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

by Lerita Coleman Brown

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 listeners 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.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Biography, History, Social Justice, Leadership

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2023

Reviews

[Daryl Barkley, · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting perspective to summarize the various writings of Howard Thurman with prompts and applications as to how we each may embrace the Spirit in our lives and exhibit a reconstructed spirituality with the vision of a mystic. But nothing beats reading Thurman’s “Meditations of the Heart” or “Jesus and the Disinherited.”

On a different note, it could have used a stronger editorial review as there is a lot of repetition in the sharing of stories and descriptions of Thurman’s mentors and students. If reading only a chapter, that doesn’t make a difference, but as a whole text it is detracting.

[Kerri McQuiggan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer Cannady · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biographical, but with a stroke of inviting reflection and spiritual direction.
By the end, it felt as if a candle had been gently lit.

[Brenda Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jon Dunnemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Doug Frugé · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Spiritual reflections on the life of Howard Thurman.

I have been reading books by or about Howard Thurman for about six years. I started with Jesus and the Disinherited, which I have read twice. I have also read three collections of sermons as well as an audiobook collection of recordings of Thurman, his memoir, and two biographies. I have much more to read because we are in a renaissance of interest in Thurman, like James Baldwin, Thurman is more relevant today than ever. I went to a book launch event with Lerita Coleman Brown hosted by Chanequa Walker-Barnes when What Makes You Come Alive first came out. But other things came up, and I never started the book until about a year later, when I saw that the Ignatius House (a local Catholic retreat center) was hosting a weekly book club discussing What Makes You Come Alive, and I joined.

This was the first in-person book club that I have ever joined. About 20 different people were involved, with about 15 on any given week. Because the book club met on Tuesday mornings at 10:15 AM, I was unsurprised that the group was mostly retirement-age women (one other man). I was the only new member of the group. Most had been meeting together for years, but I was very much welcomed to the group. I coincidentally knew two members because they used to work as teachers for my mother-in-law. Only a handful of people in the group had previously read anything by Howard Thurman. Most who did know of Thurman, were introduced to him by Richard Rohr's writing. Because most were cradle Catholics, I was not surprised that there was not a deep familiarity with the Black Church.

The book opens with an anecdote about the author going to speak at the Wild Goose Festival (a progressive Christian conference) about Howard Thurman. Lerita Coleman Brown is a spiritual director and a retired psychology professor. Her grappling with Thurman as a Black woman, often in predominately white spaces (such as the Wild Goose Festival), matters clearly to the book's thrust. As an all-white book group (most of whom grew up in still legally segregated South), I was somewhat skeptical of the group's ability to discuss the book well. There were times when the background of the group left it a bit ignorant of areas that I would have liked it to discuss. On the other hand, first-hand knowledge of segregation made it more aware of other issues the book brought up.

While you need not be deeply familiar with Thurman to read and profit from What Makes You Come Alive, I was glad I had a good background. There were places where I got more from the references because I had some background on Thurman. After the first week, I sent links to Emory's digital archive of Thurman's lectures and sermons. Thurman is not a traditional "Whooping" preacher of his era. I think the slow cadence and academic tone of much of his preaching matters to understanding who Thurman was as a Black Church leader. (If you are new to Thurman and want to watch a one-hour documentary, this one is free to watch on YouTube.)

Because this book generated a lot of discussion (in a good way) and I had a paper copy (unusual for me), I wrote a ton in this book. Mostly because I noted connections or additional details that might be worth discussing. But there were places that I really disagreed with as well. For example, in chapter eight, about responsibility and the inner authority of holy activism, I largely disagreed with how that chapter was framed and focused. My orientation is such that I want to rely on the Holy Spirit for prompting and direction. In contrast, Brown focused on Thurman's internal motivations and consciousness. Part of my concern is that Thurman was starting from a position of discrimination and oppression. But as a highly educated, middle-class white male, I am not discriminated against or oppressed. I do not trust my internal motivations to direct my activism accurately. Positionally, within culture, I overtly seek to be directed by the Holy Spirit and not through my internal motivations. But I also acknowledge that both Brown's and Thurman's internal consciousness have been developed in different ways than mine has, and so what she frames as learning to trust herself may just be different from my own work, where I distrust my default assumptions.

The chapter on Sacred Synchronicity similarly has truths that I know are real, but because I have a history of people around me misusing coincidence as a divine mandate, I am reluctant to allow for what I know is a way that God does act. She addresses this on page 94, "...just because the concept of divine intervention can be misused doesn't mean we should stop seeing and naming God's work in the world." The internal arguing of that chapter largely died away with that acknowledgment on the last page of the chapter.

Part of what I appreciate about Thurman is his focus on the need for silence as a preparation to hear from God. We cannot control God, but we can prepare ourselves to hear from God. Thurman's book Meditations of the Heart, which I have been slowly reading for almost a year, is made up of short one to three-page reflections (mostly just a page or so.) These were originally written as meditations for his congregation during or before the service. Thurman often takes normal life events and looks at them differently, which is exactly what Jesus did in the parables. The second part of what I really like about Thurman is his focus on loving all because they are made in the image of God. Those two points and Thurman's significant writing on the study and practice of mysticism are present throughout the book.

I cannot separate my reading of the book from the group that I read the book with, but I did very much enjoy both the book and the group. And I looked forward to it each week. I hope to continue participating in the group next year when it starts again.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Philip Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

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"

[Cynthia Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Rhonda Phillips-Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.)

[Fj Cutshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tim Mathis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a great primer on Howard Thurman. It's structured as a devotional guide, with a lot of the author's on reflections, which are also rich and help illustrate Thurman's ongoing significance. Brown does a nice job of showing how--even though Thurman is primarily seen as a Christian thinker--his ideas have universal relevance and tap into a variety of traditions. Makes me want to do a deeper dive.

[Jaz Boon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Gijs Limonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

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."

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Wanda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Marcia McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Marcia Hotchkiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.