I’m exploring the concept of “Light” this week. My brain chemistry tends to lead me toward sadness and depression, which I have always felt as darkness. My emotions are often influenced by our weather and the light of the sun.

In this part of the country sunlight can be difficult to come by. With global warming the sun is around more often, though, for which I am thankful. In the Bible, Jesus and God are the source of light. Those that oppose God are said to live in darkness. Light is all that is good, and the absence of light is evil. 

Ephesians 5:8–9
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

I have written before about focusing on all that is good, and light, and holy. All those things that come from God. Because I know that lies, manipulation, and deceit do not come from the source of love. Hatred and anger are the opposite of love.

A counselor once told me that depression is anger turned inward. I would say some of that may be true. Some part of me is angry that I wasn’t given the opportunity to have an innocent childhood. That I wasn’t given the tools to heal what was broken in me. But I know that I have loved well in my life, and don’t think I could have done that if I am so full of anger at myself. 

There is goodness in all of us.  Because my Dad was a constant source of love and steadfast belief in God, the darkness I experience hasn’t gotten the better of me. 

Through all that has happened in my life, I have chosen faith. I have to believe that there is a loving force that created such an amazing universe. A universe so huge and complex that our human brains are only beginning to unravel it. A compassionate force that created humans with the capacity to continually learn new ways to explore and care for that universe. People with spirits capable of loving, of feeling compassion, and filled with the desire to draw nearer to the light and turn away from the darkness.

I believe  my creativity comes from God, so therefore it comes from a light that is buried in me. So with that in mind, the more I create, the more I encourage the light to grow; and like a fire, the more I encourage it the farther the light will penetrate. 

As I write this, I realize that it is fall, here in Washington state. The sky is grey, rain is falling, it is cold, and  the sun doesn’t even rise until after 8 in the morning. It is dark before 5pm. My body craves sunlight and warmth. Is it any wonder my mood is a bit dark as well? Perhaps not. And perhaps I need to spend more time in my studio. 

Faith is believing that the sun still exists even when it disappears below the horizon. It’s believing there is a God even if I can’t see him. That there is good in the world despite the shootings, bombing, wars, and natural disasters. And that there is reason to hope for a time when this country can come together again and work toward equality for every person who lives within it’s borders. 

“It is better to light just one little candle than to stumble in the dark.

Better far that you light just one little candle, all you need is a tiny spark.

If we all said a prayer that the world could be free, 

What a wonderful dawn of a new day we’d see.

And if everyone lit just one little candle

What a bright world this would be.”

(Lyrics by Joseph Maloy Roach, Published 1952)

Hebrews 11:1

1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

When I look for light, it’s easier to have faith.

Perhaps that is what we need this week. And as we approach the election perhaps we can remember these words from Saint Paul:

1 Corinthians 13:13

Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

I’m looking for light. When we all work toward a country that was founded on democracy and equality, perhaps we can remember that showing love for all our neighbors is the best way to get there. 

I look forward to the end of campaigning. To a peaceful transition of power, and to honoring the outcome as the result of the desire of the majority. The world is watching us. Let’s be honorable.