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Finding Light in the Darkness

  • Writer: Emelie Swonger
    Emelie Swonger
  • Jun 14, 2016
  • 2 min read

Burning candles

Light and darkness. In my mind, these are two of the most powerful forces in the world. Imagine a child curled up in bed late at night, shivering with fear because he is afraid of the monsters hiding in the shadows. Now imagine that same child playing and laughing in the summer sunshine. Quite a different picture, isn't it? As soon as the darkness of night breaks with the light of day, the child's fear is replaced with joy and laughter. I have often wondered: why does darkness hold so much fear? Is it simply because we are afraid of the monsters hiding there? Or is it because we cannot see our surroundings, and therefore, we feel out of control? Life is full of moments of darkness. In a world where mass shootings, devastating natural disasters, poverty, and terminal illnesses have started to feel like the new "norm", we are surrounded by darkness. We live with a sense of foreboding because of the trials we cannot foresee in the future. We feel lost and out of control.

But it is in those moments of darkness and fear that God best makes Himself known. A few months ago, I was feeling greatly confused and distressed. I was on the brink of making my college decision, but I was uncertain if the college I had chosen was the place God was calling me to. I loved the school, but its staggering distance of 8 hours from home terrified me. One morning during Eucharistic Adoration, I opened my heart to Him, asking Him to direct me down the right path. Immediately a voice answered me saying, "My daughter, do not fear. I have brought you to this place for a reason. Trust in Me and I will provide for your needs." In that moment of clarity, I realized that I was not afraid because the college was so far away, but rather I was afraid because going there meant letting go of some control. Once I began to trust in His plan for my life, my fear dissipated and I felt more confident in my decision. Like the gentle flickering of a candle flame, God breaks through our darkness, offering us a glimmer of hope for the future. You may not hear His voice speaking directly to you, but His light may be found in a word of comfort from a friend, an offer of prayer from a neighbor, or a warm hug from a family member. In times of darkness, the light may grow dim and the flame of hope may waver, but by clinging to Christ's promise to overcome death and suffering on the Cross, His light will never cease to break through the darkness and burn brightly in our hearts.

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