From the Darkest Places Come the Brightest Lights
Reflections on Service, Faith, and Life from the Co-Founder of Open Arms Home for Children, South Africa
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On a trip to a South African township, I once saw a shack made of corrugated tin. It had rocks on the roof to keep it from blowing off in the wind. It was similar to every one of the thousands of shacks I saw that day except for one thing.
Just outside of the door of the shack, the person who lived there had planted five or six flowers in the dirt. They were impatiens, the same flowers we have always planted at our house.
There, growing in the midst of a great deal of suffering, were flowers planted by someone who had not lost hope. In the middle of a neighborhood teeming with sewage, no electricity and no running water, the resident of the ramshakle shack had made a stand and planted some flowers. It spoke to me of human dignity in a very profound way.
In the midst of the darkness of a slum, those flowers represented a ray of light. I am sure the neighbors appreciated the sight of bright flowers just as much as the homeowner did. And so did this visitor from overseas.
Hope is the most precious of commodities. It separates human beings from other animals. And most beautifully, it causes people to plant flowers in a place where no flowers should be.
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About the Book
In 2005, Bob and Sallie Solis of the Phoenix area took their life savings to start a home for orphaned children in South Africa. After seeing so much suffering caused by AIDS on a family mission trip, they felt called to do something to ease the pain of children they encountered.
In this book, Bob Solis movingly recalls some of the most poignant stories from an incredible journey which has given 55 children a home to call their own. Bob’s strong Christian faith and commitment to service gives him deep insight into the wonderful journey that led to the founding and growth of Open Arms Home for Children.
Praise for From the Darkest Places Come the Brightest Lights
“Bob Solis has written a book from the depths of his heart with imagination, humor, wit, compassion and unwavering trust in Divine Providence. I highly recommend this book. Reading it will enrich your life.” -Father Joe Corpora, C.S.C. University of Notre Dame
“Coach Jim Valvano said ‘there are three things we should do every day. Number one is laugh. Number two is think. Number three is have your emotions moved to tears.’ I did all three by the sixth page of this book!” -Duane Kuiper, Major League Broadcaster and former big leaguer
“This is a beautiful book about life, love and faith. While they are too humble to admit it, Bob (aka ‘Bobo’) and Sallie are heroes … at least for the children who are blessed to live at Open Arms. We have been there and it is heaven on earth for these kids. If you want to be inspired to listen carefully to your own calling, read this book. I loved it. “ -Addison “Tad” Piper, Former Chairman of the Board, Piper Jaffray Inc.
“This powerfully moving book is like observing a master songwriter craft his Magnum Opus – it will inspire you, encourage you and most profoundly cause you to ask yourself, ‘How can I sit in my rocking chair when the house is on fire?’” -Rev. Dale Hopely, Jr., Senior Pastor, The Church at Litchfield Park
With Foreword by Randall McDaniel, Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
About the Author
Bob Solis co-founded Open Arms with his wife Sallie. By day, he is a financial advisor in the Phoenix area. At night and on weekends, he is the President of Open Arms and leads the effort in the U.S. to grow and promote the Home.
Bob grew up in Minneapolis and attended the University of Notre Dame on a baseball scholarship. He graduated with highest honors, earning degrees in Political Science and Theology. Bob has worked for two members of the U.S. Congress, raised money for non-profits and served for more than 20 years as a financial advisor.
Bob and his wife Sallie live in suburban Phoenix and raised five children, two of whom they adopted. Active in Rotary, coaching softball and other community activities, Bob brings a passion for service and a deep faith commitment to his life.
To contact Bob to speak to your group about service, faith or the power we all have to make a difference in the lives of others, email him at bob@openarmshome.com. Bob is an engaging speaker who will be sure to inspire you!