Level 4 -- "Horse"

The horse is a symbol of power and grace under control.  It represents control over feelings and drives.

Students help others through active community leadership.  Leadership is expressed through a person having individual integrity in all that they do.  Leadership is taken in school by tutoring other students, in the community through lead girl responsibilities, and during organized events.  These opportunities provide the basis for teaching newer students and for integrating all the students have learned.  Students will choose between the path of sanctification and/or well-being during this phase.  A path of sanctification means that the student is choosing a life of Christian integrity.  A path of well-being means that the student is committed to making healthy life choices.  Before a student is ready to move on to the last phase of their treatment, she will have formed significant relationships in the Hope Ranch community and internalize the interpersonal feedback she has received from peers and staff.  While students on all levels should promote the safety and well-being of the community, level 4 students especially work toward maintaining the health and safety of the community.

The spiritual exploration of level 4 involves difficult philosophical questions of life including suffering, illness, loss, heartache, loneliness, anger, and forgiveness.  The goal is for students to let go of unhealthy anger, move beyond impasses that overwhelm them, and learn how to remain grounded on the “roller coaster of life.”  The reading of Joseph: A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness demonstrates how to maintain integrity in the face of obstacles, how to develop a lifestyle of forgiveness for yourself and others, and how to leave a legacy of grace.