Our Logo
The purpose and work at Salem SoulCare is illustrated to a degree by our name and also symbolized by our logo.
The Triquetra, also known as “The Trinity Knot” is thought to be one of the oldest Celtic symbols of Christian spirituality, and contains a continuous three-pointed symbol at its center with no beginning and no end. It represents the eternal nature of God as revealed in the Scriptures, as Father, Son and Spirit. Also note an interwoven circle. One can envision a circling of people, connected and bound together in unbroken unity with each other. This connection we enjoy with one another depends entirely on abiding in God at the center and running throughout.
This symbol is also often associated with the Gaelic phrase Anam Cara.
“Anam is the Gaelic word for soul; Cara is the word for friend. So Anam Cara means soul friend. The Anam Cara was a person to whom you could reveal the hidden intimacies of your life. This friendship was an act of recognizing and belonging.”
John O’Donohue; Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom
Some theologians also refer to this symbol as a ‘Perichoretic’ image where we are called into a dance with each other and our maker. He indeed is the one whose image we bear, and he is our redeemer. So, now we are invited to embrace and live in his promise.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
“They will be like a well-watered garden… Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness.”Jerimiah 31: 3; 12 & 13 (NIV)
Our Name
Salem
Salem SoulCare is committed to not only practicing the principles of Anam Cara, but also to seek the peace that our heavenly Father can give. The word Salem has its root from the Hebrew word Shalom, which means peace… and a whole lot more. The word Shalom has a deep and rich meaning beyond just the absence of conflict. The word is one of movement and relational connecting with God that by nature includes peace, wholeness, completeness, welfare, tranquility and prosperity… all flowing from a living relationship as we are abiding in God’s heart and presence.
The original use of the Hebrew word was meant to convey the direction of “making things whole” or “making full restitution for loss” or “to restore.” As we think on the work of Jesus, it rings true that we indeed are given full redemption and restoration. It is the work of Salem SoulCare to point to that one true and holy work of Shalom.
As the apostle Paul put it:
“Now may the Lord of all PEACE Himself give you PEACE at all times and in every way.”
2 Thess 3:16
Soul Care
There is much that could be said about the term, the meaning and essence of soul care. Salem SoulCare is committed to applied biblical and traditional rhythms that draw us back to the real source… the only true source of life & peace; that being our relationship with God through the atoning and life-giving presence of Jesus Christ. This is a ‘soul-deep’ issue, and as CS Lewis put it: “We don’t just have a soul, we are a soul.”
As each of us have stories, and past wounds or trauma that are a part of our stories, we believe there is a clear invitation from Jesus to: “Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” … and as we fellowship together sharing our stories in community, and with Him, we can find refreshing, new restoration and flourishing in life. Jesus said, “I have come to give you life, and life to its fullest.” What a tremendous promise for every one of us.
Soul Care as we understand it may consist of a number of practices including items such as: spiritual direction, spiritual formation, Lectio Divina, silence and solitude retreats, listening groups, biblical lament, worship and prayer, etc. Our hope is to be of assistance in that journey of faith and healing that Abba offers us. And so, our name, and our calling is Salem SoulCare.