New book -- Blessed Assurance: Deep Thought and
Meditations in the Tradition and Wisdom of Our Ancestors

"Blessed Assurance is a powerful and transformative tool for meditative practice. Dr. James Myers' work masterfully links the wise traditions of our collective African heritage, the soulful faith of our grandparents, and the spiritual practice that crosses all religious boundaries. Blessed Assurance cuts a path to that aspect within ourselves that is Oneness. What a blessing."
Iyanla Vanzant

AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWSWIRE - OHIO: Author Dr. Linda James Myers, one of America's leading thinkers in positive psychology and a top African American psychologists, has released her new book "Blessed Assurance: Deep Thought and Meditations in the Tradition and Wisdom of Our Ancestors" (Institute for Optimal Transformation and Leadership, 2004, ISBN 0-9725716-04)). Dr. Myers, also author of Understanding an Afrocentric Worldview: Introduction to an Optimal Psychology, continues to bestow spiritual enrichment on readers of her new book which helps impart better understanding of the eternal God-Force in a time of challenge and promise.

Today, no matter your profession or role in life, most everyone is calling on God to meet their needs and address their feelings of uncertainty. This new book gives readers a roadmap to their spiritual development and empowers them with the abilities to move past their hurdles to develop a stronger relationship with God.

The book shares "a year-long, weekly series of scriptures, meditations and deep thought from the wisdom of our ancestors" says author Linda James Myers, Ph.D., "as revealed in the ancient sacred text of the Holy Bible. Each week, we hope the teachings will inspire readers to reach their highest and fullest potential as a spiritual being." Myers adds, "In this book, we share what our ancestors have always understood and honored: a belief in
triumph through manifestations of the Holy Spirit along human and spiritual networks."

In creating this meditation and weekly prayer guide, Myers carefully considered how African Americans of
generations past survived in the face of extreme injustice and inequality. "I pursued a deeper understanding of the cultural strengths that appeared to sustain us as a people of African descent and affirmed that the secret to our success and ultimate freedom, was an unshakable, 'wise' faith...a faith based on reason illuminated by
careful observation of the nature of God, and experiencing a personal relationship with God and connection to the Holy Spirit. This faith generated enough power to move the nation into an era of increasing civil rights for all people."

Through its powerful passages and teachings, Myers demonstrates how the wisdom of our ancestors, their
connection to the spirit of God and relationship to the Holy Spirit contributed to their ability to transcend and overcome some of life's greatest challenges and one of humanity's worst periods of terrorism (chattel
enslavement). "Ancestral tradition requires we develop an increased understanding of the psychology of divine consciousness, to help us move through the tough times and celebrate the good times" says Dr. Myers.

"As a scholar and activist, I have vast respect for the spiritual power, strength and resilience of my ancestors and their teachings and traditions. Through this book, I walk you through their spiritual footsteps, by sharing
powerful mediations, scripture and wisdom."

Linda James Myers, Ph.D., is available for book events or speaking engagements. For more information, an interview, press review copies or to purchase the book, contact: Flavia Eldemire (857) 719-1501 or 614-471-3763 or Janine Fondon (413) 734-6444 Email: jfondon@unityfirstcom. The book is now on sale at www.theblacklibrary.com OR by calling (857) 719-1501.

Institute for Optimal Transformation and Leadership