You are Light for the World

January 27, 2026

In this time of year with the gradual lengthening of the days, of increasing light, I am reminded of the importance of light.  Light without and light within. 

We’ve certainly had some dark days in this past while.  And as you know, that’s one of the reasons that I began to write this blog. 

I don’t know how you’ve been doing in this chaotic time filled with overt racism, corruption, imperialistic and warring mentalities, celebrated cruelty and injustices and so much more, but sometimes I find myself moving into my own personal darkness.  This can show up as anxiety, worry, frustration, and anger.   

It doesn’t help that dopamine hits from social media and shocking news can lead me into downhill spiral thinking and doomscrolling.

Otis Moss III describes this personal darkness as walking a dark path in which evil obscures the light, [1] and says “once it has you living in darkness, that which should not be painful becomes so,” [2].  His words have been true for me—when I’ve overly focussed on the suffering and horrors of the world I can easily make things more difficult for myself and those around me.

So, how can we avoid that dark path without putting our heads in the sand?

How can we create and bring forth goodness if we are in darkness ourselves, or are in denial of the realities of our 2026 world? 

It's a delicate balance—this knowing of what’s happening in our world while still staying healthy and at peace.

Many spiritual paths use light metaphors, which can be helpful and can prevent us from falling into darkness’ shadowy grip.

There are over one hundred references to light in the Christian Bible.  I particularly like Matthew, (5:14-16) when Jesus says, “You are the light of the world” and then invites us to bring this light out into the world through our actions.

Rumi, the 13th century Sufi mystic wrote several poems referring to light—the light in our eyes, in our hearts, the light of the Divine, and so on. One Rumi quote seems particularly pertinent for us today: “If everything around you seems to be dark, look around, you may be the light."

Several Eastern religions celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights each Autumn .  This is a celebration of light overcoming dark forces, [3].  The light then can bring clarity and inform a goodness-centered way to live, [4].

Photo by Nicola Loretto

Parker Palmer, the writer, speaker, and activist acknowledges that people, both living and dead have rekindled his light when it has dimmed [5].  Palmer says that this rekindling happens when people join him in sorrow, anger, and laughter, respond to the questions in his blog or pose their own questions, tell their own stories, and act in ways to reduce the world’s suffering, [6].

The November 18, 2016 article by author and anthropologist Sarah Kendzior prophetically invites us to be our own light, [7].  She suggests that we avoid accepting brutality and cruelty as normal, even if they are sanctioned.  That we protect and stand up for people who are vulnerable and support and encourage those who are fearful. She also invites us into being kind if we can't be brave, [8],

I particularly resonate with Kendzior’s recommendation that we never lose sight of who we are and what we value during dark times, [9].  Her words inspired me to create the following breath prayer:

Inhale:   Never lose sight of who you are.

Exhale:  And what you value.

Breathing while praying these words brings me a deeper sense of my life purpose in this particular place and time in history. 

Brian McLaren, the author, speaker, activist, and public theologian deepens these light-filled understandings and has even named a chapter from one of his books, “Find Your Light and Shine It,” [10]. 

McLaren implores readers to find our light and shine it through conversion from the dirty energy of “arrogance, rivalry, fear, hate, greed, lust, domination, revenge” to the clean energy of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control,” [11].

He believes that this transformation can come through inner contemplative work and small gatherings that he calls “seedbeds of love energy,” that allow for “deep belonging” [12].  Conversion of our hearts can enable us to imagine new beginnings for ourselves and future generations, [13].  McLaren adds that this conversion process allows us to recognize that we are privileged to be in a time that "matters so much," [14].

Otis Moss III also provides hope for light during dark times when he reminds us that even in the darkest night, when the clouds are thick, we know that the sun and stars are still shining above us, [15].

So, we have light without and light within.  And with the help of the Source of all Light, I believe that we can bring light into this time of darkness.

Today’s invitations are meant to remind you that You truly are light for the world:

1. Listen and, if you feel so inspired, sing along to the refrain of “Let Your Light Shine,” by Fran McKendree.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1DznzeTr6I

2. Reflect and journal on the following:

   1. When have you been light to the world? Imagine ways that you could further extend your light. 

   2. When have you seen others be light to the world? Do these light-bringers inspire you to extend your light further? How?

3.     Consider creating a breath prayer related to light, [16].

1. Otis Moss III, Dancing in the Dark: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times, Simon & Schuster, New York, NY, 2024, 95.

2. Ibid.

3. Sadhguru, Why is Deepavali or Diwali Celebrated and What is Its Significance?, https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/wisdom/article/what-is-diwali-why-diwali-is-celebrated?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22855533299&gbraid=0AAAAADgeq_VW5nxOx8rwjGt9c0ZPYyZkf, October 30, 2021.

4. Ibid.

5. Parker Palmer, With Gratitude: A deep bow to those who reach into the darkness to rekindle other peoples lights… https://parkerjpalmer.substack.com/p/with-gratitude, November 27, 2025.

6. Ibid.

7. Sarah Kendzior, We’re heading into dark times. This is how to be your own light in the Age of Trump, de Correspondent, https://thecorrespondent.com/5696/were-heading-into-dark-times-this-is-how-to-be-your-own-light-in-the-age-of-trump/1611114266432-e23ea1a6, November 18, 2016.

8. Ibid.

9. Ibid.

10. Brian D. McLaren, Life After Doom, Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, St Martin’s Essentials, New York, NY, 2024, 239-250.

11. McLaren relates these "clean energy" behaviours to the Christian fruits of the Spirit, (see Galatians 5: 22-23). From McLaren, Life After Doom, 243.

12. McLaren, Life After Doom, 245-246.

13. Ibid, 245.

14. Ibid, 246.

15. Otis Moss III, Dancing in the Darkness, 96.

16. For a reminder of how to create a breath prayer see the Breath Prayer Blog from June, 2025: https://www.vancouverspiritualdirection.com/single-post/breath-prayer

This blog is dedicated to the memory of Maureen Fowler, a beloved spiritual mentor.