GLIMMERS OF LIGHT

While hiking along Meek’s Mountain, surrounded by lush green darkness, I noticed these glimmers of light on the leaves. They radiated hope for my discouraged soul…

Recent weeks have felt heavy for Jim and me. He and other high school teachers were told to remove signs that designated their classrooms as “safe spaces”–places where students are welcome and free from harassment (largely because of their gender or orientation). We feel even more compelled to stand up for social justice, to offer refuge and inclusion, to serve with compassion, kindness, and love. I and many others have spoken before county commissioners and school boards; Jim has affirmed, comforted, and encouraged others as a teacher, pastor, and friend. Yet it seems that the loudest and angriest voices are the ones being heard and heeded, and at times we can become weary or discouraged.

These patches of sunlight in the dark woods have inspired me to keep watch for other glimmers of light, those soft yet radiant glimmers of hope we can find when we are attentive.

I find hopeful glimmers of light in teachers who wear tee shirts that display both solidarity and inclusivity; in young students who courageously share their stories before these often-volatile public meetings; in groups who work for social justice; in other stories of perseverance and progress; and in sacred words of inspiration, such as:

God loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. *

These small patches of sunlight have inspired me to provide glimmers of light, too.

Jim and I (and other teachers and students) are wearing rainbow-hued wristbands. We have no expectation that wearing these will change another’s opinion. We simply hope to quietly and visibly let others know that we are with them, supporting and standing with them. I hope that my words today will be another glimmer of light for those who struggle for acceptance.

Friends, if you are feeling alone, misunderstood, afraid, or rejected, please know that so many of us are with you and love you. The One who created you is with you and loves you. Completely.

The woods may seem so dark and deep, but one small glimmer of light will shine–ever so gently, ever so softly–yet ever so brightly with radiant hope. May each glimmer encourage and sustain us, so that we too, may brighten other paths with glimmers of encouraging hope.

(One of the signs that had to be removed, made by our friend, Jill. Photo credit unknown.)

* Bible verse is Psalm 33:5, NRSVUE, found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
Nature photo by Karen