catapult magazine

The Purpose Tree

by Ali Jacobs

Oops. We seem to be missing that image file.

Note from the artist

This image was inspired by the dreams of the young men who live at Beth Uriel, a home in Cape Town, South Africa. Family members carve their own unique paths toward healthy independence, realizing they are also part of something greater than themselves; a community that strives to live intentionally. As a House of Light, we are formed by Christian principles, growing deep roots and shining bright lights even into the dirt.  The text of the design, which was designed by Ali Jacobs and printed in a large format to hang on a wall in the house, is as follows:

“I am like an empty glass.  My purpose is to pour into other people; to care and teach, to stay humble, to treat people the same as I wish to be treated.  I want to learn to fight for the better, to give, to be a great father one day, to listen, to be fearless, to laugh almost all my life.”  Bruce

“To give happiness to other people.”  Aza

“To rescue the unheard voices.  To give light to those who don’t think they can make it; for young people who forget how to hope and know if a bright future is possible.”  Masixole

“To be a living treasure.  To be a dreamer.  To fill the gaps of life.  To live for God.  To make something of my life.  Even though we have a weakness, Christ breathes new life into us.”  Tyrone

“To grow again.  To not stay the same Andile every time.”  Andile

“To be guided and to guide myself and others through dreams and inspiration.”  Marieke

“To look after someone.  To read the Bible and respect another.  To stand up in the morning and sleep in the night.  To be on fire and to feel free.” Jacobus

“To open the minds of those who are confused.  To always put brightness in the world.”  Mthandazo

“I am like a soccer ball that can be kicked around by other people.  I have no direction.  But I want to achieve something out of nothing.”  Sicelo

“To breathe deeply and be fully alive; to glorify God by creating and exploring how my roots and wings can bring freedom to others as well as myself.”  Ali

“To help people with treatment when they get sick with HIV.  To care for people who fall apart.”  Aza

“To give back to those who have given to me.”  Wilson

“To find out about my real purpose in life.  To search for my changing purpose.”  John

“To open life for those who have closed lives.”  Clinton

“To have fun while using the media and creativity to convey messages to people.”  Sipho

“To be a free flowing waterfall.  Whatever I get in life, to pass it on to others.”  Lionel

“To value the details in life; to see the uniqueness of each person and encourage people to be who they are.” Ashley

“To love everyone in my life.”  Unathi

“To allow myself to be changed by other people and to change others.”  Siya

“I am like evaporation.  When I feel down I will always come back up.  I don’t want my background to determine who I am and where I’m going.  We are fighting through darkness trying to bring light.”  Khumbula