Black Pearls: Daily Meditations, Affirmations, and Inspirations for African Americans (1993 nonfiction 366 pages) by Eric V. Copage . This is a wonderful daily devotional book. Each day’s entry ranges from African proverbs, quotes, and advice to life’s wisdom on topics such as: Love, Anger, Pride, Dieting, Stress, Stereotypes, Power, and Success just to name a few, from hundreds of diverse and accomplished people of African descent. These are followed by a thought-provoking story and end with a five-minute exercise to boost the readers’ spirits and encourage them achieve their dreams. The entries can be read daily, or collectively by week or month. I would recommend this book as it is inspirational, encouraging, and healing.  I also think it would make a wonderful stocking stuffer, or a great gift for self if you’re looking to become more in tune with self as we move into 2025.

Purpose: “The dog has four feet, but he does not walk them in four roads.” — Haitian Proverb –—    On this day, I will take five minutes to write out my various goals and decide, in order of importance, which ones I should pay most attention to. (January 14)

Making Deals: “Women don’t get hung up, making deals the way men do.”  — Shirley Chilsom — On this day, I will take five minutes to remember a time I made a deal that made me stronger, wealthier, happier or gave me more hope. (February 16)

Fear: “Life has frighten me now and then, and if I’ve ever shown uncommon bravery, I’ve failed to notice.” — Gordon Parks — On this day, I will take five minutes to make a note of at least one fear I might have, and I will examine that fear to see if should really be afraid of it. If so, I pledge to come up with a way of coping with it. (June 9)

Power: “Doesn’t mean your acting like a man, or you’re a bully or a bitch. It’s that you don’t let people step on you.” — Sharon —    On this day, I will close my eyes and feel my power. I will see myself in control and handling every situation calmly and efficiently. (July 12)

Crisis: In every crisis there is a message. Crises are nature’s way of forcing change – breaking down old structures, shaking loose negative habits, something new and better can take their place.  Susan Taylor — On this day, I will take five minutes to remember a time when I was in crisis, and I will image overcoming it and while overcoming it, being infused with greater strength, confidence, composure, and optimism that will flow out into everything I do. (November 22)