The Light

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

-- Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), minister, activist 

I hadn't thought much about this post.  I had to write.  I had the itch if you will, but I really didn't have a topic.  Most of the time this is the way I write, and it seems to get me through.  I'd say I'm possibly stretching my luck, but that ship sailed long ago.  

I took a photo the other day because I loved the way the morning light was shining through the trees; the leaves and branches filtering the brightness but failing to hold it back.  At the time I titled it, "The Light."  I used it as the imagery for this post and to possibly be the impetus for my writing.

“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.”

-- Og Mandino (1923-1996), author, veteran

When I opened the post again this evening, I had no intention of writing on it, I simply wanted to see if the photo required editing or sizing before I went to bed.  As it turns out, it was just right. It was just right.  The light was just right.  It was the Light!  As it is in my life, I read more into it than was there, but light has always guided me, whether I knew it or not.  And, as always seems the case, I found myself looking up, through the ceiling.  At this point, I'm usually asking God if this is a message, a gift, or a test.  By asking at least evidence my personal relationship with the Almighty.  It makes me smile.

When things were at their darkest I have turned to the light and found forgiveness.  Forgiveness for my less than serious adherence to the faith of my ancestors, and for only finding time to pray when I had a need.  My self-admitted faults are why I hold no false expectations of salvation.  I have already stated, in a previous post, I will stand for those left behind at the day of reconning.  In this way, I can show myself what God already knows, and maybe in the next life, with God's good grace, I can see the light earlier in life so as to, perhaps, find a better path.  By finding a better path at an earlier age, maybe my body won't feel so beaten up by sixty.

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”

-- Plato (427 BC-???), philosopher

There is always a constant reminder to me, day or night; a light to remind me of my faith.  Look into a child's eyes and you can see that light.  It is the same light you will see again in the eyes of the aged.  Somewhere in the middle of life, we tend to lose the true meaning of the light due to personal bias, agenda, stress and such.  We find the meaning, once again, as we creep closer to our next ride and find our place in line to buy a ticket.  I close my eyes at night and see the light anew, reminding me why I am, as I drift off to sleep.  Everything is known to me, everything is clear, and then I wake up.  One night I will drift off and the light will simply grow in intensity until there is nothing but, and I will finally be able to remember what I was privileged to know when I slept each night.  Maybe I will be graced with this knowledge on to the next great adventure.  One can only hope and have faith.

But, before that happens, I want to take a few more walks and catch a few more mornings in the light of day and the beauty it reveals around me.  I want to feel the sand between my toes, the warmth of the sun on my face.  I'd like to sit and watch children playing and a few pretty ladies splashing in the water.  Hey, they're splashing.  I might be sixty, but I can still appreciate the beauty of a woman splashing around as proof that God is the light of perfection... and one talented artist.

“Each day brings new opportunities, allowing you to constantly live with love—be there for others—bring a little light into someone's day. Be grateful and live each day to the fullest.”

-- Roy T. Bennett (1939-2014), CPA, businessman, politician

In the darkest moments, look for the light.  When all is hopeless, look for the light.  When the pain is too unbearable, find that inner light.  When there is absolutely nothing for you to live for, look up, and ask for the light.  We are all born with an inner light, a gift from our creator, a reminder that the creator is with us always.

You may think you've lost your light, but you haven't.  It is there, still, it always was and forever shall be.  It is the never-ending love of creation, love for you.  You will find it if you search.  It may take you until the end of this journey, as everything becomes clear, but you will find it because you never really lost it.  Don't ever think you have.  

It's a matter of hope... and undying faith.

The LORD is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear? 

The LORD is the strength of my life;

Of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.