About Identity
We become known to ourselves when we make ourselves known to others. Our individual gifts, talents and personalities are only discovered as they are shared, and only developed when they are given freely. Isolation and self-protection keep us hidden – even from ourselves. Honesty and humility set us free to be known and loved, unlocking the door to who we were created to be.
About Self-Worth
Just as gold has worth before it is fashioned into something deemed beautiful by the world, each human has intrinsic value regardless of performance or accomplishments. If we can believe that we were created with unconditional worth, then our perception of what others think will not threaten us. Knowing that we are wonderfully made with eternal purpose allows us to press on with hopeful anticipation, and to share our lives with confidence and joy.
About Community
A life-giving community exists for the well-being of its neighbors, and each neighbor lives for the good of the community. When a common purpose is well understood, unity advances self-sustaining opportunities to help and to heal, and to share and to shine. When needs of neighbors are met with compassion and kindness, communities thrive and radiate beauty.
About Relationships
Relationships cannot continue to nurture and grow without the giving and receiving of love – just as clouds cannot continue to rain upon the earth without the earth returning the vapors of the rain. Emotional trauma, fear and insecurity dry up the ability to sustain healthy relationships due to deficits of trust and affirmation. Though no human being or circumstance can be fully relied upon to meet needs that are spiritual at their root, the nurturing of a hurting soul can rebuild broken trust, allowing the healing needed to be receptive to the life-giving cycle of love.
About Happiness
Happiness is the freedom to be honest with ourselves and others without losing our sense of self-worth. Whatever prevents us from being honest is what makes us unhappy. When we position our desires to be in line with goodness and truth, we have nothing to hide, and therefore nothing to hinder us from making ourselves known. Freedom from fear and shame is happiness.
About Communication
Our souls speak with mind and emotion, but our spirits communicate on a much deeper level. Human spirits were designed to commune with the Spirit of God, and when our spirits are in harmony with His, He can speak powerfully through our words and actions as we engage with the spirit of another. Communication is meant to speak truth, shine light, spread love and breathe life.
About Brokenness
It’s only a matter of time before the difficulties of this life will bring us to a place of brokenness. We all try to resist pain and suffering, but the sooner we embrace the trials put in our path, the sooner we will become vessels of God’s transforming work and life-giving grace. Brokenness is the first step to becoming whole.
About Restoration
In order to restore a piece of art, one must have knowledge of the original design. Only our Creator knows each of us intimately with our unique gifts and intended purpose. A damaged piece of art cannot restore itself. Any attempts to fix ourselves apart from our Creator will be superficial. When we willingly rest in the healing hands of God, only then are we free to become beautifully whole.