Lighting Candles or Cursing the Darkness?

During the past few months, mind-numbing events have reminded us that, ultimately, this world is not our home.

Across the globe, we are witnesses to the bigotry and the hatred that a few can inflict on the many. In places where we or our family members live, we are reeling from devastating natural disasters.

Just weeks ago, in Las Vegas, we gasped at the senseless devastation that one person can inflict on the physical and mental state of so many. Our society seems to be becoming more polarized, more fearful, more angry, more disenfranchised, more lonely, more dehumanized and more segregated than ever. There seems to be something going on: something deeper appears to be taking place at the root of the human spirit.

As Christians in this societal malaise, we have a responsibility to do what Jesus did while He was on this earth: be people who build up, not tear down. Scripture tells us that Jesus Himself created us, which means we all have infinite value.

At this precarious and challenging moment, let’s be people who debate, not eviscerate; people who seek encounters, not confrontations; people who listen to understand, not just to respond. In short, let’s be people who are filled with humility, grace, and trust in the Lord.

In this dark time, we have a choice: light some candles, or curse the darkness.

As a Christian, I pray that God helps me to be someone who is the least angry, least fearful, and least resentful person whom others will encounter. We live this way, not because we have given up, or because we have lost faith in goodness, but because we are called to bring love, acceptance, and a safe zone for others in our daily encounters with the world.

 Lord, may You bring Your grace, peace, and light to our hurting world.