"Your light shall rise for you in the darkness..."

Your light shall rise for you in the darkness
and the Lord will give you rest continually
and fill your soul with brightness,
And you shall be like a watered garden
and like a fountain whose waters shall not fail.
-Isaiah 58:10-11

Last week at a Franciscan day of reflection, Fr. Jim said something that really struck me and has stayed with me all week.

There's a necessary light that is only available in the darkness.

I find this intriguing, comforting, and true. It takes me back the first grasp of the little light within me, the only light I could cling to during the darkest time of my life. It was in the darkness and the grasping of this little light , that the necessary light was made available to me. The Light did, indeed, rise for me in my darkness...and my soul has been filled with brightness. Thanks be to God! :D

If you are walking in and struggling with the darkness that surrounds you or seems to be filling you, close your eyes and find that tiniest bit of light - mine was only the size of the head of a pin - and it will be sufficient; it will be enough, it will be the necessary light that you must grab hold of and cling to with everything you've got. This is enough to carry you for now and it will grow and flourish and fill you with brightness and light. It is true. Trust me. The time will come when you will let your light shine and your very presence will brighten the world.

For now: Breathe. Hold on. If you can, pray; if you can not, don't worry, others are praying for you and on your behalf. Walk with the tiniest piece of light that is within you and soon your path will be made bright. When you break through the darkness and are living and walking in the Light, you will be able to share your experience with others and help carry another's burden, thus, passing it on. Peace to you during you this difficult time.

P.S. If as you are reading this you are having a hard time even imagining any LIGHT within you, right now....light a candle, stare at the flame, breathe deeply and imagine that this little light is the light of Christ, and draw that light into your self. With your mind's eye, draw the light into your heart and hold it there. The light of this one little candle will surround you, this light will enfold you, the power of this light will protect you, the presence of Christ, the Light, watches over you.

It's better to LIGHT ONE CANDLE than to curse the darkness.

The darkness does not have the power to overcome the light; light overcomes the darkness every time.