Photography by John David Pittman
Fellow Arkansans – neighbors, colleagues and friends – are sharing a light of peace, kindness and generosity that makes The Natural State a little brighter. Inviting Arkansas and Methodist Family Health celebrate individuals who illuminate our community with goodness. Nominate someone today for a future feature that SHINES.
The time to shine is now, according to the new song by Jason Lee Hale. When you consider a candle’s flame, the beauty of a single light shared repeatedly turning a dark space into a glowing room, is inspiring. Jason summoned this kind of trust when he created the theme song for the Methodist Family Health SHINE campaign. “I knew the lyrics had to recognize that life often comes with serious challenges, but there is hope,” he explains.
Released this month – This is the Time to Shine reminds us, “together there’s nothing we can’t do,” and “troubles won’t keep us down,” coupled with confidence, “I’m with you all of the way.” These lyrics capture the values and heart of Methodist Family Health. Methodist Family Health offers a complete, statewide continuum of care that ranges from acute psychiatric inpatient care to outpatient counseling as well as intermediate residential levels of care when families are struggling with internal darkness. This kind of help pulls children and their families into the light.
“I must admit that I had only a vague idea of Methodist Family Health’s history and mission,” Jason recalls. Established in 1899 as the Arkansas Methodist Orphanage, it became a viable solution for the care of orphaned and dependent children. As attitudes and regulations about orphanages changed, Methodist Family Health’s services evolved into a comprehensive residential treatment system with group homes throughout Arkansas. Today, Methodist Family Health’s Foundation serves as the philanthropic enterprise of the organization.
Reflecting on the song-writing process, Jason explains, “It was unique for me because I wrote it from a place in my heart that I didn’t know was there. Recording it was a building process which took weeks, and I didn’t know what we had until it was finished.” This resilience unbeknownst to Jason is reflected through even more of the song lyrics, “whatever got us down won’t keep us down.” So many families of Methodist Family are living testaments to the continued moxie needed to adapt to life disturbances big and small. Methodist Family Health recovers strengths, spirits and families to a place of hope and light.
“I’m thrilled to be even a small part of the tremendous things they accomplish. They change lives. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?” Togetherness is an important aspect of the hope expressed through Jason’s lyrics. This transformation takes time, strength and help from the community. With the support of Methodist Family Health, it’s a shared progression as we light each other’s candles and shine – right now.
Sponsored by Methodist Family Health
Nominations accepted at Foundation@MethodistFamily.org
methodistfamily.org | #ShareTheLightandSHINE
