Why a "Lighthouse" and an "Anchor"?
The basis of what Hope for the Soul Ministries does and our church represents is summed up in our logo of a Lighthouse and an Anchor.
Why a Lighthouse and an Anchor?
And it is through that testimony, our Lighthouse AND Anchor, that we can stay firmly grounded in that hope that if we can do it, others can do it too.
Faith tells us that we are called to serve—to meet people IN their pain, their circumstances, and their struggle—much like a Lighthouse would do for any boat in a storm. People need to not feel invisible in their hardships and have a safe space to expose and process through what needs the most healing. They need people willing to cry with them, instead of aiming to take the tears away. People need to learn to struggle well, not to get rid of the struggle–because life is full of inevitable and unavoidable struggles that come and go, no matter how hard we try to eliminate them.
There is a difference between being the solution for someone and empowering someone to be the best version of themselves possible. Being an example as the Lighthouse and shedding light and a new perspective on suffering and struggle provides a beacon of hope. Pain and suffering is a lot more bearable when there is purpose to it. And it is encouraging and empowering to overcome and persevere when the journey to safety isn’t ventured alone.
And this story does not stop there. We, as the Anchor, also invite people deep below the surface of symptoms—into the “dirt and darkness” of grief, pain, and trauma—to get to the roots that continue to perpetuate dysfunctional cycles. Real relationship comes out of deep connection–engaging in vulnerable conversations and experiencing intense emotion with others.
When we learn to do that in a way that serves us, rather than perpetuating learned patterns and maladaptive habits that our past relationships and wounds have taught us, we heal. When we learn to love ourselves, we learn to forgive. And the deeper we go in that journey, the more we remain content and unmoved in who we are and what is true as the storms all around us continue to fester.
We will never ask someone to do something we haven’t done first ourselves. And it is through that testimony, our Lighthouse AND Anchor, that we can stay firmly grounded in that hope that if we can do it, others can do it too. Then, when they themselves have reached solid ground again, they can help others in their storms too.
Will you join us in this journey? Will you take the risk toward living the life and being the person you were always intended and have always desired to be? If so, we’re here for you, every step (or wave) of the way.
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul; firm and secure."
Hebrews 6:19