Light in a Dark Cave
Welcome to Peniel CrossRoads, where we embrace Jesus’s heart and together live out the call to biblical unity!
There is an old rule that we all know—perhaps many of us have experienced it. When you are in a very dark place, even a small light shines out brightly. When you take a tour down into a cave and the tour guide turns out the lights, you are surrounded by complete darkness—until someone turns on their phone, and you are amazed how much light that one small screen can produce.
Some people really feel like there is a growing darkness around us these days. It discourages many to see people around them misbehaving in ways that are novel and negative. There seems to be more anger and depression around us. It seems darker.
But have you found yourself acting differently because of this? I know I have. I purposefully smile at and talk with strangers in the grocery store. I have determined that I will be more patient in traffic. I lower my voice when I am around louder people. I allow the right-of-way to anyone who is impatient. I hope and pray that my gentleness, patience, and even unconditional love are increasing. These virtues can diffuse the tension around us.
Even the smallest words and actions can make a big difference!
I will never forget the awful days following Sept 11, 2001. Our oldest daughter was fifteen days old on that terrible day. We were living in New Jersey, only a few miles west of Manhattan Island. We could see the smoke not too far from our house.
But we had a newborn, and my parents wanted to meet their first grandchild! So, when the airports opened back up, we booked a flight from Newark to Little Rock. Perhaps you can imagine what we saw at the airport! It was mostly empty. Security—believe it or not—was a breeze because there were so few travelers.
When we finally got to our gate, there were only about thirty people waiting to get onto our plane. Now I look back on it and feel silly, but we all sat there quietly, suspiciously looking at each other… until a middle-aged gentleman started asking about our baby. We quietly answered his questions. “She will be four weeks old tomorrow.” “Her name is Emma Katherine.”
Suddenly the man asked very kindly but directly, “Can I hold her?” For a split second, you could feel the tension increase in the room. Thirty people who were already stiff went even more rigid. I had only a split second to respond, but something deep in me knew that this moment was very important emotionally. So, before the second was up, I shot back, “Of course.”
This was an important moment, and I am glad I understood it. When I said those words, there was a silent but real corporate sigh from our group. Body language changed as trust between two strangers melted the fears and mistrust of the room. Everyone suddenly realized what we should have already known—none of us was a terrorist bent on bringing down our plane! We were all simply good citizens, trying to get from one city to another. After that the group began to talk to one another and even smile as that gentleman walked around showing her off like she was his own granddaughter.
We had only one moment to turn on the cell phone in a dark cave, but that one small light changed the atmosphere of the room.
Each of us has been given a unique platform in which to shine light in darkness. We need to see with spiritual eyes the atmospheres in which we live and move. The Holy Spirit wants to lead us in specific demonstrations of absurd humility, gentleness and kindness to contrast the spirit of the age with the mercies of our God. (Colossians 3:12-14)
Where has He placed you to shine His light? How might intentional acts of Christlike peacemaking make a difference for those around you? May He give us Spirit eyes to see, and may we respond in ways that, led by Him, manifest His presence and glory.
For Jesus’ sake,
Chris & Julie