A hint of nostalgia came over me while attending church service this past Sunday. Instead of attending my church home in Atlanta, I visited my in-laws’ church in North Carolina. Upon entering the building, time changed and it instantly felt as if I was back at home in Gary, Indiana. This was probably due to the intimate congregation and soulful music that resonated across the pews. Imagine how overjoyed I was when the children’s choir marched in singing This Little Light of Mine by Harry Dixon Loes! I vividly remember singing the song quite often in both Sunday School and at home with my sisters when I was younger. Back then I bellowed out those lyrics without knowing the true implication behind the hymn. That Sunday I sang it with passion and fervor because of how these words of wisdom have impacted my life today! While the lyrics are simple, the message is profound! This song encourages and inspires everyone to let their light shine no matter what. The first verse reads:

This little light of mine

I’m going to let it shine

Oh, this little light of mine

I’m going to let it shine

This little light of mine

I’m going to let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Now, at age 37, this song resonates on so many levels and in so many different ways! It’s a pledge to continuously own who I am. Despite my mistakes. Despite my trials. Despite my past. It’s a promise to make peace with the parts of myself that I am at war with. Despite the circumstances I cannot change. Despite the things I must accept. Despite the difficulty in becoming. This song is a constant reminder to NEVER dim the light that shines from within. I now know that my light should shine the brightest when the complications I face in life are greater!

Marianne Williamson once wrote that, “It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us…And as we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” In order for you to be a light to others, you must shine on! Understand that right now, you are being called to shine! To not play small or settle for less than what you truly are meant to become. Because what good is a light that doesn’t shine? It would not serve its purpose. Use your gifts to shine light in the darkness. When you begin to make use of your gifts your purpose path will begin to illuminate.

Letting your light shine is an intentional choice that one has to make. Your light is going to be most visible through your work! Your endeavors will allow you to serve those around you. Today I challenge you to not only be the light that exposes what was hidden in the darkness, but the light that helps to show the way out! ALWAYS let your light shine!