love & light

Important Note: This essay was written with the intent of sharing during Winter Solstice, Christmas and Chanukah. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I did not have the ability to publish it until well after the holidays of light were over (technically, Christmas doesn’t end until January 5). I hope you still read it, tuck its meaning into your heart and find common ground with one another throughout the coming New Year.

I find commonalities between different people as often as I can. Here's one: Winter Solstice, Christmas and Chanukah all have one element in common - light. These festivities are visual reminders - light conquers a dark season.

What if instead of just lighting a fire, a candle or turning on lighted decorations, we decide to BE the light and act as if we have been touched by God? Quakers believe the light of God resides in each and every one of us. Count the ways you let your light shine. Now, crank it up. Shine bigger. Brighter. Our light is love and it's what the world needs now.

Christians believe God sent love in the form of a baby. The baby Jesus grew up to become the light and love for the downtrodden, the least of us. His life and parables are guidebooks on how to take care of one another. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind...and your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39 You might not be a Quaker or a Christian, but every religion has a version of the golden rule.

But who's your neighbor? Only people who share your politics, worldview, or skin tone? Look at the state of the world; too few of us realize our neighbors carry Divine light. Our Creator gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. If we listened to our neighbors more and engaged in more nuanced discussions, our minds wouldn't be too busy focusing on our differences. Quite your mind; open your heart, then let your love and light flow.

I am not being idealistic. One group lobbying the policy wonks in Washington is a Quaker advocacy group - Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). They are changemakers working towards a more just and peaceful world. FCNL asks that we take loving your neighbor as yourself to a new level. Their bumper stickers and yard signs proclaim - Love your neighbor as yourself, no exceptions. You read that right—no exceptions.

So, this season, this new year, January 20th and thereafter - I hope you will spread your love and light. When you do, your light will overcome the darkness.

though our burdens may be heavy

a bit scary