Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.
From Psalm 18:28: “It is You who light my lamp; the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.”
Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) was a South African Anglican bishop and Christian theologian. He was perhaps best known for his efforts as a human rights activist in dismantling his nation’s system of apartheid.
We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.
You don’t find light by avoiding the darkness.
S. Kelley Harrell is an American author with many books to her credit. Her home is found in North Carolina.
Early morning darkness
Sleep filled with quiet dreams
Sudden interruption!
Storm alert’s pulsing beam
Wide awake, checking phone
Tornado touching down
Only miles west of home
Shelter sought all around
Weather’s constant updates
Safety makes its quick choice
Moving to surest place
Heart fills with peaceful voice
Warning shrieks from siren
Calling all to be smart
Retreating from harm’s way
Bathroom, now rescue cart
Outside, wind-driven rain
Pounding with clear intent
Will storm alter its path?
Praying calmness be sent
Storm front now moving east
Heaven’s safety net cast
Thoughts with others in need
“All Clear” arrives at last
On Wednesday, February 28, a series of tornadoes touched down west of the Columbus, Ohio outerbelt. At approximately 5:15 a.m. my wife and I were awakened by a storm alert on our phones. Fortunately, the worst of the storm stayed south and north of our location, but others did not fare so well. Here is a link to a photo update of the storm (courtesy of The Columbus Dispatch): Storm Update.
Navigating stormy seas
Hazardous, rocky shore
Hidden perils loom ahead
Darkness waiting to score
Facing overwhelming odds
Danger swarms all about
Faith’s ally always waiting
Rescue coming, no doubt
Searching for safety’s refuge
Lighthouse offers assist
Brighter than any moonlight
Mercy found in its midst
Steering away from trouble
Calmer waters ahead
Eerie sky shines like daylight
Promised beacon’s night thread
Arriving at safe harbor
Harm retreating away
Gratitude’s voice welcomes home
Sunrise blesses this day
Encroaching darkness
Day slipping away
Mystery returns
Sunset turning gray
Ocean’s darkened shore
Tide rolling away
Ship pilots alone
Jagged rocky bay
Forest’s darkened sounds
Nature dreams away
Each scary echo
Owl’s nightly buffet
Time waits in darkness
Future turns away
Hourglass still broken
Quiet on Broadway
Street corner’s darkness
Music plays away
Opera’s phantom
Night’s eerie screenplay
Ship sails darkened seas
Wind turns peace away
Distress now gathers
Storm’s narrow causeway
Darkened stories speak
Silence rides away
Headless horseman roams
Midnight’s getaway
Shadows of darkness
Now turning away
Destiny unknown
Sunrise marks new day
From Psalm 34:6: “This poor soul cried and was heard by the Lord and was saved from every trouble.”
Desiring smoother path
Journey faces pitfalls
Stressful days wait ahead
Darkness erecting walls
Showing what’s possible
Spirit lights Father’s way
Humbly see and follow
Walls crumble, new causeway
Turning toward Father
Life surrendered to Him
Troubled times diminished
Days no longer as grim
Tasting acts of goodness
Challenges overcome
Father’s peace now descends
Doubts reduced to breadcrumbs
Walking in Father’s love
Mercy remains steadfast
Every promise trusted
Faith transformed, hope recast
From Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.”
No darkness lasts forever. And even there, there are stars.
If you evade suffering, you also evade the chance of joy.
Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018) was an American author who achieved success in the realm of science fiction as well as fantasy.
From Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”
Walking without light
Actions filled with sin
False gods and idols
Faith absent within
Living in darkness
Gloom filled with torment
God’s conquered people
Called now to repent
Hearing prophet’s call
Shadows hidden theft
Nation’s ember glows
God has never left
Seeing promised grace
Filled with renewed hope
Evil crawls away
Faith grasps mercy’s rope
Easing life’s burdens
True light’s beating drum
Fear replaced with joy
Darkness overcome
From Isaiah 9:4: “For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, You have broken as on the day of Midian.”
The only way to get what you really want is to let go of what you don’t want.
Your willingness to look at your darkness is what empowers you to change.
Iyanla Vanzant (born 1953) is an American inspirational speaker, author, and television personality.
Candlelight reaches into darkness
Lasting symbol of perseverance
Winter’s persistent cold approaches
Gallant and stalwart hearts warm within
Interrupted basic needs of life
Power, heat, and water sometimes dwindle
Daily tension builds, never leaving
Terror rains down from harsh sky above
Civilians facing frequent attacks
Resilience shadows endless fear
Taking nothing today for granted
Blessed gratitude for another day
Nation’s spirit remains vigilant
Looking ahead to final breakthrough
Coldest darkness shall be overcome
Determined faces tell the world so
Always looking toward tomorrow
Morning’s light, never cast away
Everlasting dreams of victory
Proud people keep freedom’s fire glowing
Calling out to fellow world nations
Never forget lessons we teach you
The journey of a vicious and unforgiving war in Ukraine has touched countless people in profound ways. May a compassionate world continue to pray for this nation. The spirit of freedom and self-determination survives each and every day.
Big Sky Buckeye 