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A Sankofa Soul Care Meditation: Ancestral Lessons from Hope, A Spring Blessing - Mental Health Awareness Month Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
There are seasons when hope feels distant—when exhaustion, defeat, or the weight of our present reality makes it hard to dream or imagine good (tov) to come. Yet, in these moments, the wisdom of those who have gone before us and the memory of their contribution, along with "I AM's" presence, become living waters for our souls, in this season of Mental Health Awareness Month.
With open hands + contemplative hearts, we practice Sankofa—reaching back to gather the stories and solidarity of those who came before us. We remember that hope is not shallow optimism, but a deep well, fed by memory, promise, and the audacity to anticipate more to come.
A Holy Haiku - Hope
From rock, water flows
Elohim remember us
Hope breaks through the stone.
Amen + Asé
This haiku invites us to reclaim the sacredness of hope that persists even in hard places—to trust that, like water from the rock, renewal can come when we least expect it, often through God using the memory + prayers of those who walked before us.
This is the heart of Sankofa: returning to the gift of the living waters of hope in tune with those who have gone before us.
Mini-Lesson: Hope + Living Waters
Hope, in the Hebrew scriptures, is sometimes called mikveh (pronounced mihk-VEH)—a gathering of living waters, a place to trust and be renewed, and it is directly linked to God as the fountain of living waters.
Just as water breaks forth from unlikely places, so too can hope emerge in our lives, restoring our resolve + expanding our vision for what is possible.
Reflection for Your Journey
SOULjourner,
Cole Arthur Riley writes:
“God who answers, would you who makes water break forth from rock, remind us that you are a God who responds to our exhaustion and defeat? Help us to trust your promise. There are times it feels like our present reality will always be. It becomes difficult to dream. Our imaginations for healing are far too small. Let our ancestors lead us to the rock, go with us to the rock, knowing they hold memory for us, increasing our memory and resolve. Let them remind us as you have reminded them that we have not been forgotten.”
As you reflect on Cole's prayer:
How can you let hope break through the “stone” places in your life, trusting that living water can emerge where you least expect it?
Who are the ancestors, elders, friends, or loved ones whose stories + devotion help lead you “to the rock” in hard times? How do their memories increase your resolve?
Let these prompts invite you to seek hope beneath the surface, trusting that living water can break through even the hardest stone.
A Blessing
May you find hope in unlikely places,
May living waters break forth in your dry seasons,
And may you know, deep in your soul,
That you are wholly accompanied.
For May's Mental Health Awareness Month, affirm: "Through empathy, I/we return to our belovedness + reclaim in the spirit of Sankofa, to go back and get it, by the enablement of the Holy Spirit”
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
Featuring the botanical-themed Charcuterie Gift Box
Elevate your next collective care gathering with the Melanated Musings Charcuterie Board Gift Box Set.
In the heart of your home or gathering, add flair wherever you dare with a fusion of art, Black culture, and whimsical elegance.
Add a pop to any tabletop for your hors d'oeuvres + desserts.
Let the captivating charm bring a touch of soul to your next soirée (bridal shower, hostess gift, team party, bachelorette party, birthday party, anniversary celebration, or just to feel lavished), as they remind you that sometimes, the most beautiful stories begin with a simple, heartfelt gesture.
What’s Included: Free Gift Wrapping
1 x Choose board shape: Round Charcuterie Board with Groove - 13.5” x 13.5” or Rectangular Charcuterie Board with Groove - 12" x 9"
1 x Choose Board Design: Noir + Leaves or Mocha + Leaves
1 x Tamarind Oh! Sauce, 10.5 oz. Ingredients: Guava, Water, Tamarind Puree, Ginger Juice, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Organic Lemon Juice, Organic Lime Juice. A phenomenal sweet and tangy sauce for veggies, meat, and YES—desserts. Use it on your charcuterie boards to replace jams + jellies.
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique. Be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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