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What Makes You Come Alive: A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman

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"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."--Howard Thurman

Known as the godfather of the civil rights movement, Howard Thurman served as a spiritual adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders and activists in the 1960s. Thurman championed silence, contemplation, common unity, and nonviolence as powerful dimensions of social change. But Dr. Lerita Coleman Brown didn't learn about him during her years of spiritual-direction training. Only when a friend heard of her longing to encounter the work of Black contemplatives did she finally learn about Thurman, his mystical spirituality, and his liberating ethic.

In What Makes You Come Alive, Brown beckons readers into their own apprenticeship with Thurman. Brown walks with us through Thurman's inimitable life and commitments as he summons us into centering down, encountering the natural world, paying attention to sacred synchronicity, unleashing inner authority, and recognizing the genius of the religion of Jesus. We learn from Thurman's resilience in the psychologically terrorizing climate of the Jim Crow South, his encounters with Quakers and with Mahatma Gandhi, and his sense of being guided by the Spirit. Each chapter illuminates an aspect of Thurman's work and includes reflection questions and spiritual practices.

Decades after their deaths, sages like Howard Thurman offer spiritual kinship and guidance for our contemporary life. Thurman's spirituality enlivened an entire movement, and it can awaken us to intimacy with God and to authentic action today.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2023

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Lerita Coleman Brown

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
1 review
February 7, 2023
What Makes You Come Alive by Dr. Lerita Coleman Brown is a treasure for those who are new to Howard Thurman as well as those who have been walking with him for years. I was first introduced to the work of Howard Thurman by a colleague in graduate school over 20 years ago. Immediately after this initial introduction, I immersed myself in several of his books of meditations, which over the years have become staples in my devotional life.

While spending time with Dr. Coleman Brown's book, inviting us to take a spiritual walk with Howard Thurman, it became obvious that I had been graced with another gift that would help bolster my spiritual and devotional life for years to come; a gift I plan to return to regularly. Going through each chapter, I felt as if I was interactively engaging with both, the wisdom of Howard Thurman and the wisdom of Lerita Coleman Brown. Her style and approach to this work offers a very important practical element in order to apply so many of the principles that Thurman shared throughout his life.

One of the features of this book I enjoyed most was the reflection questions at the end of each chapter. These questions or prompts invite the reader down a path of deep inner exploration and excavation to help get closer to understanding what is within that can truly make one come alive. True to the influences of his family, community, life experiences and Quakerism, Howard Thurman had a masterful way of posing questions to aid in getting to the heart of what matters most in the ebb and flow of our own lives to liberate us from that which would hinder us from living fully. Dr. Coleman Brown also possesses this gift as evidenced in her roles as educator, author and spiritual director. Through this work, she has masterfully tuned in to the spirit of Howard Thurman and is providing an accessibility to so many of his insights about oneness, community and holiness that, if applied, could be a healing balm for the aches and injuries so prominent in our world today.

I highly recommend this book and encourage the reader to not rush through, but to spend quality time, slowly walking with these two very wise spiritual guides.
Profile Image for Pat.
226 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2025
My spiritual book study group loved this book. Many of us had heard a famous quote or two attributed to Howard Thurman, but, otherwise, we had not heard of him. We read an encyclopedic book on mystics several years ago. It included Martin Luther King, Jr., but not Howard Thurman - a grave omission. He had an enormous influence on MLK, Jr. and many other civil rights leaders. Howard Thurman made a several months long pilgrimage to India, Ceylon and Burma with his wife and 2 friends in 1935-36. The hope was that it would include an audience with Mahatma Gandhi. That meeting almost didn't happen, if not for a fascinating "providential accident." "The spirited three-hour conversation with Gandhi emboldened Thurman's pursuit of and his fervor for understanding Jesus and the role of civility, compassion, and reconciliation in nonviolent direct action" and led to his book "Jesus and the Disinherited" which King carried in his pocket. Thurman visited King in the hospital after an attempt on his life. That meeting led to King's own pilgrimage to India.

As the author beautifully describes her walk with Howard Thurman, she relates his spiritual path and actively takes us with them through reflection questions and spiritual steps. These are based on practices vital to Thurman, like centering down, noticing synchronicity and how it leads to flow, having no enemies, sacred activism, and becoming mentors. The road leads to liberation.
Profile Image for Ellen.
1,588 reviews456 followers
April 14, 2023
I heard about the black theologian Howard Thurman through the writings of Fr. Richard Rohr. Thurman was an inspiration for much of the Civil Rights Movement, and Martin Luther King was a mentee of his.

The book, What Makes You Feel Alive" (his most famous quote), by Lerita Coleman Brown, takes us through Thurman's life. She starts with his early years but after that she follows only a rough linear description, often cutting back and forth based on what's relevant to that chapter. Each chapter basically looks in depth at an aspect of Thurman's teachings and ends with two sections: one with bullet points of key messages of the chapter and the second suggestions for activities that may build on any insights gained from the chapter.

Thurman considered himself a "spiritual activist": he valued--needed--some quiet time every day to discern God's will for him, to give space to God's voice and his own inner callings. But along with this peaceful inner searching, he was deeply involved in dismantling racism and other social injustices. He founded a church dedicated to inclusivity: all religions and those who sought a spiritual life without containing it within a dogma.

Coleman weaves the concept of "everyday mystic" throughout the book: any of us, all of us, can experience God in our lives, spiritual experiences of whatever kind, encounters with the divine.

A valuable, insightful introduction to the life and work of a major social justice and spiritual leader.
Profile Image for Kerri McQuiggan.
44 reviews
May 12, 2025
Did the audio book and loved the premise of this book. A lot of fabulous quotes.

“Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

There was another about God sending angels in the form of strangers and I just recently had an experience on an airplane where I swear god sent me this woman. A sweet book I recommend.
Profile Image for Jennifer Cannady.
201 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2023
What a treasure! This is both a great introduction to a powerful spiritual thinker, Howard Thurman, as well as a practical guide to help readers reflect on and construct their own liberating spirituality.
I was unaware of Howard Thurman and his profound influence on the US civil rights movement until Dr. Brown shared with me her exploration of his work that is the basis for this book (The author was a colleague and is a friend) I was very intrigued to learn more. Far more than a biography of an individual, the book lays out the main principles and practical strategies of Thurman’s approach.
Reflection questions and suggestions for how to apply the principles end each chapter. Be ready to savor this beautiful book slowly and have a pencil or highlighter handy as you’ll likely find yourself identifying many sentences and paragraphs you want to refer back to again and again.
Profile Image for Brenda Walker.
1 review2 followers
February 9, 2023
Lerita Coleman Brown invites us on a spiritual walk with Howard Thurman who we may know as the spiritual adviser to Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders of the civil rights movement. As Brown began to study his work, her understanding of his contributions deepened. "His quest for a profound experience of the presence of God, of connection to all living things, serves as a model for any spiritual seeker venturing into uncharted territory." After his father's death, Thurman spent time alone "and in nature he frequently experienced the presence of God, or oneness." Thurman "sensed that something larger and more expansive than him underlay the universe." I can only imagine his joy in seeing the images from the James Web telescope! Howard also spent time reading to Grandma Nancy, a formerly enslaved woman turned midwife and laundress. She modeled how a person of God thrives in a hostile world. "One way that she survived the horrors of slavery was to remember what a traveling enslaved preacher told her and other enslaves people each time he visited: that each of them was a holy child of God." Grandma Nancy wanted young Howard to internalize this belief, as a way to "inoculate him from the oppressive circumstances in which he lived."

Howard Thurman became a "sacred activist" and a "spiritual guide." His more than twenty books include meditations, essays on religion and the nature of people, mysticism, the spiritual disciplines, and segregation; and an autobiography. Thurman was a "sacred activist" long before this term was coined to describe the comingling of contemplation and action, spirituality and activism.

Brown's book has come to me just at the right time, as I use the questions at the end of each chapter to contemplate my own spiritual journey and to give me perspective in my work as an activist.

I am grateful to God for Lerita Coleman Brown and for the gift she gives all of us in introducing us to Howard Thurman, just when we need his wisdom.
Profile Image for Jon Dunnemann.
3 reviews9 followers
January 23, 2023
Permit me to humbly ask that you put this forthcoming new book on your reading list. I know that many of you are quite interested in living forward: spiritually directed, purpose driven, and other-focused. These are absolute essentials for What Makes You Come Alive.

My Dear Friend, Lerita Coleman Brown gifted me with a complimentary copy of her new book knowing that I have been seeking further spiritual direction, continue working to further develop my skill-sets as a Spiritual Intelligence (SQ21) Coach, and that I have recently chosen theologian, civil rights icon, and author Howard Thurman as an exemplary leader to focus on at this time of declining social and moral values, evidenced by overarching cynicism, greed, and the empty pursuit of pleasure. As a well known retreat leader, speaker, spiritual companion, and professor emerita of psychology at Agnes Scott College. With a BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz, a PhD from Harvard University, and a certificate from Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, Lerita regularly speaks on contemplative spirituality and Howard Thurman.

As I begin taking a spiritual walk with Howard Thurman, I will also have the added benefit of being guided by someone who has already taken the spiritual walk, and that has both a genuine and ongoing concern for my spiritual journey. That’s important to me.

#WhatMakesYouComeAliveBook, #WhatMakesYouComeAlive
1 review1 follower
February 7, 2023
In this concise and very readable, but in-depth work, Dr Lerita Coleman Brown introduces us to who Howard Thurman was, how she discovered him, and traces his life and development as a spiritual leader, Christian mystic and mentor to many prominent in the American Civil Rights movement of the 20th Century, including Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Chapters in the book highlight the principles of Howard Thurman’s approach to spirituality and experiencing God through solitude and silence, nature, deep self-knowledge, being prompted and led by the Holy Spirit, discovering the real Jesus and His message for humanity, an openness and awareness of mystical experiences in our lives, discerning and developing our inner authority, and being mentored and mentoring others. Each chapter concludes with questions that prompt self-reflection and suggested practices to apply in daily life to promote spiritual development.

Dr Lerita Coleman Brown has studied and come to know Howard Thurman thoroughly through his writings, the writings of others, and through incorporating his wisdom into her own spiritual practices and her work as a spiritual director. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an introduction to Howard Thurman or looking for ways to deepen their own spirituality.
170 reviews
September 22, 2024
This is the one book that we all need at this time of fragmentation and division as individuals and community. The message of Howard Thurman is still relevant today and Lerita Coleman Brown beautifully weaves the life, spirit, and impact of Thurman with reflective questions and spiritual steps so that the reader has opportunity to see his or her connection to self, God and others, … a connection that moves one to Oneness and to the healing and benefit of others as well as ourselves. The author helps us to see the inner work we must address in our own lives that will free us to live more fully in our sacred call. It is a work that brings liberation to both the sufferer and the offender. It gives hope for the felt wounds that has cut across all races, all status, all political/social/spiritual backgrounds. I know processing this book will shake the sacred in you too.
Profile Image for Philip Guzman.
139 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2025
The Dean of Duke Chapel (where I attend services), Luke Powery, recently wrote a book ("Becoming Human") in which he spoke of the 20th Century African-American, mystic, professor, pastor, and spiritual leader (very influential in the life of MLK, Jr.). The book has lead my into the exploration of Thurman's life and this book is a good "primer" in Thurman's spiritual walk and teachings.

Though not an "activist" himself, he has influenced many of those Civil Rights activists who lead the moving in the 60s. . . The importance of looking at all people as "holy children of God" lead him to preach love and communication with those who oppressed African-Americans as he grew in the early 1900's, leading to what has been termed "spiritual activism."

This is an exceptional introduction to Thurman and his teachings and will lead me on to read his seminal book: "Jesus and the Disinherited"
Profile Image for Cynthia Rice.
1 review
February 15, 2023
I found my peace!!! What Makes You Come Alive is truly a keeper. It will remain on the bookshelf of my most treasured books forever! Lerita Coleman Brown masterfully handed me the keys to open doors I desperately wanted and needed to open. The book provides a treasure trove of quotes from Howard Thurman (activists, pastor, mystic and advisor to MLK) that I found myself spontaneously sharing with close friends over the past few days. Because of this book, I am embarking on a new path and can’t wait to fully experience my new life fully aware and appreciative of all the joy, happiness, nature and wonders God has to offer!
Profile Image for Nancy.
2,751 reviews60 followers
April 25, 2023
This is an extraordinary book. A wonderful introduction to Howard Thurman. The author's personal anecdotes make it particularly engaging. I found so much wisdom. I had to stop and share, take notes and underline. I think this would make a great book for a book group. It has thought provoking queries at the end of each chapter and the chapters are nicely divided into small portions to make it much more accessible. These breaks gave me comfortable stopping places to think more deeply about what was being said. One of the tragic things about white supremacy is how much white folks have missed by overlooking such important teachers. I'm grateful for this book and look forward to following up with the reading list provided at the end. Thank you, Lerita Coleman Brown from the bottom of my heart.
Profile Image for Ella.
894 reviews8 followers
October 11, 2023
I read this slowly for a chruch book group and its one that I am glad I was forced to slow down for--there is so much in his writing to unpack. It serves more as an introduction to Howard Thurman's work and at times I felt like the author was inserting her own experiences/perspectives into his, but I am looking forward to reading his own writing. His thinking about the religion OF Jesus vs. the religion ABOUT Jesus will stay with me a long time, and his influence on and connection to the many civil readers leaders we rightly venerate brought a whole other side of those men and women to light.
1 review
February 7, 2023
Lerita Coleman Brown's book What Makes You Come Alive is thought provoking, instructive, and spiritually refreshing.

Her words present the teachings of spiritual activist, mentor, and intellect Howard Thurman, with clarity and engaging references to his discernment of God's loving guidance of humankind towards decency and unity.

The book stimulates a thirst for more study of Howard Thurman's words and highlights the beauty of connecting with self and Spirit through solitude, silence and meditation.

Read and cherish!
Profile Image for Curtis.
988 reviews18 followers
March 3, 2023
I don't believe I'd heard of Howard Thurman before I picked up this book...and I was missing out for sure! Thurman was a spiritual advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr., and many others who were on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement. His perspectives and teachings are incredibly thought-provoking, and the author takes us through his teaching and his story with questions for reflection and spiritual growth at the end of every chapter. A very worthwhile read.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of the Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for Fj Cutshaw.
12 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2023
Lerita Coleman Brown is a spiritual director, theologian and wonderful guide in discerning the wisdom of Howard Thurman for today. This book is practical for the modern contemplative and those who seek to do more good without burning out. She helps you navigate the tension between self-trust and Spirit-trust, discernment, Earth connection, respect, and a spirituality for sustainable action. So accessible and practical, it reads like a spiritual guide and companion.
25 reviews
December 13, 2024
a nice book for those being introduced to Thurman in the first instance. I appreciate the author pulling out key themes from his works and putting them in conversation, but it didn’t feel particularly illuminating to me having already read Jesus and the disinherited and dabbled in meditations of the heart and the living wisdom of Howard Thurman, all of which are (obviously) quoted and referenced here.
Profile Image for Jaz Boon.
93 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2023
A wonderful tribute to Howard Thurman’s life and work. “What Makes You Come Alive” does a fantastic job demystifying mysticism and pulling back the curtain on how a robust commitment to communing with God can change how you walk through life. A solid choice for Thurman fans, mystics, or those who want to dive deeper into their own faith walk.
484 reviews
November 23, 2023
I read this with a book club over 6 weeks and we all want to read it again because we just touched the surface of all Rev. Howard Thurman has to teach us about life, living and African American History. Peppered with her own experiences, Dr. Brown ends each chapter with reflection questions to bring us into closer relationship with Rev. Thurman, our own lives, and G_d as we each understand G_d.
Profile Image for Gijs Limonard.
1,332 reviews36 followers
December 21, 2023
Inspirational exploration of the life of Howard Thurman; some sensible advice on life and activism thrown in; to live authentically, with humility; to “follow the grain of your own wood”

"Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is more people who have come alive."



Profile Image for Shannon.
1,867 reviews
November 19, 2024
I loved Jesus and the Disinherited, so when I came across this audiobook on my library app, I borrowed it. It was encouraging to read about this American mystic and the way his mysticism shaped his life, actions and ministry. If you don't know Howard Thurman, this book will make you want to. If you already know him, this book is still a great and informative listen.
Profile Image for Sara.
62 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2023
This is a wonderfully written book about Thurman, though if you’ve already read many of his writings, much of the material will already be familiar. Still, I enjoyed reading it and allowing the author to take me on a journey with Thurman again.
6 reviews
October 3, 2023
Excellent read! Lerita Coleman Brown writes with a beautiful and serene tone. I will read this book again and highly recommend this book as you get to know Howard Thurman or want a reminder of his wisdom.
Profile Image for Kevin.
Author 21 books28 followers
February 24, 2024
This exploration of the life of theologian and mystic Howard Thurman is part biography, part spiritual guide, and part memoir. If anything, it suffers from trying to do too many things and not exceeding at any of them. It does offer a good overview and introduction to Thurman.
Profile Image for Marcia McLaughlin.
369 reviews3 followers
February 29, 2024
Challenging look at faith

Heritage Coleman Brown brought Thurman's strong faith alive to me, challenged my own faith in good ways. Her questions at the end of each chapter pushed me to go deeper.
24 reviews
January 24, 2023
I read this book to review it for The Living Church Magazine. I thought it was an excellent read. Look for my review soon in The Living Church.
256 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2024
A good introduction to the work and life of Howard Thurman, and a fresh take on spiritual practices that can help a person grow deeper roots of faith.
Profile Image for Meghan.
243 reviews
June 4, 2024
A great cliff notes version of the mystical teachings of Howard Thurman, the spiritual advisor to the Civil Rights Movement.
185 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2024
somewhat boring because of the repetition
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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