Ways to Make Your Soul Sing

By 7017444915 June 26, 2026
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” 1 Peter 4:10 At Hope Haven, we believe every person has God-given gifts to share. That belief is at the heart of the Hope Haven Ambassadors, a group of individuals served through Hope Haven’s My Day program who are learning to use their voices, share their stories, and advocate for themselves and others. The Ambassadors were formed in January 2025 after a community experience sparked a bigger conversation about inclusion, dignity, and the way individuals with disabilities are perceived. Since then, the group has been working to help change that narrative. The Ambassadors have presented to community groups, attended advocacy trainings, traveled to the Capitol, and spoken about issues that matter. Along the way, they are building confidence, developing leadership skills, and helping others understand that every person deserves to be included and respected. For Maggie, being an Ambassador is about helping her community see people with disabilities as equals. “I want individuals with disabilities to be treated as equal to everybody else,” she shared. “I want my community to know it’s okay to be different.” For Lori, the message is simple but powerful. “We are regular people who have different challenges,” she said. “I want to help my community understand that people with disabilities are not less of a person because of their disabilities.” For Octavio, advocacy means using his voice not only for himself, but also for others who may struggle to speak up for what they need. Through his experience with the Ambassadors, he has learned something important: “Our voice matters.” Programs like My Day are about so much more than daily activities. They are about friendship, confidence, purpose, community, and belonging. They create opportunities for people to discover their strengths, build relationships, serve others, and take part in the world around them. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities like the Hope Haven Ambassadors, where individuals can build confidence, share their stories, and discover the power of their voice. Your gift allows us to keep growing alongside those we serve, making an impact that lasts. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission .
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Hope Haven’s Religious Services Department is checking in this month to ask “How is it with your soul?”  Do you find yourself struggling to say that it is well?

Sometimes life is hard and you don’t feel that your soul is well. So we look for ways to improve ourselves. We read books that tell us what we want to hear and books that give us too much to do.  We are left feeling like cracked pots that have nothing to give to those around us.

We sometimes complete our search still not knowing what we set out looking for to begin with.  What if there was a list of ways to act towards people? Well we have been given words and actions:

  • To be patient and kind.
  • To avoid envy or boasting or strutting about.
  • To refrain from arrogance rudeness or  becoming self-absorbed. 
  • To keep calm and not get easily upset.
  • To not tally wrong or celebrate injustice.   
  • To always fight for the truth.  
  • To trust and endure whatever is placed in your path.

This list in its entirety can seem impossible at times.  Yet this is how love is explained.  Stephen Graves gives a definition for service as ‘simply having the energy and focus for others that we find for ourselves’. The best part about these qualities is that once you start to learn them you apply them in every part of your life.  Not just at home not just at work and not just with family. We learn to give of ourselves in a way that shows love in all that we do.

What can you do?

  • Identify ways this month to be patient and kind.
  • Look for chances to show that you do not tolerate injustice.
  • Create opportunities to serve those around you. 
  • Pay attention to those around you.

Listen for ways to make others souls sing and yours will sing as well!

This March Hope Haven is hosting retreats in Spirit Lake Worthington and Sioux Center. The theme of each retreat is centered around “How to Worship”. Please feel free to join us by registering with Dan or Beth. More information coming soon.

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