This Little Light of Mine

By Leah Huyard – Horizon News & Features Editor

September 11, 2001. Members of al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and killed over 2,900 people.

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.

December 14, 2012. A man walked into a Connecticut elementary school and shot 26 students and teachers.

This little light of mine, I’m going to

November 13, 2015. Three suicide bombers blew up 137 people in Paris, followed by mass shootings.

This little light of mine, I’m

June 12, 2016. A security guard killed 49 people at a nightclub in Orlando, Fla.

This little light of

August 12, 2017. In Charlottesville, Virginia, a car was hurled into anti-racist protesters opposing a white supremacist rally that had happened the night before, killing one woman, injuring many.

This little

We watch as the darkness extinguishes the lights of the world, one by one.

A screenshot of the Aug. 13 New York Times. The article includes footage of the unfolding violence.

I come from Staunton, Virginia, 45 minutes from Charlottesville. This attack that happened only a few weeks ago hit close to home and I didn’t know what to do. Before the events in Charlottesville, I would hear about these awful attacks, but they didn’t mean much, because they felt so far away. But now, I can feel the hate in the world seeping into my town and the surrounding areas. I can see the darkness oozing its way into my life and as a white female college freshman, I feel helpless. What can I do to stop racism, white supremacy, and all the sin in our world?

Then, I was reminded of the song children often sing in Sunday school…

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.

I can be a light. You can be a light. And what’s more, you can choose what kind of light you emit. You can glare as a light that blazes through the night, scorching its surroundings, obliterating all violence, hatred, and evil in its path.

Or, you can radiate a light not noticed at first, but then, in the distance, you see a glimmer, a spark. One small light in the darkness, inspiring other small lights to gleam, until the light cleanses the darkness, illuminating our world with God’s love.

So this is my challenge to you, students, faculty, and community of Hesston College. I am called to use my power to make an investment in this world, and so are you. Shine your light in the darkness.

Whether it’s a raging fire or a small illumination, shine.

If all you can do is smile at that person who you don’t get along with, do that. Listen to those whose voices have been snuffed out. If you feel you can explode with a bold light, piercing through the dark, do that. Don’t be afraid to speak out against hatred. Join groups acting against racism and violence. Step out of your comfort zone, into the love of Christ, and saturate the world with your light. Once light emerges, darkness doesn’t stand a chance. That little light you have? Let it shine.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

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