Acts of Faith: Meditations For People of Color

by Iyanla Vanzant

“The most powerful spiritual healer, fixer, teacher on the planet.” —Oprah Winfrey In an updated and expanded 25th anniversary edition, the beloved “purple book” Acts of Faith guides people of color with daily encouragement, comfort, and enlightenment.For over a quarter of a century, millions have turned to bestselling author Iyanla Vanzant’s Acts of Faith for insightful and deeply sensitive inspiration that recognizes and explores the unique pressures on people of color today. Each day of the year carries a unique motivational quote or message along with it, as well as a short essay to assist in reflection and wisdom. These messages are pulled from a great variety of spiritual practices and teachings, to appeal to a wide range of faiths and disciplines. Acts of Faith is an invaluable and enduring resource for people of color in search of support as they journey on their unique paths.

Genres: Self Help, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Religion, Psychology, Reference

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 1993

About the author

In Peace From Broken Pieces New York Times best-selling author Iyanla Vanzant she recounts the last decade of her life and the spiritual lessons learnedfrom the price of success during her meteoric rise as a TV celebrity on Oprah, the Iyanla TV show (produced by Barbara Walters), to the dissolution of her marriage and her daughters 15 months of illness and death on Christmas day. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Iyanla shares why everything we need to learn is reflected in our relationships and the strength and wisdom she has gained by supporting others in their journeys to make sense out of the puzzle pieces of their lives.
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Reviews

[Nute]

If I remember correctly, I purchased this book because I saw the author, Iyanla Vanzant, on The Oprah Winfey show in a very moving interview. She described her life circumstances not too long before she started to get some attention for the initial copies of this book. She was at rock-bottom, no place to live, no income to pay bills, and a growing concern for how to feed her children. She was calling friends from a pay phone booth asking for help. Not getting very much of a response. She finally called on God. Her life hasn't been the same ever since.
She was lifted out of those circumstances with a humbled and grateful heart. She inspires her readers with words of encouragement and positive energy. She reminds us that there is always a lighter space and a higher place. She gives hope in this tiny little book.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for people who reflect on life, its experiences, and all that it brings. Great for letting your reflections impact your life.

[Jani Akilah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice lil travel book with daily inspirational words! A continual read!

[Crystal Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

this keeps me going every day. great meditations and prayers.

[Sherl]

I got this from a friend. I love how every 4 months signifies something. I love the word for every single day. Sets my day perfect.

[Isis Nakia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspiring book showed me how to change negative thinking and actions in order to enhance the power within.

[Mykie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why I read this book:
Although the misleading title ticked me off a great deal, Iyanla Vanzant is still one of my favorite inspirational people. I have read most of her books. I liked the idea of daily meditations as it is one of my ongoing goals to create peace and joy at the start of my days. I picked up this book with hopes that the book would help foster this goal.

Content: 1/1
The book contained daily meditations that, for the most part, were motivational and encouraging. It also contained quotes at the beginning of each meditation that helped the reader better focus and grasp the overall messages in the daily meditations.

Delivery: 1/1
The daily meditations were short and brief, but also very powerful in delivery. I chose to read each meditation as soon as I woke up every morning to get my days started. I favor Iyanla’s writing style, so I was satisfied with the delivery and tone of the writing.

Relevance: 0/1
Here is where the book failed me. I have a problem with people making claims with no justification or ability to demonstrate their claims. I also have an issue with people giving me something, sticking a label on it and expecting me to take it. I favor the actions of proof and evidence. I approach all things in life with these needs, even reading. The book is titled ‘Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color’. However, none of the meditations were specific to people of color. All people need faith, rest, patience, calmness, etc. This book really made me settle on the fact that Iyanla may be pimping black people by tacking “for people of color” onto her title.

As I started thinking deeper about this “for people of color” categorization, I realized I had a need to try to understand why she labeled it a book for people of color. I have settled on the fact that maybe Iyanla views “people of color” to be so desperate and disconnected that we need her to teach us how to have faith, be patient and to be kind. Why else would she feel a need to label the daily meditations as “for people of color” when they really relate to all people? Maybe she is saying “dear people of color, your lives are such a mess and you don’t have the intelligence, strength or motivation to find peace on your own by focusing on the moment and on your basic inner-peace needs, so I took it upon myself to school you on how to make it through life.” In this case, I found the book to be insulting to my intelligence. Don’t be fooled by labels. Don’t accept anything someone gives you. Make them demonstrate the validation of their claims. She was not successful in doing so with this book.

Impact: 1/1
I will admit that most of the meditations made me feel good at the start of my days. I embraced the messages and started my days off on the right foot. I would recommend the book to all people, not just people of color. It did offer some great positivity and enhanced focal points to live by.


My rating distribution for book reviews in general:
Content: 0-1 star
Delivery: 0-1 star
Relevance: 0-1 star
Impact: 0-1 star
Bonus (if warranted by additional components of the book that enhanced my experience with the read): 0-1 star

[Lesley-gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and inspirational book, with a year long of antidotes that can help you weather any storm.

[Tanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second bible. And even easier to understand than the Book itself.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a day to day quote to inspire you, I love Iyanla Vanzant.

[Dee Reader :-) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful daily mediation/reflection resource.

[RK Byers · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was ok.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it every day!

[Piscesbambina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this devotional. It was a great way to wake up in the morning, to read these brief meditations, quotes, and reflections, to sit with myself in silence. The fact that it has a focus on POC only adds to the experience. You don't have to be a POC to receive these words, but there is a deeper understanding if you are. I highly recommend to all looking for a little something extra for their morning routine.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before even starting, I loved the idea of this book so much. After a few weeks of reading a meditation at the start of every morning, I appreciated it even more. While the quality and/ or impact of some of the writing varies, each page still helped set the tone of reflection I was hoping it would. I'd love to find something similar for 2019 and years beyond!

[Queen Rosalind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will continue to read these meditations each year. This book was great! I recommend everyone of color to read this book.

[Kristina Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Acts of Faith: Daily Mediations for People of Color" by Iyanla Vanzant is a very powerful book for all but great especially for individuals of African American descent in particular. This devotional reading shares daily inspirational and spiritual affirmations for everyday of the year. I absolutely love this book for so many reasons: 1.) Helps to increase positivity in my life when I'm feeling down 2.) Encourages and motivates me as a woman and an individual of color and 3.) The positive reminders allows me to express more gratitude and appreciation for my life. The author articulates inspirational words by uniquely using the strong writing craft of voice and tone in her piece of work. For example, one of her daily devotional states:"When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on." As illustrated, I believe author Vazant does a good job incorporating craft well into her writing. Her voice and tone throughout each page is so distinct, yet exemplifies nothing but strength and reassurance for all her readers. I think having a great sense of tone and voice in an inspirational/devotional text is essentially because it allows the audience to feel empowered and inspired as they read the authors work.In this lesson, students will be exposed to mentor texts with strong voice. I would use this text as an example to introduce my students to the element of voice. I would have students recognize what strong voice sounds like in literature, and have them practice implement writing craft in their own work.

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty five years later and more words of wisdom Iyanla gives it too us raw with a story to tell.
Got to see her in person while on tour to explain where, when and why it was vital women of color had Acts of Faith. This book is kept in my Personal Library for words of comfort.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this in 2002 at Rileys Childrens Hospital where my baby (now 19) was healed of a reflux kidney. God bless Dr RInk and everyone who cared for her over the years and assisted in her surgery and recovery. Iyanla Vanzant has much wisdom to share from both personal experience as well as dedicated research and study.
Don't let the sub title fool you. It is a great read for all races.
My ex who is african american/Portuguese used to abuse me with negative attacks on things that were actually positive like.."stop acting black!" when he saw me reading this. I read this so much; still today, that the cover curls and edges are tattered. It has nothing to do with a race. Furthermore, if I am "acting black" I am surely not going to be called for any parts :)....POOR THING... He is a Leader in his community, an educator all over the country...scary... Hate, bitterness and racism come in all colors!!! and it hides behind generous, seemingly humble faces
READ chapter 5. I have long forgiven this person. I now realize he had to keep me "unhealthy" in his mind to keep me in "my place with him" GOD BLESS HIM!
I started her book "In the Meantime" years ago. Just pulled it from my shelf. Many highlights don't remember details.. MUST READ AGAIN

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book fall of 1998. It was the best thing I could I bought that year. This book changed my life. I was in a loveless marriage. I was cheated on,lied to and told that no man could ever put up with me the way he could(my ex). I read this book every day every chance I could. I carried it to work,doctor's office,dentist,and all through the house. I still have it. It is beat up and taped to keep the cover attached but I will never throw it away or replace it. It was apart of my journey and my way into the arms of the most loving man I wished for! I worked on me a lot so I wouldn't bring old rotten baggage from my last relationship into a new one. Once I believed that the perfect man was out there and that I "deserved" to be truly loved. I didn't look for him I gave it to the Universe and went along and one day there he was every 6ft 10" of a real man! We continue to fall in love with each other deep and deeper. It is truly amazing and we are best friends... real communication! This is my husbands favorite saying "Communication is key! The perfect person is out there for everyone! Never settled we all deserve the best that life has to offer....and believe me the best is endless!!! <3

[Patricia J. Anderson, MSN-ED RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acts of faith is an excellent teaching and self evaluation, reflective tool. I have been reading the book and sharing the wisdom for years. It has daily meditative words that explicdly get right to the point of human self defeating mind sets. She provides insight into our human ego and how to override ourselves and take control of any situation. Her words have saved the lives of many people. I read those words in substance abuse health education on a daily basis as a registered nurse to veterans working to rebuild their lives after war and trying to fit back in society. Whatever my lesson was, the word for that day somehow always applied to the health or social education. I went through four books before I retired and as the veterans saw the book become worn with pages falling out, they would buy me a new one to keep hearing
Iyanla's words of healing wisdom. The words did not have meaning only for people of color, but for everyone. Human needs are the same. Still read daily words for myself. I recommend this book for everyone.

[Eyvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I remember the tiny African-American bookstore I bought book from many years ago. Purple is my favorite color. I do not know if it was the color of the cover that attracted me to the book, but I was absolutely drawn to it. So vibrant! And then I opened it and read a few pages right there in the bookstore! I could not put it down. So I bought this and Faith in the Valley. I read in the car on the way home, I cracked it open once again once I got settled in and I called my bestfriend! A few days later I went back to the book store and purchased it again as a gift. I read with an open mind and my life has been forever changed.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars (I wish goodreads had half stars).

I've been reading this book for a few years (it's a daybook, so it's not meant to be read in one go). A lot of mumbo-jumbo mixed with interesting bits. A few I particularly liked and page-marked:

9 August "I doesn't matter what road you take, hill you climb, or path you're on, you'll always end up in the same place, learning." Ralph Stevenson

26 January It takes a deep commitment to change and an even deeper commitment to grow Ralph Ellison

22 September Some kids do what you say. Some kids do what you say not to do. But all kids do what you do. Unknown

[Ladonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very positive and inspirational messages on forgiving yourself and everyone, how it is important to forgive to move on with your life, letting go of guilt, learning from the past, stopping blame, whether it's blaming others or yourself, and most important, loving and accepting yourself for who you are.

[Nette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read on days when I didn't quite seem myself. It helped me through some rough patches. It also gave me confirmation when needed it too. I've added this book to my keep shelf as a go to book for when I need it. :-)

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is like my bible. It's an inspiration and is filled with powerful reminders and guidance to help send you through life beautifully, with gratitude and love. July 11th is one of my absolute favorites.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading a page a day of this same book every year since 2011. It grounds me every morning following my meditation. I like the quarterly divisions: Self, World, Others, Money and Abundance.

[Shanali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good sense wisdom, but not what I was looking to read at this time.

[Fatisha]

Very good for daily meditations.

[Cindy]

great book to get you started day by day, reading it again this year. Teaches you ways to deal with life and people