Soul Care in African American Practice

by Barbara L. Peacock

Christianity Today Award of Merit In the midst of our hectic, overscheduled lives, caring for the soul is imperative. Now, more than ever, we need to pause―intentionally―and encounter the Divine. Soul care director Barbara Peacock illustrates a journey of prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care from an African American perspective. She reflects on how these disciplines are woven into the African American culture and lived out in the rich heritage of its faith community. Using examples of ten significant men and women―Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Darrell Griffin, Renita Weems, Harold Carter, Jessica Ingram, Coretta Scott King, James Washington, and Howard Thurman―Barbara offers us the opportunity to engage in practices of soul care as we learn from these spiritual leaders. If you've yearned for a more culturally authentic experience of spiritual transformation in your life and community, this book will help you grow in new yet timeless ways. Come to the river to draw deeply for your soul's refreshment.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Race, Discipleship, Christian Non Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2020

About the author

Barbara L. Peacock (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is a spiritual director, author, teacher, and preacher. She is the founder of Barbara L. Peacock Ministries, a ministry committed to developing disciples through prayer, spiritual direction, soul care, mentoring, and teaching.

Reviews

[Maisie Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I have enjoyed reading in Soul Care in African American Practice is its uncovering of the contemplative power of African American leaders known and unknown. It has brought to light the many ways contemplative disciplines have been the backbone, the strength that made cultural change happen. Too often I have heard people remark that contemplatives don't "do" anything. When in fact, it's their time with God that empowered their work for God and all God's children. Barbara Peacock drew on many sources to weave together insightful new ways to look at the spiritual journey of individuals and a people. This work invites us and reminds us that our service for God must be fortified by our time with God. This is a very affirming book for people who enjoy a more contemplative stance in the world.

[Ragan Bartholomew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to see this book on the reading list for my degree and I am just as happy to have read it. I don’t often say this about Theology/religious books, but I couldn’t put it down. This book gave me a great appreciation for the spiritual history of African Americans and ultimately made me long to draw close to my God, the God of all. (The author also speaks so highly about the program I’m starting at Gordon-Conwell - if these are the things let’s they produce, I can’t wait!)

[Angelic Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down - 5 stars!

Often, we take time to care for our physical bodies and mind, however, what about our soul? I was in search to find practices to help me nurture and care for my soul. And this is what I found in Soul Care in African American Practice by Barbara L. Peacock.

Be ready for your soul to be blessed as you journey through the riches found in this treasure. It's humbling to see the depths of faith and resiliency found in these pages. Despite the horrific acts afflicted on our brothers and sisters across the African American community, resiliency in love, faith, and hope are found. Through their deep spiritual disciplines, their souls were nourished and they found the resiliency needed to press forward.

One of the African American leaders looked at in Dr. Peacock's book includes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She writes that Dr. King would often be found at his kitchen table, joined by his wife, Coretta, to have a focused time of prayer. He would cup his face in his hands and pray with intentionality and ferverence seeking the Lord for direction, protection, and divine wisdom. He found himself at the end of himself and needed the Lord - both for direction in leadership and for the Shepherding of his soul. Wow - can you see it?

One excerpt from the book which brought to life the richness and criticality of prayer for my own life is as follows:

Other than God, no one understood the complex challenges Dr. King endured better than his lovely wife, Coretta. She was with him during the sleepless nights when he was under threat. She was the one that saw him fall humbly to his knees as he sought God. She was the one who saw him shed tears and express feats….When speaking of their prayerful journey, Mrs. King said,

Prayer was a wellspring of strength and inspiration during the Civil Rights Movement. Throughout the movement, we prayed for greater human understanding…

What a visualization of prayer - "A wellspring of strength and inspiration"!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pressed onward in the most critical Civil Rights Movements in our nation's history through the strength and nourishment he found in prayer. I'm humbled and my heart is awakened at my own need for prayer Dr. King modeled.

We all have much to learn from these spiritual disciplines and the African American leaders reflected on in this book. God is calling us into a deeper relationship with him. The very relationship needed to nurture and nourish our soul. This book is a great guide to take the next to go deeper with Him; breathing fresh life in our Christian walk.

[Rosilynn Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Soul Care in African American Practice, you will experience the journey of people who were taken from Africa, transported to places of uncertainty, and having to press in more to God through their prayers. Their will to survive, which came through “stealing away” to pray, was also evident in the lives of others who came after them. The proof of their strength is evidenced and documented in prayer practices of those who are featured in this book. Barbara Peacock has written a compelling book, and a challenge to engage more with God through prayer.

[cocopuff]

This book was gifted to me my brother! Signed by the author that taught his class, how neat. Despite this being an unplanned read for this month, it fit in perfectly with the content I've been reading. In this, the author breaks down the importance of soul care living in a colored body, along with the rich history of African American spirituality and how the faith community can learn from and incorporate in their own. I loved how much contemplation there was in comparing faith backgrounds to modern day Christianity. How it challenges the Christian to think about what perspectives, experiences, and practices are being left out. Questions like; how has your spiritual history affected how and where you choose to worship, how has prejudice alienated me from the authentic work of the kingdom, how has the plight of African American church affected the shape of Christendom, and so many more good questions to think about.
For example: most people don't know that Africa was one of the earliest locales of the Christian church and African church fathers St. Augustine, Clement, Origen, Tertullian, and Athanasius contributed to the formative years of Christianity. But how interesting that Christians do not recognize these names, and most American faith backgrounds lack diversified voices?
Truly interesting stuff.
Another factor to highlight about this book is that it is heavily saturated in prayer and prayer practices. The author has a set of amazing disciplines, guides, and reflective prompts that I will engage with over and over.
Overall rich historical context and practical application for the future. Loved it ;)

[Stephanie Ridiculous · Rating 2 out of 5]

As others have said, great premise but weak execution. I felt like Peacock wasn't sure if she wanted to write a biographical history book, a memoir of her own, or a summary of spiritual practices she'd like to see others implement. The result, unfortunately, was that I didn't feel like any of the stated objectives of the book were achieved.

Many of the chapters were repetitive and seemed to lose the point. If you aren't already familiar with the folks highlighted or the spiritual practices discussed I don't think this book will provide much benefit to you. However, if you are already familiar the questions at the end of each chapter are likely a good time investment. While I personally didn't get much out of this book I do super appreciate how practical it aimed to be & the list of additional resources at the end.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a long list of spiritual giants to whom I’ve looked for inspiration in my following life. Names like C.S. Lewis, Teresa of Avila, Madeleine L’Engle, and Eugene Peterson come to mind, and it’s likely that you also have a list, different from mine, but comprising familiar names from church history or Christian culture. North American and European scholars and thinkers have traditionally held predominate places on our personal hero lists, and in Soul Care in African American Practice, Barbara L. Peacock throws open a window to the fresh thinking of African church fathers and more contemporary African American contributors to our spiritual heritage.

For example, when we read Augustine, Clement, Origen, Tertullian, and Athanasius, does it ever occur to us that they are of African descent? A careful reading of the New Testament reveals that the gospel actually reached African soil before it traveled to Great Britain or Western Europe.


In her writing, Peacock has filled a room with African American voices, the familiar as well as the unfamiliar, and then invited her readers to overhear a conversation about spiritual formation. For me, it is a rare privilege, indeed, to be the white person in a black room, so I took careful notes, scribbled in the margins, and underlined names and concepts for future research. Join me now in that room with this thought front and center:

“The disciplines of prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care are needed in all communities.”

Page 158
Prayer
Citing the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Dr. Harold Carter, and others, Peacock demonstrates the impact of a prayerful life on an individual and on the course of history. Prayer is the “spiritual discipline that causes our ear to be attentive to the voice of our almighty, all-knowing, and all-powerful God as he speaks his words of wisdom and direction.”

Spiritual Direction
It was fascinating to be reminded that spiritual direction in the African American community would have begun on slave ships as one captive spoke words of encouragement and hope into the ear of another. Faith born and nurtured in tribulation and under oppressive conditions becomes a sinewy thing. Peacock has played a key role in promoting the teaching and practice of spiritual direction in the African American Church, and her website, Barbara L. Peacock Ministries, is a resource as well as an inspiration for those committed to a deeper relationship with God.

Soul Care
Dr. Jessica Ingram is just one of the leaders introduced as a trailblazer in caring for souls. In her ministry, she emphasizes the importance of relationship with God as our traveling companion who gives us permission to slow down and tend to the needs of our soul. Intimacy with God is the fountain that continually fills up the thirsty soul, providing living water for the individual that spills over into a robust community of faith.

Barbara Peacock is first and foremost a teacher, and since we learn best by doing, she has equipped her readers with opportunities to practice habits of holiness, embedded in each chapter. Richard Foster defined a spiritual discipline as “an intentionally directed action by which we do what we can do in order to receive from God the ability to do what we cannot do by direct effort.” As we show up, faithfully, to receive power from God to do what only he can do in our hearts, we move one step closer to God’s vision of a glorious church in which souls from all “peoples and tribes and languages and nations” will join in worship, and in which every room becomes the “dwelling place of God with man” in which “he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” (Revelation 21:3)

Many thanks to InterVarsity Press for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.

[Nate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great premise, but poor execution. I stumbled across this book through IVP’s faithful justice giveaway. The description led me to believe it was short biographical excerpts on the spiritual practices of ten African-American leaders, past and present. Instead it read primarily as a devotional with a singular biographical insight on each individual. Often it seemed the author used only one or two sources for a particular person and was repetitive on which disciplines she discussed. I did appreciate the exposure to African-American leaders I have never heard of before and several unfamiliar Catholic disciplines (i.e. spiritual directors, visio divina, etc). I am hesitant to be so dismissive of the book because it is about a spiritual heritage that is not my own. However, it did come across as a poor effort for such rich material.

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Introduction to Soul Care (Spiritual Direction) and spiritual disciplines in the African American church setting. 

I am now roughly halfway through my training to become a spiritual director. I am trying to pick up at least one book a month, not assigned, to round out my training. Over the past few months, I have read books about soul care/spiritual direction to children, an Evangelical intro to Ignatian spiritual direction, a memoir of Howard Thurman, and a collection of his sermons, and a book on prayer. The point of these various looks is to expand my vision of what spiritual direction is and to gain insight by understanding how others have practiced spiritual direction.

Barbara Peacock is writing about spiritual direction from the African American Church perspective. It is both not widely known in the Black church but also not unknown. (One of my classmates is AME.) Spiritual direction books are often split between providing some direction to the reader and describing features of direction more generally. Soul Care in the African American Practice uses mini-biographies as a framing for different soul care practices. There are ten profiles of well known and less well-known figures in the Black church and how their lives illustrated various spiritual practices that either they taught on or exemplified. The practices include Lectio Divina, rest, prayer in suffering, contemplation, etc.

Part of what is helpful in most Black church writing is the connection of the spiritual life to practical experience. The history of the Black church and of the Black experience in the United States is part of what it means to be a Black Christian. Dr Peacock is no different.

Kellemen and Edwards wrote, “If spiritually famished African Americans were going to convert to Christianity, then they had to convert on the basis of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection as revealed in the Bible, not on the basis of Christianity revealed in the lifestyles of the Christians they knew.”21 African Americans who depended solely on the spirituality of their slave masters were apt to be deceived and confused.

I think that a lot of White readers may not pick up books like this that are written for particular communities. But it is exactly in these types of particular books that I have found that I can find the clarity of my own convictions as well see my own blindspots and assumptions revealed. I think Dr Peacock ends the book with the right note:

Do prayer and spiritual direction in the African American faith community look different from prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care in any other faith context? The answer to this question is twofold: no as it relates to the divine inclusivity of spirituality, and yes in the sense that the African American culture, just like any other culture, is experientially unique...effective prayer and spiritual direction are works of the Spirit, and ethnicity is not a determining factor in how the Spirit desires to operate.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Care in African American Practice by Barbara Peacock

In the late 90s and early 2000s Renovare released some volumes on spiritual reading that were “workbook” based. One, Spiritual Classics, focused on readings for individuals and groups based on the 12 spiritual disciplines from Richard Foster’s classic, Celebration of Discipline. Another book was Devotional Classics based on Foster’s book, Streams of Living Water. They were designed to take individuals or groups through a slow process of learning from historic spiritual reading combined with Scripture and spiritual formation practices. I still have those volumes on my shelves. They are well-worn.

In that tradition and format comes Barbara Peacock’s book from Intervarsity Press, Soul Care in African American Practice.

Barbara L. Peacock (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is a spiritual director, author, teacher, and preacher. She is the founder of Barbara L. Peacock Ministries, a ministry committed to developing disciples through prayer, spiritual direction, soul care, mentoring, and teaching.

This book picks up the spirit of those previous works from Renovare. She sets them firmly in the practice of spiritual formation for African Americans by utilizing African American teachers and leaders past and present.

Her focus in this book is on spiritual direction, spiritual disciplines, and prayer. She then uses each chapter to focus on a particular African American leader and their writing and/or example in a particular practice.

From Frederick Douglas to Rosa Parks to Howard Thurman, Peacock tells their individual stories, how they exemplified a particular spiritual discipline, then leads the reader through exercises in spiritual formation.

This is a beautiful work that is useful as a tool for individuals or groups.

Especially useful to all of us, especially in the white church, is her introduction. She readily reminds all of us what we should readily know: the historic Church isn’t WHITE. It’s African. It’s Asian.

Our greatest theology and our earliest credal doctrines are rooted in Africa and Asia. Not Europe.

Contemplative practices are rooted in African soil. We too often think of Egypt or Tunisia as “Arab”, but that doesn’t come until after the 7th Century. So, when I did my work in seminary on spiritual fathers and mothers of the Egyptian desert, I had to constantly remind myself this was an AFRICAN context, not an “Arab” context.

Great church leaders/fathers we look to and reference for theological roots are African: Augustine, Tertullian, Cyprian, and others.

American Christianity didn’t “save” the “poor African slave.” Christianity was grown in African soil.

“Though African captives experienced the worst of oppression on the decks of slave ships, the overarching good news was that God still prevailed.” (p. 18)

Settle yourself in for a journey through the centuries. Hear the voices of contemporary African American mystics. Draw from their wealth of experience and walk with them as they walk with God.

[Alix · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Soul Care in African American Practice, Barbara Peacock retraces the history of spiritual practices among the Africana community, with an emphasis on spiritual direction and soul care.
The book's preface/introduction serve as a contextualization of the rest of the book. Rightfully so, Peacock points out that many figures of Christian tradition and spirituality have been of African descent : starting with major church fathers, like Tertullian, Augustine, and Athanasius, but also biblical characters (e.g, the Egyptian narratives from the Old Testament).
Note : a large portion of this chapter seems guided by ideas articulated in another book, Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction by R.W. Kellemen and K.A. Edwards. Readers would probably benefit from the context presented in Beyond the Suffering since Barbara Peacock cites it so heavily -- though it is by no means a prerequisite for reading Soul Care.
The rest of the book explores the lives of 10 major figures of Africana Christian spirituality. Beginning with Frederick Douglass, these include Martin Luther King, Howard Thurman, and others. Each portrait is accompanied by an examination of a specific spiritual practice. But these chapters turn out to be more celebratory, rather than analytical : these are clearly figures that have influenced and inspired Peacock, though little insight is gleaned from these biographies, and most of them merely serve as an illustration for a particular discipline (rather than a demonstration).
At the end of each chapter, there is a section for reflection - with questions, a visio divina, and prayer material. The visual content throughout the book appears to reflect the author's appreciation and gratitude for visual arts as means of spiritual encounter and reflection - and, to me, were truly friends of the soul as I read and engaged with the material. I've rarely found such abundant use of diverse media for engagement and reflection in spirituality books, and it was a tremendous gift to have these accompany me in my reading of Soul Care.

Many thanks to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, in exchange for a fair review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Care for the soul involves time - time to feed on the word of God, pray and commune with God, and contemplate what God is teaching through scripture. "Soul Care..." shows the reader how to engage in these practices with clear instruction, reminding us that seeking God and trusting Christ is the most important way to live. It contains lessons on spiritual care that are true for all believers of any place, and yet the experiences told in the narrative of clinging to God in adversity allow a new depth of understanding. I feel this book is an important book for the African American community in how it relates a heritage that transcends the physical and passes down a far greater inheritance that is spiritual.
A couple of times I was concerned that the writing was going to put too much emphasis on other systems of belief with the mention of other theology and Ghandi, but I found the author was only using it as historical and cultural marker in making a case for spiritual practices passed down in African American culture. The reader was always pointed to the foundation of truth being in Christ and all spiritual direction being rooted in the truth of scripture and prayer. There was a lot of times that points were made about African American spirituality and theology being unique because of experience, but the author also emphasized our oneness in Christ no matter who we are or our culture.
I truly loved the emphasis on prayer and spending time with God as the foundation of our days and our lives as followers of Christ.

[Steve Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black excellence meets soul care and spiritual direction meets devotional handbook for prayer. Inspired by the spiritual practice and teaching and example of 10 prominent African American Christians, Peacock explores how African Americans have taught and practiced prayer and contemplation. As a white pastor, I loved the mix of names and stories familiar (Frederick Douglass, Howard Thurman, Martin Luther King, Jr.) along with those whose teaching I had never encountered (such as Drs. Darrell Griffin and Jessica Ingram.)

Peacock cites Barbara Holmes' work Joy Unspeakable a number of times. As with Holmes' work, Peacock is amplifying traditions of deep, inner Christian spirituality within the Black American church tradition. In Euro-centered Christian teaching, this spirituality of contemplation and spiritual direction can end up being contained in narrow cultural language and practice, so that it's possible to miss deep spirituality in other cultures or teach it in only limited cultural frameworks. Alongside Holmes, Peacock gives Black Christians the gift of recognizing the power of their own Christian cultural heritage, and helps the rest of us access the wisdom and power found there as well.

Holmes' greater ecumenicism and interfaith sensibilities suit my spirituality and theology a bit more, but Peacock's work has the great advantage of tremendous "reflection and practice" sections at the end of each chapter, to explore in one's own life the spiritual treasures she describes in each chapter.

[Timothy Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the premise of the book, exploring individual heroes in the black church and the black community and talk about how they integrated soul care in their spiritual disciplines and activity in ways that may not be traditionally how we talk about “spiritual direction or prayer” but nonetheless, is evident. The big picture was that soul care practiced has been in the black tradition for years. I loved that.

More accurately wish i can give this 3.5 stars rather than 4. But 3 felt too low for me. Where the book fell a little flat for me was Barbara Peacocks choice to explain the way these spiritual disciplines were carried out, rather than showing them. I think the book would have been a little more compelling for me had she painted narratives of MLK’s prayer time, for instance, rather than explaining to me that he prayed a lot.

On the positive side, i think this is culture shifting work to introduce spiritual direction and contemplation to the black church community in ways that feel familiar and accessible. These practices have been vital and should continue to be vital for the church to thrive.

So overall, good premise, but not my preferred execution of the material,

[Colleen N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Care is for Your Mind, Body and Soul

Soul Care in African American Practice by Dr. Barbara L. Peacock is a wonderful book that is so needed in this season. To often we concern ourselves with the Physical, Financial and Spiritual aspect of our being and neglect the Emotional factor. This book helps the engaged reader to become intentionally and actively involved with pursuing WHOLENESS! I especially loved the chapter on "Prayer and Rest"

A great resource for persons doing their own self development as well as a guide that can be read in book clubs, social clubs, churches, study groups and academia circles. I greatly appreciate that Dr. Peacock invested in Soul Care for African American Practice, this is much needed in the African American community and will serve as a resource for other groups who have a interest in looking at this topic of "Spiritual Development" from an African American perspective.

Respectfully CN Damon-Duval, PhD ABD

[JoDeanne Francis]

I am grateful for this book.
As someone who floats between my the traditions of my upbringing and the ones learned later in life (college/young adulthood), I appreciated this text connecting my two worlds and religious practice. I think it’s a great book for individuals who are just beginning to explore spiritual practices. It’s a book I’d use for discipleship and caring for the Black people around me. The way she focuses on defining terms and creating space for readers to reflects adds to how it could be used in discipleship.

I think it does what it says it will do. I liked the idea of being able to connect practices with the lives of particular people but wish that it was more thorough in presenting the practices within people’s lives (whether discussing what practices, how they incorporated it, when their journey began and what it looked like...). Or just more quotes.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent guide for Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Disciples and prayer Disciplines. You do not have to be a Christian to read this book, it’s for the entire family. Dr. Barbara Peacock captures life from every angle, to mold and shape you into a better person. You learn about your past so you know who you are and your heritage and the experiences your ancestors conquered. You feel your present so you can see clearly and get guidance to have fruitful future. Truly a study guide for life.

[Susan Fennema · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated reading about African American spiritual greats, some of them new to me. The author emphasizes the importance of soul care for anyone who follows Christ, and especially those in leadership. Soul care is essential for effective ministry.

I did not come away with a clear sense of what differentiates African American soul care other than a strong foundation of prayer born from suffering. I also wished for more connection to the great (North) African spiritual heritage from Augustine, Tertullian, and Origen (page 157).

[Gregory Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Care In African American Practice is the book for you. If you need to develop an intimate, personal relationship with God through prayer to experience the power of SELAH with your Creator, this book is for you. If you are serving in any capacity of leadership, education, ministry, and you’re overwhelmed, over-extended, and you’re facing some unforeseen challenges, get your copy now. You’ll discover that soul care is necessary in your life.
Add this book to you list today.

[Astra Aker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed how Dr.Peacock has used the lives of dynamic people in African American culture to show how caring for the soul has been an intricately part of shaping some of the great figures of our time. I have been refreshed and inspired by the stories and the exercises that took me deeper and led me to pay attention to nourishing my soul on a regular basis! This is a book I will refer to often!

[Karley White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read! Thought this was an interesting read that came out at an interesting time in our country! I liked the way it was organized and how it was divided into the 10 people as well as a very informative intro and conclusion. I also appreciated all the reflection questions! I read this book for a book club and we had an amazing discussion and I really recommend for anyone interested on the topic of spiritual direction/soul care/prayer/rest or just spiritual disciplines in general.

[Jodie Pine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. The author examines these questions by highlighting an African American faith leader in each chapter:

"Do prayer and spiritual direction in the African American faith community look different from prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care in any other faith context? The answer to this question is twofold: no as it relates to the divine inclusivity of spirituality, and yes in the sense that the African American culture, just like any other culture, is experientially unique."

[Ronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to support Dr. Rev. Barbara L. Peacock in the launch of her new book, Soul Care in African American Practice! By far, this is one of my best spiritual guides that I will reference over and over again. ✝️💜 The African American historical references presented are great connectors to learn or be reminded of traditions and their parallels to present-day Soul Care. The guided reflections, visio meditations, scriptures, and prayers helped me to dive deeper into intimacy with God. As a result, I've been hearing God speak to me so blatantly clear. This deeper connection to the inner spirit and soul nourishment was formed even upon completion of the first chapter! This fueled me and I just couldn't put the book down. I completed the book in 3 days! I've since gone back and re-read portions to further deepen my prayer walk with God and to seek guidance in allowing Him to reveal my spiritual director. This book blessed me and I'm sure it will bless those who read it too. A MUST READ!

[Patricia Proby-Green]

From the moment I received this exciting and exhilarating book, I I knew it was going to be a journey! Dr. Peacock takes us through this journey in a way where we can better understand the history, the heart, and even the humor in our souls that need to be fed. This book will take you there. I'm just so excited to be part of this journey!!!

[Porter Sprigg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate the format and the deeply caring tone this book is written in. I did appreciate particularly the book’s emphasis on prayer and the tangible practices it encouraged.

Many of the chapters felt like generic, simplified summaries to me rather than intimate portraits of complex African-American saints which is why it only gets three stars from me.

[Mookie J · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was ok. 2 stars seems really low, but 3 stars is i liked it, and it wasn't that great. but it wasn't terrible, maybe just not what i expected.

i liked the idea of the book- looking at some different people from history, but it didn't actually tell me much of them and their thoughts.

2-3 chapters were good - in particular the chapter on detaching and attaching.

[Donna Everett]

This book is engaging down to the very last page! Every chapter is filled with wisdom, direction and insight for anyone desiring spiritual growth and maturity. I highly recommend this passionate and thought provoking book for not only your library but your life. A must read!
Mrs. E

[Rosalind Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A precious and timeless text! Dr. Peacock has presented a precise depiction of Soul Care practices from the beginning of our rich heritage of leaders up to our current time. This has landed in our hands for such a time as this when best needed. This is indeed a must read for all!

[Denese Artis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Care In African American Practice speaks to exactly where we are now; collectively and individually - we have been placed on involuntary hold. In this book Dr. Peacock addresses our need for spiritual transformation, self reflection, and more importantly caring for our souls.

[Addie Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an on time offering for such a time as this. In the midst of COVID-19 we need a place find endurance and strength, that is what I found in Soul Care in African American Practice. This work is helping me to find God in these current circumstances.