Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14 NIV)
Recently, an acquaintance posted on Facebook, “Tired of being strong.”
I think she meant to say, “I’m tired of HAVING to be strong.” Several of her friends, myself included, attempted to post a few encouraging words. The truth—she is a strong woman who has gone through a lot these past few years. She and her husband were active members of my church, and it was devastating when the congregation learned that he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He died six months later.
This woman and her husband were almost inseparable. But he was gone, and her grown son was teaching in another country. As a teacher, she had her own students to focus on, which helped. But she was also forced to learn how to live alone. With her husband no longer at her side, she had to lean on her faith and friends. Time went by. This year she met a man who is now a part of her life. Friends have been happy for her. As she explored a new possible life with him, she decided to attend another church. I think it was just too hard to keep attending worship services in a place where there were so many memories of her husband.
The morning following her Facebook post, I went to a local salon and had my nails done. While waiting for the polish to dry, I watched people pass by the picture window facing the sidewalk. So many looked sad, beaten down, or just plain worn out.
On my way home that day, I stopped at the post office to mail several large envelopes. A cranky employee snapped at me when I tried to put my debit card through the machine before he wanted me to. I thought, “Really??? You’re going postal on me for such a small thing? You're really having THAT bad of a day? Lighten up!” But I didn’t say a word, and quietly complied with his instructions.
The world is full of angry, unhappy, and lonely people.
We are to be a light. A ray of sunshine that brings warmth to the hearts of people who struggle with the chill the world often provides. We're to show them there is hope. Help them see where they can find that hope.
I’m not a preacher. I’m not a public speaker. Although I won’t say “never,” the chances are that you probably won’t find me on a hill, street corner, or in front of a congregation sharing my faith through spoken word.
I share my faith—my relationship with God—through song. I’m a singer. But more so, I’m a writer. I’m able to pen the words in my heart far better than what I ever could speak them.
I’m called to write for a reason.
YOU’RE called to write for a reason.
Be a light . . . even if it’s just for a few in this hurting world.
Dawn
