Respecting the Soul: Daily Reflections for Black Lesbians and Gays [Paperback]

Keith Boykin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1999

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL, EMPOWERMENT, FUFILLMENT AND GROWTH

We're looking for answers to life's questions. We all want to reach our goals, maintain a loving relationship, and strengthen our ties to family and community. But how do we face our doubts and fears? How do we reconcile the prejudice of others with the truth we know about ourselves? And how do we deal with the obstacles that stand in our way?

The primary challenge facing black lesbians and gays are internal, not external. The deepest wounds are usually self-inflicted, leaving behind the scars of internalized racism and homophobia. With a unique insight for every day of the calendar year, Respecting the Soul can help change this reality by provoking, inspiring and empowering you, sensitizing your families and friends, and sharing the wisdom and experience of hundreds of well-known people who have contributed to our collected history.

Let the words of acclaimed black gender-benders like Alvin Ailey, Josephine Baker, James Baldwin, Peter J. Gomes, Lorraine Hansberry, E. Lynn Harris, Carl Lewis, Little Richard, and RuPaul inspire and uplift you-and give you the encouragement you need to respect your soul.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Keith Boykin is a graduate of Harvard Law School who served two years in the White House as a Special Assistant to President Clinton. Keith is the former Executive Director of the National Black Gay & Lesbian Leadership Forum, and the author of One More River to Cross: Black and Gay in America. He has appeared on numerous national television shows and is a popular lecturer on college campuses. He lives in Washington, D.C.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books (P) (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380800217
• ISBN-13: 978-0380800216
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,108,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Put it on your nightstand!, August 6, 2004

By 

Bobby - See all my reviews

This review is from: Respecting the Soul: Daily Reflections for Black Lesbians and Gays (Paperback)

This book is a real gem for meditation. It is pocket-sized, and each page correspond to a day in the calendar. Keith assign each month to a particular skill (such as self-confidence), and each page contains three sections: a quote from a famous black personality, a text elaborating on the quote, and at the bottom an affirmation about what to do (for instance: "From today, I will help others believe in themselves").
Each page reads quickly, and leaves you to meditate on it.
What I like about it is that it is very spiritual, but is not "pushing" any particular religion, unlike most other spiritual books. The book itself is very respectful of you, but gives you truths to meditate on. It is highly targeted to people from minorities, notably black/gay, but this book is a great resource for anybody who does not feel like they belong to the "mainstream."
Personally, this book has been of a tremendous help after I made a major depression, and has helped me at work and at play to be a better person. I have stopped being cynical, and I have opened myself to others. My boyfriend offered me a copy years ago, and it has been a continuous read for me since then. I always find a page I forgot to read or that I understand differently. I wish it was still in print, because I have many friends I would like to give the book to.
If you want a new copy of this book, you might stand a better chance of finding it in a store--it seems out-of-print--but otherwise get the used version, mine stood very well the shuffling. Plus, the cover is beautiful, and will look cool on your night stand.
From the same author, suggested reading is "One more river to cross: being black and gay in America," though this is more of a book to read from cover to cover than a book to meditate on, but still an incredible source of information and insight.

Keith, since you will probably read this: thank you so much. "Respecting the soul" is on my nightstand, and has been a huge participant in turning my life around.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kudos!, July 29, 1999

By 

M. Bell "Boycott 54th Grammys. JILL SCOTT GOT... (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Respecting the Soul: Daily Reflections for Black Lesbians and Gays (Paperback)

Keith Boykin has done it again. This brotha has really got it going on. Everyone in the Black gay community should own a copy of his inspirational book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for all those who are looking to be up-lifted!!!, March 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Respecting the Soul: Daily Reflections for Black Lesbians and Gays (Paperback)

Keith Boykin has once again pioneered and delivers a soul inspiring daily meditation guide for black gays and lesbians. His commentary on love, faith, courage, determination and other topics offers thought-provoking food for thought and encouragement. His daily inspirations are not only spiritually moving, but also intellectually stimulating. This book is a must read for all L/G/B/T people. Finally, Respecting the Soul makes the perfect gift for all occasions.