• Second volume from Spiritual Directors of Color Network
• Addresses the contemporary issues of racism and contemplation
Following up on the popularity of the groundbreaking anthology Embodied Spirits: Stories of Spiritual Directors of Color, this book continues the work of filling a void in the world of contemplative spirituality in stories of the contemplative spiritual journeys of people of color.
Like the first book, Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around incorporates stories from members "of their encounters with 'othering' and disparaging treatment across issues and their understandings of contemplative practice and the call to action that follows. This volume seeks to give voice to these issues from those whom have lived with them and to seek peace and healing for the unresolved trauma that continues to separate us."
In a world or resurgent racism and bias against those whose skin color, nationality, religion, gender, or sexuality are seen as "other," these are voices that need to be heard.
Read an excerpt
"Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around offers a collection of essays that bear witness to the necessity of a marriage between contemplation and action. Therese Taylor-Stinson has called together a mighty cloud of witnesses who have beautifully reflected on the power which is to be found in linking social justice activism and contemplative prayer in the ongoing quest to live a life of faith. This is a book which is deeply needed at the present moment."
—Catherine Meeks, author, Living into God's Dream
"Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around gathers the passionate insights of female spiritual directors of color for the benefit of all of us engaged in this sacred work: refining contemplative self-care as a tool of racial justice and world-saving; embodying practice to feed the God-field; expanding our understanding of 'neighbor' as a way to address our deep longing for healing; living into the divine wholeness that encompasses all differences. A heart-opening collection of essays to challenge and encourage us all."
—Rabbi Raachel N. Jurovics, Ph.D., Yavneh: A Jewish Renewal Community, multifaith Spiritual Director
"The stories of contemplation and justice in Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Us Around remind us that although the bastions of oppression don't concede power willingly, we have the strength to 'keep on keeping on,' to layer our zeal and bravery with self-reflection and contemplative activism."
—Barbara A. Holmes, President Emerita, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
"Based in lived experience, these reflections on contemplation and social justice from members of the Spiritual Directors of Color Network have the ring of authenticity. A pioneering volume not to be missed."
—Margaret Benefiel, author of Soul at Work and The Soul of a Leader, and coeditor of The Soul of Supervision
"Justice work is not easy. It requires spiritual resolve, sacrifice, self-reflection and the healing of our communities. The stories of contemplation and justice in Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Us Around remind us that the path toward justice for all is contemplative. "
—Barbara A. Holmes, President Emerita, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
