BIPOC Spiritual Direction Resources

Oct 10

This post is for friends who are starting programs to become Spiritual Directors! (or are considering it!) I find myself excited to hear from others who care about justice and staying close to the heart of Jesus—who are entering Spiritual Direction programs! If you are like me, you will find that some books assigned in your SD program connect deeply with your heart, and others feel too culturally “white” or individualistic in focus. Don’t get me wrong—both the personal and communal are needed for us to be able to show up as authentic Christ-followers in the world. I just know that I have received much deep wisdom from communities who have walked with Jesus in deep systemic suffering. I would love to hear what other BIPOC Spiritual Direction resources you’ve found for holding a realistic view of the brokenness of the world, including racism, Christian nationalism and colonization, as well as spiritual practices for connecting with the God of love and justice. Holding all of these things in the sacred space of Spiritual Direction can provide a safe space for so many that are feeling deeply the brokenness of our day. Much lament is needed, and I continue to lament and discern my own work. If your Spiritual Direction training program needs more BIPOC voices, here are some resources I’ve found helpful.

Voices of Lament: Reflections on Brokenness and Hope in a World Longing for Justice, Edited by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson (not pictured, but amazing)

The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice, a Month of Meditations with Ignatius of Loyola by Patrick St. Jean, S.J.

Embodied Spirits: Stories of Spiritual Directors of Color by Sherry Bryant-Johnson (Editor), Therese Taylor-Stinson (Editor), Rosalie Norman McNaney (Editor)

The God Who Sees: Immigrants, The Bible, and the Journey to Belong by Karen Gonzalez

Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices of the Black Church by Barbara A. Holmes

Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times by Soong-Chan Rah

Shalom and the Community of Creation: An Indigenous Vision by Randy Woodley

Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman

Healing Racial Trauma: The Road to Resilience by Sheila Wise Rowe

Soul Care in African American Practice by Barbara Peacock (Also Peacock Soul Care Institute for classes!)

Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas

Rally: Communal Prayers for Lovers of Justice and Jesus edited by Brittany Winn Lee