I’ve struggled with what to write about recently. Many topics came and went but just never felt like the right subject and timing. It feels dark now, and I was struggling with what felt timely to write about and was on my heart and mind. Then, today, I encountered the light in the darkness, which touched my spirit in such a significant way that I knew it was time to write about the darkness itself.
Nearby to where my office is located in downtown Washington DC there’s a railroad overpass dividing the NOMA (North of Massachusetts Avenue) neighborhood running parallel with 2nd Street NE. To get to restaurants and other destinations on the opposite side you have to walk along the pedestrian pathway through the dark underpass on K Street with its dull dark cold stone walls. However, when I walked through the underpass to lunch on a blustery cold winter day today, I noticed the bright colorful light projections set up to bring light to the darkness. Walking back along the next block on L Street, I noticed a different colorful element bringing more light to the darkness of the underpass. Both times the light in the darkness gave me happiness, hope, and a moment of peace in the darkness.
It reminded me that right now, our country and world are in a place of darkness and in great need for more light to chase away the shadows. I see the darkness happening in Minneapolis and other places in our country that brings fear, distrust, divisions, pain and sadness. And then I see the light in that darkness, Somali Aunties bringing out Samosas to feed those in fear in the darkness. I see volunteers watching out for neighbors and bringing food to those too afraid to leave their homes. That light in the darkness is our humanity that unites instead of divides and challenges the darkness of hate and pushes back the shadows that threaten our peace and safety. It is indeed dark times, and often difficult for the light from helpers to break through the darkness. But I know if we all find that light within us and shine together, like those physical lights in the underpass, we can push back the darkness.
Our personal and professional lives are also sometimes filled with spaces and time of darkness. However, as we travel through that darkness, embracing our creativity with finding and embracing light, we may turn those places of darkness into places of beauty, inspiration, happiness and joy. The light may inspire us to continue traveling through the darkness safely to the other side and the fresh natural light of day. We can also be the light in the darkness for others and be the difference that lights their path through the darkness to make it safely to their destination, achieving their goals and thriving.
I encourage each of you to consider your stories and what darkness you may be experiencing now or have experienced in the past. What or who were the lights in the darkness for you? When were you light in the darkness for others? How did the light in the darkness help others on their journeys? How did it help you with your journey? What would you repeat again in future times of darkness? What would you change or do differently?
Consider these questions while reflecting on your past stories or current experiences and consider how you can be the difference for others and yourself. It isn’t easy to do, especially in the dark hostile dangerous times we are living through today, but it isn’t impossible. The smallest of lights in the darkness begins to change the darkness and each small light added continues to push back the darkness and bring light and inspiration to those traveling the path. How might light in the darkness change your story, the story of others, and the story of our country and the world? Be the difference, be the light in the darkness because as always Your Story Matters.
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