Daily Affirmations for Spiritual Renewal, Empowerment, Fulfillment and Growth We're all 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 challenges 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 each 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 collective 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.