wellness initiatives. For more than three decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving in full-time urban ministry... mentoring, initiating micro-churches, facilitating prayer, and offering member care. My calling has always been to walk alongside individuals and communities in their spiritual and emotional well-being, with a deep commitment to addressing generational and historical trauma and advocating for God’s righteousness, generosity, and justice... especially through the lived wisdom of Black and African American spirituality and history. Over the years, I’ve come to cherish what I call the in-between space... the sacred pause between what happens to us and how we respond. It’s within that pause that we discover the power to choose love over fear, compassion over reaction, and healing over harm. Soul care, to me, begins here: helping people and communities notice that space, rest within it, and allow God’s Spirit to cultivate clarity, courage, and freedom. From this sacred center, I envision communities where every person is seen and valued as a reflection of God’s justice and faithfulness... where transformation takes root as people join together in ways that uplift the whole: body, soul, and spirit. My own journey... shaped by seasons of adversity, failure, and profound grief... has taught me to cling to the sustaining grace of God and anchors the vision I carry today. These experiences led me to become a certified Trauma Healing Facilitator with the Trauma Healing Institute and Quest Movement. I’m also a trained and certified Spiritual Director through Sustainable Faith and continue to grow through ongoing supervision. In recent years, my formation has deepened through the Cultural Somatic Institute, where I’ve learned how the body holds and responds to racialized trauma. All of this keeps me rooted in God’s healing work... tending to the wounds of systemic injustice while seeking to embody empathy, courage, and humility in both personal and communal life. As part of my own sustainable rhythm, I find joy in the small but meaningful moments of life... laughing over a comedy, getting lost in fantasy and action-adventure films, savoring a good book in cozy, serene settings, or recharging through theater, camping, and spiritual retreats. Friendships, shared laughter, and meaningful conversations fill my heart and remind me of the beauty of walking this journey of life together “while being on this side of dirt” (as my sistah-friend Brittany says). Spiritual Direction "The moan is the birthing sound, the first movement toward a creative response to oppression, the entry into the heart of contemplation through the crucible of crisis." ~ Barbara Holmes, Joy Unspeakable ~ Why Urban Wellness Living Why Urban Wellness Living Health Embrace healthy healing ideas, exercises, & practices to rejuvenate & strengthen the whole body. "How can I care for my whole self when I feel overwhelmed?" Community Love God & Love Others with humility, mercy, & justice, catalyzing unity. “How do I love well when connection feels costly or hard?” Advocacy Extend support for life-giving practices of peacemaking, justice, & truth-telling. “How can I speak or act for justice when I’m still finding my own courage?” Education Cultivating knowledge, wisdom from life’s experiences, & the value of revelation. "I should know this by now... but what if knowing is still becoming?” Hope Cultivating assured expectation to embrace pathways that inspire renewed possibilities & purpose. “How do I keep believing when the way forward feels uncertain?” Restoration Encourage spiritual & emotional practices rooted in renewing rhythms of life & work. “What does renewal look like when I’m weary from holding it all together?” “Why is it vital to honor the lived wisdom within Black and African American spirituality and soul care?” Learn More Urban Wellness Living Resources Soul Care & Spiritual Formation View More Emotional & Mental Health View More Healthy Living View More Recommended Reads View More Righteousness & Justice View More Financial Wellness View More Wellness Resources “Listen to the long stillness: New life is stirring. New dreams are on the wing. New hopes are being readied: Humankind is fashioning a new heart. Humankind is forging a new mind. God is at work. This is the season of Promise.” ~ Howard Thurman Web Etiquette 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! urbanwellnessliving@gmail.com SAY HELLO Email: Say Hello Connecting with God as a Source for Life and Purpose.

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. Honoring Indigenous & Native American Voices & Legacies As we honor Native American history and spirituality, we acknowledge the sacred wisdom, resilience, and contributions that have long shaped this land. Their stories are not distant echoes of the past but living testimonies of endurance, dignity, and the ongoing struggle for justice. These narratives are not meant to be confined to a single month; they are woven into the very fabric of our shared story, calling us to listen, learn, and walk with humility. We invite you to engage with these curated resources, offering them as a bridge toward deeper understanding and meaningful action within your community. May we honor the voices of Native elders, storytellers, and wisdom keepers who guide us toward a more just and compassionate way of being. Together, let us hold space for both sorrow and joy, for remembrance and renewal, as we walk the sacred path of justice, healing, and reconciliation... the cruciform way of Christ. Native Governance Center Native Land Digital PBS | How to Honor Indigenous Peoples with Your Kids 'We the People' by Mark Charles Eloheh The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition Resources for Teaching About Indigenous Peoples Canadian Indigenous Ministry Committee The Red Road Resilience is My Reality as an Indigenous Woman Native American Ethnobotany Heritage & Hope | Listening to Native American Christian Voices Navajo Code Talkers of WWII | Full Movie Turtle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of North America How Native American Code Talkers Pioneered a New Type of Military Intelligence | Article Native Arts and Culture Foundation Hear the Untold Story of a Canadian Code Talker from World War II | Short Film Showcase Native American Ground Work Reads | Download Groundwork Reads By using my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, which helps support this website.

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. Videos & Movies to Watch The Knowledge of Race All Categories Play Video Play Video Kristin Du Mez Nov 2023 Play Video Play Video Race - the Power of an Illusion Play Video Play Video Isabel Wilkerson - Classifying People By Caste | The Daily Social Distancing Show Play Video Play Video The Origin of Race in the USA Play Video Play Video Robert P. Jones — The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy - with Wajahat Ali Play Video Play Video How to Talk to Kids About Race Play Video Play Video Unspoken Documentary Play Video Play Video Holy Post - Race in America Justice & Reconciliation All Categories Play Video Play Video Racial Reconciliation - Latasha Morrison Play Video Play Video Justice • This Is the Bible's Radical View Play Video Play Video September 27, 1966: MLK—A riot is the language of the unheard Play Video Play Video Sean Sherman - "Turtle Island" & Fighting Native American Erasure With Food | The Daily Show Play Video Play Video EJI: The Legacy of Racial Injustice Play Video Play Video 'We the People' - the three most misunderstood words in US history | Mark Charles | TEDxTysons Play Video Play Video As In Heaven | A Biblical Theology of Race and Justice | Live at TGC21 Children's Books All Categories Play Video Play Video CML Presents: We March by Shane W. Evans Play Video Play Video I Am Martin Luther King Jr by Brad Meltzer| Books Read Aloud| StoryTimeWithMsMelange Play Video Play Video 'As Fast As Words Could Fly' read by Dulé Hill Play Video Play Video 'Trombone Shorty' read by Angela Bassett Play Video Play Video Children’s Read Aloud 🖍️ | Broken Crayons Still Color by Toni Collier Play Video Play Video Art Book Read Aloud: Gordon Parks Play Video Play Video My Name Is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz by Monica Brown read-aloud Play Video Play Video Something Happened In Our Town (Read Along Book) Movies to Watch All Categories Play Video Play Video Betty & Coretta: An Extended Preview | Lifetime Play Video Play Video JUST MERCY Official Trailer Play Video Play Video ORIGIN - Official Trailer - In Theaters January 19 Play Video Play Video God & Country Play Video Play Video HARRIET | Official Trailer | Now Playing Play Video Play Video Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom | A Documentary from @ourdailybread Voices Collection Play Video Play Video Mapping the Green Book | National Geographic Play Video Play Video Selma Official Trailer #1 (2015) - Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr. Movie HD Learn More

Soul Care is a sacred journey of rest, healing, and connection with God. It nurtures your whole being and creates space to be seen, heard, and renewed. Even in struggle, God's love meets us. Spiritual Formation flows from this journey, shaping how we live with love, justice, and compassion. It’s not about striving or perfection but learning to live with trust, purpose, and presence. Together, they invite deep transformation. Soul Care & Spiritual Formation Resourcing Wellness in Community Soul Care is the sacred and ongoing journey of nurturing one’s whole being in the presence of Creator God. It draws us beyond the surface of daily life into deeper connection, where we are met, seen, and loved. Here, God’s nearness is not something to grasp but to receive. As we recognize Divine presence, especially in suffering, adversity, and struggle, we’re invited to respond, not through striving, but by resting, listening, and opening to transformation. Soul Care makes space for both God’s voice and our own to be heard, forming sacred ground where healing and renewal take root. Spiritual Formation flows from this sacred journey, gradually shaping our way of being in alignment with the Spirit of love, justice, mercy, and compassion. It invites people and communities into rhythms of life that reflect Divine purpose and embodied presence. This formation is not a destination, but a responsive path…a lived expression of hope and trust in God’s transforming movement through all parts of life. Soul Care & Spiritual Formation Centers The Center for Formation Justice & Peace Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation Center for Action & Contemplation Fuller Center for Spiritual Formation Transforming Center The Journey to Your True Self | Calhoun Peacock Soul Care Emmaus Formation Centre Renovare Spiritual Directors Spiritual Director of Color Network Spiritual Direction with Cynthia Peters Spiritual Direction with Daniele Evans Soul Reparations Sustainable Faith Soul Care with Erica Spiritual Direction with Jackie Sevier Chaplains Spiritual Directors & Leaders Spiritual Direction International Peacock Soul Care Spiritual Directors Emmaus Formation Centre Selecting the appropriate Spiritual Director is a deeply personal process, requiring careful consideration of various factors. Please discern diligently to identify the qualities and expertise that align with your specific needs and preferences. Spiritual Directors Spiritual Practice Guides Prayer of Examen Centering Prayer Lectio Divina Fixed Hour of Prayer Gratitude Rooted in Resilience Prayer of Intention Loaves and Fishes I Need You Sacred Pause Lament as Sacred Formation Welcome Practice Forgiveness Retreat Light Spiritual Practice Guides Spiritual Practices Pete Scazzero 8 Practices of Emotionally Healthy Preaching & Teaching. Listen Embodied Soul Care Groundwork Videos & Reads. View More Text & Context Readings on Soul Care & Spiritual Formation. View More A Sanctified Art In our work, remembering is a spiritual practice. We remember that God created all creation with a goodness refrain. We remember that the poetry of love proclaims that darkness is sacred and black is beautiful (Song of Songs 1:5-6). We remember that Jesus was not white. However, we remember that the white Church has perpetuated violence and oppression against black, brown, and indigenous peoples. We remember that the white Church has profited from slavery. We remember that in the 1820s, white American churches mass-produced and mass-marketed images of white Jesus in order to form a unified national identity of white superiority.* We remember that racism is still alive in our faith communities. As we remember all of these things, we commit to the ongoing work of disrupting racism wherever it persists—trusting that through this journey, God re-members us and makes us whole (*Ibram X. Kendi, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. (New York, NY: Nations Books, 2016). 153). View More Kelly Latimore Icons Kelly began painting icons in 2010 while a member of the Common Friars, a community focused on connection with others, the land, and God through service, meals, and farming at “The Good Earth Farm.” Inspired by traditional iconography and encouraged by a priest friend, Kelly developed a unique approach, blending inherited practices with reflections on community life and mission. His first original icon, Christ: Consider the Lilies, was shaped by the question of how to live in right relationship with creation, embodying art as a communal and contemplative expression. For Kelly, iconography is a spiritual practice, a meditation on color, light, and meaning, that seeks to cultivate dialogue, challenge biases, and reveal Christ’s presence in daily life. His work invites viewers to pause, ponder, and grow in connection with God, neighbor, and creation. View More Bette Lynn Dickinson Bette Lynn Dickinson is a prophetic artist, author, and speaker dedicated to creating sacred spaces where individuals can encounter the transformative love of Jesus. Through her evocative paintings and writings, she crafts visual parables that invite reflection on the spiritual journey. As the founder of Awakening the Soul, a nonprofit ministry, Bette offers resources and experiences designed to nourish the souls of ministry leaders and seekers alike. With a B.A. in Art from Western Michigan University and a Master of Divinity from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, she seamlessly blends theological depth with artistic expression. Her debut book, Making Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder, showcases her unique integration of art and spirituality. View More An Artist's Note The featured artwork on this page is created by or in collaboration with artists who are deeply committed to honoring the history, heritage, and lived realities of Black, Brown, and Indigenous peoples. Through proceeds and partnerships, their work supports ministries and communities in ways that embody soul care, spiritual formation, justice, and a shared commitment to solidarity, healing, and advocacy. May this work stir us toward the vital practice of soul care and justice, not only as personal reflection but as part of our shared spiritual formation within God. You may already have artwork or know artists whose creativity invites this movement. Engage with them as fellow companions on this liberating path. Learn More Sanctuaries of Renewal Sanctuaries of Renewal Retreat Spaces for Rest and Reflection Tahquitz Pines Retreat View More Oak Glenn Christian Conference Center View More The Oak Center View More Monasteries Retreat Centers View More Forest Home Retreat Centers View More Retreathood View More Exploring Inexpensive Housing and Pet-Sitting Platforms for Retreats As you consider creating sacred spaces for retreat...whether for solitude, soul care, or communal renewal...there may be unconventional yet accessible ways to make it possible. Platforms like GlampingHub , VRBO , or even 'pet-sitting exchanges' such as Rover or TrustedHousesitters could provide creative, budget-friendly options. These resources might open doors to peaceful stays in nature, quiet urban sanctuaries, or unexpected places of rest. But what if retreat isn’t found in a dedicated space at all? What if quiet must be carved out in the middle of noise, in a one-room home filled with children, in a war-torn city, or in the relentless rhythm of daily survival? Sacred space, then, becomes not just about location, but about intention...finding stillness in the small pauses, claiming a moment of breath between demands, or turning an ordinary corner into a refuge of prayer. Even a walk through a nearby park or path...beneath open skies, alongside trees, desert plains, rubble-strewn roads, or winding alleys...can become a sacred pilgrimage. These everyday places, whether peaceful or marked by struggle, might not be far from home, yet they can hold room for holy encounters, deep breaths, and unspoken prayers. May you be led to places that offer not just shelter, but deep renewal. And when the world around you is anything but quiet, may rest find you in the cracks and corners of your days...in a lingering sunrise, a whispered prayer, the steady rhythm of your breath. May provision meet you where you are, and may peace unfold in ways you never expected. MY CONTEMPLATION. . . by Barbara Holmes, Crisis Contemplation: Healing the Wounded Village "My contemplative practices include writing, music and dancing, prayer, stillness, social justice activism, and teaching. These practices are the choices of one individual. What happens when the practices are communal and practiced together? What happens when contemplation is not a personal practice, but a collective, biogenetic, and spiritual response to crisis? Contemplation is the highest expression of [human] intellectual and spiritual life. . . It is a spiritual wonder. It is spontaneous awe at the sacredness of life, of being. . . It is a vivid realization of the fact that life and being in us proceed from an invisible, transcendent and infinitely abundant source. Contemplation is, above all, awareness of the reality of that Source [God]. Thomas Merton (1915 - 1968) reassured us that when we reach the limits of our knowledge categories and intuitions, there is a wellspring, deep and inexhaustible. In the darkness, we can gather in Spirit and be filled by this Source [God]. Contemplation is not just an effective response to crisis. It can also arise during the most intense aspects of the event. When bodies are being tortured, when minds are pushed to the breaking point, the human spirit falls through the cracks of the crisis into the center of contemplation. Howard Thurman (1899 - 1981) referred to this inner space as an island, a place that cannot be breached without personal consent: "When all hope for release in the world seems unrealistic and groundless, the heart turns to a way of escape beyond the present order." Contemplation is not a privilege of the few but a vital necessity for our interconnected lives. We are called to stillness, to pause, and to listen deeply." Scriptural Anchors: Romans 12:1-2 | Psalm 46:10 | 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 | Isaiah 40:31 | Matthew 18:20 A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR IS SOMEONE WHO... Is guided by the Holy Spirit , in the same spirit as those who, from the earliest gatherings, sought to listen together for God’s direction (Acts 13:2–3) . The director helps you attend to how the Spirit is moving and speaking in your life. Is a Trained Listener , offering a compassionate presence as you reflect on your experiences, questions, and joys. Together, you discern what is unfolding in your daily life and how you are invited to respond (Jn 14:26; 1 Kings 19:11–13) . Does Not Seek to Fix or Diagnose , but creates space for God’s healing and direction to emerge, even amid life’s struggles. Spiritual direction does not separate us from our challenges; it helps us notice God’s presence and invitation within them. Asks Meaningful, Compassionate Questions , opening pathways of reflection and discernment that mirror the invitational questions of Jesus: “What are you looking for?” (Jn 1:38) or Where do you want to be made well? (Jn 5:6) . Embodies Hospitality and Confidentiality , offering a sacred and trustworthy space for you to bring your whole self, your hopes, doubts, and desires, before God (Rom 12:9–13; Heb 13:2) . Guides You in Spiritual Practices , silence, meditation, and reflection that nurture your relationship with God and strengthen your attentiveness to the Spirit’s work. Invites You into Deeper Union with God , helping you attune your heart to God’s presence in both stillness and activity, and to participate in the Spirit’s work of transformation within you and through you (2 Cor 3:17–18) . Encourages Spiritual Growth Rooted in Love , helping you live with greater alignment to the teaching that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21) . As Henri Nouwen wrote, “The farther the outward journey takes you, the deeper the inward journey must be.” Celebrates the Transforming Work of Grace , walking with you as you notice how God’s love restores and renews your life, just as the early Church rejoiced together in the ongoing movement of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:42–47) . Continues a Long Lineage of Spiritual Companionship (trained and continues to be practiced in the art of Spiritual Direction ) , following the pattern of faithful guides throughout history who have helped others discern God’s guidance and live into their purpose (Prov 11:14; Is 30:21) . “A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR is one who helps another recognize and follow the inspirations of grace in their life, in order to arrive at the end to which God is leading them.”—Thomas Merton Scriptural Anchors: Psalm 139 | Jn 10:27 | Jn 14:26 | Jn 15:26 | Acts 1:8 | Rom 8:26 | Rom 12 | 1 Thess 5:11 | 2 Timothy 2:2

Spiritual Direction is a safe, sacred space where we help people notice and respond to Divine presence in their lives. It’s not about giving advice or fixing anything. Instead, it’s about listening deeply, asking meaningful questions, and walking alongside someone as they explore their spiritual journey. It holds space for our stories, our curiosities, our longings, and even our silence...without judgment or agenda. In this space, our whole self is welcome. Spiritual Direction Schedule a Session Sacred Listening The Road to Emmaus The story of the road to Emmaus unfolds as a quiet journey of overwhelming grief, confusion, and slow awakening. Two followers of Jesus, deeply shaken by the events of his crucifixion, walk together on the road, trying to make sense of all that has happened. Their hopes had been dashed. What they thought they knew about the Messiah no longer fit their experience. And so they talk, process, and wonder... perhaps even question everything they once believed. As they walk, Jesus draws near... though “they were kept from recognizing him” (Luke 24:16) . Was it God’s action of veiling their eyes for a time? Was it Jesus himself choosing to walk hidden until the moment was right? Or was it simply the weight of their grief that blurred their sight? The story does not resolve the “how", but it does invite us into the possibility that recognition itself is a grace, revealed in God’s method and timing. Jesus listens first. “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” (Luke 24:17) . They stop, faces downcast. Cleopas and the other traveler begin to pour out their confusion and heartbreak. Jesus receives their words without correction or haste. Even when they describe him in the past tense... “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed…” (Luke 24:19) ... he remains with them, listening. This sacred encounter reminds us that God often meets us in our questions, not just our answers. On the road to Emmaus, sacred listening begins with presence, not proclamation. Jesus walks with them in their sorrow before offering insight. And when he does speak, he gently reframes their understanding... not to shame them for missing the truth, but to open their hearts to a deeper reality already unfolding in their midst. They still do not recognize him, yet something begins to shift. Later they would say, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road…?” (Luke 24:32) . It is not simply knowledge that brings clarity, but shared embodied presence... walking together, breaking bread, listening deeply. Recognition finally comes not through instruction alone, but through intimacy and hospitality... “He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread” (Luke 24:35) . In Spiritual Direction , the road to Emmaus invites us to honor the slow journeys... the places where grief, confusion, or transition blur our vision. We are not always quick to recognize where God is walking with us. Sacred listening creates space for others to speak freely, to wrestle with disappointment, to name hopes that feel lost. Like Jesus, we do not rush to reveal or fix. We companion others as they move through mystery toward recognition, trusting that grace often unfolds along the way. Sacred listening on the road to Emmaus reminds us that transformation is rarely instant. It emerges in conversation, hospitality, and the ordinary moments where God is already near... even if we do not yet see clearly. And in time, as hearts awaken and eyes open, we come to recognize that we were never walking alone. Cain’s Encounter with God’s Invitation Learning from Hagar and the God Who Sees Nebuchadnezzar’s Encounter with God Learning From the Samaritan Woman at the Well Nicodemus' Spiritual Journey Learning from Mary Magdalene’s Encounter Schedule a Session My Approach Rooted Lineage This way begins with remembering where we come from... the lived stories of ancestors who carried the light of Christ through injustice, wilderness, and exile. Their endurance teaches that liberation is not only possible but inherited; a sacred strength passed down through generations that calls us to live with courage, dignity, and hope ( Lisa Sharon Harper ). Liberating Faith & Restorative Formation We follow the God who leads us from bondage into freedom... within our hearts and within our communities. This faith listens for the Spirit’s guidance and opens us to transformation rooted in justice, discernment, and love. Here formation is not striving, but becoming aligned with God’s healing story... restoring relationships and shaping us in the likeness of Divine freedom. ( Harriett Tubman , Barbara Holmes , & Hush Harbors ). Embodied Awareness Our bodies carry memory, wisdom, and the imprints of pain and grace. Through compassionate somatic and spiritual practices, we attend to what the body reveals and welcome Divine love to bring integration and release. Here we grow into sacred belonging with God and one another ( Sheila Wise Rowe , Chichi Agoran & Resmaa Menekem ). Communal Contemplation & Sacred Belonging Healing deepens in community. In shared presence... silence, song, movement, lament, or rest... we enter rhythms that bind us to one another and to God. These communal practices create shalom: a sacred harmony that restores our humanity, nourishes resilience, and reminds us that we do not walk alone ( Barbara Holmes & Howard Thurman ). Spiritual Direction Session 1 A Moment to Pause We begin with a moment of stillness, allowing ourselves to settle and be fully present. Some prefer just a few seconds, while others take more time. It’s about finding space to breathe and become aware of what is unfolding in the moment. 2 Your Journey, Your Voice This is your time to share what’s on your heart... whether it’s adversity, celebration, or moments when God has felt near, distant, or even absent. As you share, there is an offering for meaningful questions that encourage what you might be invited into. 3 Moving with Intention We’ll explore ways to move with compassion and care on your journey. Whether it’s healing, reclaiming your story, or noticing small steps of growth, I’ll support you in listening for what encourages and sustains you. There’s no hurry... only space to notice, receive, and be carried with care. 4 Reflect We take time to reflect together on what surfaced and how it may guide you in the days ahead. Some prefer quiet; others choose prayer. We’ll close in whichever way feels most comfortable, creating space to allow what unfolds to guide moving forward. 5 After the Session If something from our conversation resonates with you and you'd like to explore it further, I’m happy to share resources... such as books, articles, or practices... that might support your journey. These are simply offered as an invitation, should they feel helpful to you. 6 Coordinating Support Healing and growth should be accessible and valued by all. Each 55-minute session is offered on a sliding scale of $40 to $60. Scheduling is simple through my Calendly link. If you have any questions, please reach out... I’m here to support you every step of the way. Finding Your Rhythm I invite you to find a rhythm for your sessions that feels both meaningful and sustainable. Many find that meeting once a month works well, while others choose to meet twice a month depending on their season of life. If you’re new to spiritual direction, you may find it helpful to engage over a few sessions and see how it unfolds. Often, giving it time allows for a deeper experience before discerning whether to continue. I’m here to accompany you in that process, making adjustments along the way as needed. A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR IS SOMEONE WHO... Is guided by the Holy Spirit , in the same spirit as those who, from the earliest gatherings, sought to listen together for God’s direction (Acts 13:2–3) . The director helps you attend to how the Spirit is moving and speaking in your life. Is a Trained Listener , offering a compassionate presence as you reflect on your experiences, questions, and joys. Together, you discern what is unfolding in your daily life and how you are invited to respond (Jn 14:26; 1 Kings 19:11–13) . Does Not Seek to Fix or Diagnose , but creates space for God’s healing and direction to emerge, even amid life’s struggles. Spiritual direction does not separate us from our challenges; it helps us notice God’s presence and invitation within them. Asks Meaningful, Compassionate Questions , opening pathways of reflection and discernment that mirror the invitational questions of Jesus: “What are you looking for?” (Jn 1:38) or Where do you want to be made well? (Jn 5:6) . Embodies Hospitality and Confidentiality , offering a sacred and trustworthy space for you to bring your whole self, your hopes, doubts, and desires, before God (Rom 12:9–13; Heb 13:2) . Guides You in Spiritual Practices , such as prayer, silence, meditation, and reflection that nurture your relationship with God and strengthen your attentiveness to the Spirit’s work. Invites You into Deeper Union with God , helping you attune your heart to God’s presence in both stillness and activity, and to participate in the Spirit’s work of transformation within you and through you (2 Cor 3:17–18) . Encourages Spiritual Growth Rooted in Love , helping you live with greater alignment to the teaching that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21) . As Henri Nouwen wrote, “The farther the outward journey takes you, the deeper the inward journey must be.” Celebrates the Transforming Work of Grace , walking with you as you notice how God’s love restores and renews your life, just as the early Church rejoiced together in the ongoing movement of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:42–47) . Continues a Long Lineage of Spiritual Companionship (trained and continues to be practiced in the art of Spiritual Direction ) , following the pattern of faithful guides throughout history who have helped others discern God’s guidance and live into their purpose (Prov 11:14; Is 30:21) . “A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR is one who helps another recognize and follow the inspirations of grace in their life, in order to arrive at the end to which God is leading them.”—Thomas Merton Scriptural Anchors: Psalm 139 | Jn 10:27 | Jn 14:26 | Jn 15:26 | Acts 1:8 | Rom 8:26 | Rom 12 | 1 Thess 5:11 | 2 Timothy 2:2

Lament challenges power structures, it calls for justice, and it makes demands on our relationships with the "powers that be," one another. Our tears are our prayers when we can't speak, a baptism of sorts, salty healing, a sign of our vulnerability, and a liturgical response to violence. When we are confronted with the horror of our violence-laden society, our mindless killing of innocents, we shift from individual sob and solidarity cry to collective moans (Barbara Holmes)." Lament as Sacred Formation "The reasons that lament is risky are because it challenges power structures, it calls for justice, and it makes demands on our relationships with the "powers that be," one another, and God. Once lament is released, it cannot be recalled. Lament is risky because we never know until the act is done whether or not we have gone too far. Lament allows the pain to escape and stitches us to our neighbors. We are called to weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn. Our tears are our prayers when we can't speak, a baptism of sorts, salty healing, a sign of our vulnerability, and a liturgical response to violence. Lament is a collective response to tyranny and injustice. When we are confronted with the horror of our violence-laden society, our mindless killing of innocents, we shift from individual sobs to a solidarity cry to collective moans." ~ Barbara Holmes, Crisis Contemplation Prayers & Pathways of Lament The Need for Lament Professor, Author, and Theologian Soong-Chan Rah argues that the deeply rooted triumphalism and exceptionalism in the American society are causing the absence of lament in the American churches. Churches today must not only recognize the need for lament, but also practice the discipline of lament both within and beyond the walls of the church ( Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times ). An American Lament This devotional is a journey through America’s history of slavery, segregation, and racism. At times, it may feel like a voyage into the shadow of death. But even in that deep darkness, God is with us and his light is the hope that guides us. Chasing Justice: Lent Dust to Dust: A Lenten Invitation to Liberation ... how can we experience transformation without knowing what needs liberation? The life and death of Christ invites us, for our own integrity, to examine and reconsider how we ourselves have been complicit in corporate and systemic wrong. This forty day journey to deepen our love for Creator and Christ through the Spirit’s transforming power is the invitation of lent. The Center for Formation Justice & Peace We invite you to embark on a transformative Lenten journey that intertwines deep spiritual reflection with the pursuit of justice and peace. We offer a rich tapestry of resources and practices designed to nurture your inner life and inspire outward action. Our offerings aim to deepen your connection to Christlike character while actively engaging in the work of justice. 'A Just Lent' Invitation Using A Just Passion: A Six-Week Lenten Journey , and the lectionary, we take a look at various aspects of justice, its importance to God and why the church has often regrettably failed to live out God’s call to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord.” Also, learn about Transforming Center: Love, Lent, and Leadership: Fashioning Your Own Wilderness where we follow the lectionary schedule. Black Liturgies Cole Arthur Riley's Black Liturgies is a contemplative project that combines faith, spirituality, and the Black experience through prayers, poetry, and reflections. It serves as a form of liturgy that acknowledges the unique struggles, resilience, and beauty within the Black community, offering words of comfort, healing, and justice ( Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human ). Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) CCDA is inviting you into a Lenten journey. Excerpts from our Immerse online curriculum will prompt your thoughts and lead you in reflection. We also encourage you to use a 40 day printable prayer drawing provided by Praying In Color . Click here for instructions on how to use this resource to visually and creatively give glory to God this Lenten Season. How Can I Lament? Lament Books and Articles | The process of writing our own lament, using these nine steps modeled after the Psalms: Cry out to God (your address to God); Complaint (your anger, pain, heartache, or sadness); Affirmation of Trust (your remembrance of God’s presence in your past); Petition/Request (your deepest desire); Additional Argument (anything more, why God should intervene); Rage against Your Enemies (bringing your enemies before God); Assurance of Being Heard (what you need to feel heard); Promise to Offer Praise to God (the promise you can offer to God); and Assurance (the attribute of God you are thankful for in the moment). What to Pray When Pain Takes Your Words by Nathan Foster Lamentations by BP Laments express our distress to God as an appropriate response to suffering. Listen Resmaa Menakem Notice the Rage; Notice the Silence. Listen John Onwuchekwa A helpful reframing of grief that has the power to change. Listen Readings on Lament & Lent Prayers View More Songs of Lament to Praise An invitation to sing through lament, find rest in surrender, and grow in hope. Bifrost Arts Common Hymnal Urban Doxology Justice Choir Porter's Gates Mahalia Jackson Ruthie Foster Chandler Moore Groundwork Reads By using my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, which helps support this website.

This page reveals the obvious and subtle ways the American church has compromised what the Bible teaches about human dignity and equality. These resources expose concrete and chilling ways people of faith have actively worked against racial justice, as well as the deafening silence of the white evangelical majority. While there has been progress in fighting racism, historically most of the American church has failed to speak out against this evil. Build a World of Justice & Righteousness Resourcing Wellness in Community 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 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. 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 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. What Can We Do? View More > Groundwork Reads By using my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, which helps support this website.

Emotional and Mental Health and Spiritual Maturity are Inseparable. It is not possible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. Furthermore, ignoring our emotions is turning our back on reality. Listening to our emotions ushers us into reality. And the reality is where we meet God. . . . Emotions are the language of the soul. They are the cry that gives the heart a voice (Peter Scazzero). Emotional & Mental Health Resourcing Wellness in Community "Emotional & Mental Health and Spiritual Maturity are Inseparable. It is not possible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. Furthermore, ignoring our emotions is turning our back on reality. Listening to our emotions ushers us into reality. And the reality is where we meet God. . . . Emotions are the language of the soul. They are the cry that gives the heart a voice. . .” ~ Peter Scazzero Counseling & Therapy Black & African American Therapists Psychology Today for Communities of Color Oaks & Stones (Therapy for Asian Americans) Fuller Psychological & Family Services Black Men Heal Faithful Central Champion Counseling Center Emerge Counseling Ministries Emmada Pscychology La Vie Counseling Center WellNest | Emotional Health & Wellness Black Christian Therapy Grow Therapy Inclusive Therapists Hope Trauma Therapy Herhealing Community Your Healthcare Provider | Please check with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) and healthcare provider for therapist and counselor options. They may not only provide the services you're looking for but also offer benefits that could help reduce cost. Selecting the appropriate Counselor or Therapist 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. Counseling Therapy Trauma Informed Care Centers Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Institute for the Clinical Application The National Child Traumatic Stress Network National Alliance on Mental Illness Psychology Tools Quest Movement Healing Center National Institute of Mental Health Goodsky | Adverse Childhood Experiences ACE Aware | Screen Treat Heal Trauma Healing Institute TraumaWise | Family & Communities Restored Gobi | Middle & H.S. Drug & Alcohol Prevention The Kids Mental Health Foundation American Academy of Child & Adolescents Mindful & Somatic Practices Resmaa Menakem | Somatic Abolitionism UCLA Mindful Guides Smiling Mind Johns Hopkins Medicine Somatic Self Care Alex Elle Understood NCHPAD Dr. Tina Armstrong Living Connected Dr. Erin Baute | Behavorial Psychology Light Mindfulness Practice Videos & Guides Mindful Practices Videos & Guides View More Healing Racial Trauma Groundwork Videos & Reads. View More Text & Context Readings on Reparative Healing. View More HEALING is about taking the time to notice what gets in the way of feeling connected to our lives, our community, our sense of possibility, and God. It is a radical act of choosing to advocate for one’s self to heal and receive God’s guidance of repairing belonging, justice, and worth within our bodies, souls, and spirits. Healing, in and of itself, is not the end goal if the messaging suggests that if we can just heal and get over it...that all will be well and good. It is instead a constant reminder and invitation that we need God’s unfailing love to help nurture ourselves just like we do everyone else. Healing, at its core, is about slowing down so that we can better listen to ourselves and one another, staying on the road to internal and external freedom. SOUL CARE ADVISING is about creating a safe space to tend to our spiritual and emotional roots. It invites us to slow down and pay attention, cultivating a deeper awareness of one's self, God, others, and creation. This journey honors the tensions we carry... love and fear, shame and grace, justice and adversity... not as contradictions to be solved, but as essential companions on the path to restoration. Through rhythms of Soul Care, we begin to notice how healing unfolds not apart from struggle, but within it. Over time, rather than pushing toward resilience alone, Soul Care nurtures a sustaining sense of belonging, peace, and transformation, drawing us toward liberation and deeper authentic union with God and community.

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. Civic Engagement Resourcing Wellness in Community 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 opportunities 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 encouraging all of us to stay in the alignment of God's desire for healing and wholeness in the unity of 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 >

Here are resources our family has either utilized or has been recommended by others during different stages of our pursuit of righteousness and justice. As you may observe, my focus centers on Black and African American history. This emphasis has allowed me to recognize the profound extent of our entanglement with systemic oppression, both historically and persistently. Rediscover valuable insights as we collectively move towards God's work of restoring righteousness and justice. 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 Restorative Rhythm of Life 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 bird, with its head turned backward, taking an egg off its back, embodies the meaning of Sankofa. Sankofa attests that we must look backward (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 and caste systems as a critical component of our Christian discipleship. It is an interactive spiritual formation pilgrimage that equips Christians to pursue Jesus' righteousness, generosity, and justice inside and outside the church. This relational journey traces the history of caste systems and tangibly equips believers to embody Christ's mission of reconciliation and conciliation, integrating faith and works in transformative ways.

Give your body a boost of herbal strength for immune system wellness. An incredible superfruit supplement that eases the inflamed body for all seasons such as the cold and flu symptoms. We are currently a local pick - up small business in the Adams-Normandie District in Los Angeles, CA desiring to expand so that more neighborhoods can recieve this resource. Elderberry Syrup Resourcing Wellness in Community 8oz Elderberry $12.00 Give your body a boost of herbal strength for immune system wellness. An incredible superfruit supplement that eases the inflamed body for all seasons. DIY Elderberry Batch $7.00 (8oz) Learn how to make your own homemade elderberry syrup! Just add water, your local honey and you’re ready to go! 12oz Elderberry $18.00 Enjoy nature’s most powerful berries. An age-old remedy used to boost the body’s immune system and help reduce cold and flu symptoms. Our Elderberry Market We are currently a local pick - up small business in the Adams-Normandie District in Los Angeles, CA desiring to expand so that more neighborhoods can recieve this resource. Local Pick-Up Directions Purchase Form PURCHASE FORM DETAILS 1. Use "Purchase Form" button a bove. 2. Fill-In your Name , Email , & Phone Number along with your Choice of Items (8oz, 12oz or DIY) & How Many . STEP 1 REVIEW YOUR PURCHASE ORDER 1. After you Review your order Click Send. 2. We have 3 Payment Methods: (1) Venmo @Cynthia-Peters-206 (2) Zelle urbanwellnessliving@gmail.com (3) Cash on Arrival STEP 2 RECEIVE OUR RESPONSE YOU WILL Receive an Urban Wellness Living Email or Text Response with the... 1 . Amount owed 2. Local Pick - Up Directions 3. And Payment Methods STEP 3 How It's Made Natural Made Elderberry Syrup Our Elderberry Syrup is handcrafted using wildcrafted and organic herbs to create an all natural remedy that helps stimulate the immune system. Ingredients include whole elderberry sambucus nigra, whole cloves, cut & sifted echinacea purpurea, cut & sifted ginger root, cut & sifted cinnamon chips and unfiltered raw honey. Our Elderberry Syrup is done in small batches for quality control, flexibility changes, affordability, and increased efficiency. To promote healthy safeguard measures, our elderberry syrup is adequately prepared by using gloves and masks. And all our bottles are cleaned in high temperature sanitizing cycles. To reduce cost for our urban community, we package our product with minimal materials that can either be used again or be recycled. In addition, it is why we are currently a local pick-up mom and pop business. Our Elderberry Syrup is made with care and thoughtfulness as it has not only impacted our family’s health but also the health of our neighbors. Note: we will be transitioning from glass bottles to plastic bottles in order to maintain our current cost structure. Benefits Immune Support Provides the body a boost of herbal strength for immune system wellness. A good source of vitamin A and C, calcium, iron, and vitamin B6. Lessen symptoms Lessens the symptoms of cold and influenza as well as reduces the recovery timeline. Allergy Relief A great natural antihistamine that defends against seasonal allergens. Ease Inflammation Helps tame inflammation and has antioxidant effects to help reduce swelling in the body while repairing the immune system. Good-Keeping Ingredients Ingredients include whole elderberry sambucus nigra, whole cloves, echinacea purpurea, ginger root, cinnamon chips and unfiltered raw honey. Dosage Children: 1 Tsp Adult: 1 TBs Intense Use: 1 Tbs every 3 to 4 hours up to 6 times per day (for children 1 Tsp). Storage Store Elderberry in the fridge. Refrigerate for up to 3 months. About the Inspiration Biddy Mason Speaks Up I'm deeply moved by Biddy Mason on numerous fronts. Her strong convictions about the value of education and her commitment to community service. Her deep involvement in various charitable and civic activities, such as founding the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles and establishing a school for African American children. Her unwavering faith and her determination to create a better future, coupled with her exceptional skills as a healer and midwife, providing vital medical care to her community embodied such a beacon of hope and healing for me. Learning that elderberry syrup was among her remedies, enriching the health not just within the Black community but also extending its benefits far beyond, fills me with boundless inspiration to continue providing the same source of healing. And despite facing enslavement, discrimination and prejudice, she remained steadfast in her belief in equality and justice. Thus, Biddy Mason's legacy continues to inspire me today, as she exemplified resilience, compassion, and the power of conviction in the face of adversity. I encourage you to devote some of your time to learn about Biddy Mason's life story. I recommend, "Biddy Mason Speaks Up" by Arisa White and Laura Atkins. You will learn so much about the unflinching examination of slavery, caste systems, and community healing in the United States. Each chapter of her life begins with lyrical verse and full-color illustrations that draw you into her narrative, and is followed by visually engaging sections filled with keyword definitions, historical context, timelines, and primary sources. Throughout the book, the authors pose questions for us, such as “How do you see power at work in your community?”, making Biddy Mason’s story all the more relatable to the present day. “The fact that flowers, herbs, and vegetables eventually burst forth from dampened seeds is always a wonder. May our individual tears moisten the soil of our common humanity, germinating seeds of hope, compassion and mercy that will blossom and heal our collective suffering” ~ Barbara A. Holmes ~