Be the light.

That’s a tall order. Not just share the light or live in the light, but BE the light.

How many people live in the dark? Or half light? Their worlds are full of chaos, pain, hatefulness, bitterness, resentment, fear. Mostly by their own doing. But sometimes not.

Have you ever wondered how do people who have had extraordinary negative experiences continue to put one foot in front of the other? How do they manage to come through shining on the other side? I’ll tell you. They have the light.

It’s inside them. Maybe for a while, it was dim. But it never went out. And given the chance to flourish, God only knows how great they could be.

But it’s not enough to have that light inside you. Keeping it all to yourself. The real challenge is reflecting that light to others. Shining your light onto them when they need it most.

A kind word. A thoughtful selfless deed.

I’m reminded of a man who came for a short time. Who WAS ‘the light.’ Who didn’t keep it to himself. A pure reflection of love. And now, he’s gone.

You may be the only Jesus someone ever knows.

It’s up to you. Keep it inside or let it out.

You want to fix your trailer park? Stop sucking the light from others. BE the light.

Illuminatingly yours,

Nadine Bodine

Your very BEST friend in the whole wide world