Anchor of My Soul: A Treasury of Readings on Trust and Hope
The beauty of these collection books by Paraclete Press always astounds me. The covers, the illustrations, and images throughout are breathtaking. This book specifically explores the themes of trust and hope. Inside you’ll find poetry, scenes from plays, book chapters, scriptures, letters, and even snippets from a screenplay, all centered on the theme. There are too many to mention, but content that will appeal to every reader and every age.
Several pieces stand out, some because they resonate deeply, but others because they’re unexpected.
For example, the passage from Les Misérables, as an illustration of hope, surprised me, but in the closing of the scene, Victor Hugo reminds Valjean of its undeniable power. Then there’s the words from Nelson Mandela, “keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun and one’s feet moving forward.” Some references are lighter or illustrative, such as the “Portrait of an Old Believer,” by Ivan Kulikov, or the Biblical passage for which this book draws its title, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” ~ Hebrews 6:19.
Each of these Treasury of Readings by Paraclete Press would make an interesting book discussion. The interpretations of theme would vary, and the reading and dialogue would be vastly educational.
Hope and trust are woven through each page like a golden thread, pulling you in and then lifting you. That’s why I found myself reading this book through, then picking it up when I needed a boost of inspiration. These collectives are treasured old friends that you can return to time and again.
Book and Image Courtesy of Paraclete Press
