Ain’t That A VHIT
By Von C. Howard
There’s something powerful about being anchored. Not just physically, but spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. It’s what has kept our people grounded through generations, when the world shifted, when the winds blew, when the storms of life seemed too heavy to bear. Whether you picture a small ship fighting to stay steady in deep waters, or a palm tree bending but not breaking beneath fierce winds, the message remains timeless: when your roots run deep, you may bend, but you will not break.
Life, much like the sea, is unpredictable. Some days bring calm waters; others toss us about with no warning. There are moments when peace feels distant, and strength feels spent. But being anchored in faith means trusting that no matter how rough the seas, God still has His hands on the wheel. Faith whispers, “I may not see it now, but I know God is guiding me through.” That’s what has sustained us over the years, faith that carried our ancestors through storms we can only imagine, faith that keeps us moving when our own feet grow tired.
To be anchored in integrity is to remember who we are and whose we are. It’s standing firm on what’s right, even when compromise seems convenient. Integrity is what held our families and communities together, when our word meant something, when our name carried weight, and when we taught our children that character counts even when nobody’s looking. Like an anchor beneath the surface, integrity holds us steady when life’s waters rise.
Being anchored in peace doesn’t mean life is calm, it means we’ve learned how to find calm in life. It’s the unbothered heart that stays grounded when chaos tries to take over. Like a palm tree rooted deep in Florida soil, peace allows us to move with life’s winds instead of breaking beneath them. We may lose a few leaves along the way, but our roots, our connection to God, to family, and to community, keep us strong.
To be anchored in humbleness is to recognize that real strength often shows up as quiet surrender. Palm trees don’t resist the wind; they bend with it. Likewise, humility allows us to yield, when necessary, to learn when we’d rather lead, and to trust God’s timing over our own. Humility reminds us that success doesn’t have to shout; it just has to stand tall and steady.
And then there’s love, the anchor of all anchors. Love is what binds faith, integrity, peace, and humility together. It’s the thread that ties families across generations, the glue that holds communities in unity, the heartbeat of every good thing we’ve been blessed to see. Love steadies us when storms rage, softens our hearts when pride rises, and strengthens our spirits when fear creeps in. It’s what’s kept us, through every trial, every test, and every triumph.
So, when the waves of life crash hard and the winds blow strong, remember this: even when the ship shakes, the anchor holds. Even when the palm tree bends, the roots remain. The same is true for you. You are built to withstand what you’re going through, not because of your strength alone, but because of the
One who anchors you.
Stay anchored in faith.
Walk in integrity.
Protect your peace.
Move with humility.
And love without measure.
Because when you are anchored in these things, no storm, past, present, or future, can pull you away from your purpose.