Light in the Dark

Something that has been on my heart a lot this year has been being light in the darkness. Jesus spoke about this with His disciples in Matthew 5:13-16, calling them to be salt and light.

What does that look like in our world today? How can we do this in the place that we are in? It takes leaning into God, His Word, in relationship with Him and allowing Him to press on our hearts how we can take action.

This past weekend I was able to see this in action through a friend of mine who turned a nudge she felt into something amazing for mamas in our community. My friend Heather is a mama of 2 young daughters herself and knows first-hand the needs of a young family. From diapers and clothing to baby furniture, strollers and everything else, it can be overwhelming to say the least.

It had been on her heart to create a "pay it forward" type of event where she would collect donated items from maternity items to baby and toddler clothing, shoes, bedding, strollers, cribs and anything else you could imagine. She was able to market through social media and word of mouth and hosted this event this past weekend. Over 100 families came and were blessed by her idea. I came and volunteered and what I was able to witness was such a beautiful ripple effect of generosity and kindness. Such a brilliant light.

I manned the check in area, where I collected a little bit of information of those attending and then shared how it worked... come in and take whatever you'd like. No limit, just come and take what you'd like. From the bewilderment on faces as they hadn't often felt this type of generosity to questions like "really?"... it was amazing to witness. Some had found it through social media, others were told by friends who called and told them to come. Many came back to donate their gently used items for others to find. So special.

Heather had on her heart to have create a prayer box for requests and while only six shared a request, she divided the cards up and handed me 3 of them. One of the random ones I received was a wife asking for prayer for her husband who is going through aggressive cancer, which my husband just battled only a few months ago. Tears streaming as I lifted this family in prayer, fully understanding the gravity of the situation. God is so good!

Witnessing this event and the ripple effect it had on others reminded me of what it means to be light. To do something. To take action for God. To be His hands and feet in the darkness of the world we live in. We simply need to listen to His prompting. Through our small act of obedience, He shows up in big ways.

Lean into Him. Ask how you can shine for Him today. He will do FAR more abundantly beyond all you could ask or think. Always.

Shine bright, friends!