This little light of mine

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel, NO! I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel, NO! I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel, NO! I'm gonna let it shine

Won't let Satan blow it out I'm gonna let it shine

Won't let Satan blow it out I'm gonna let it shine

Won't let Satan blow it out I'm gonna let it shine

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine 'til Jesus comes, I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine 'til Jesus comes, I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine 'til Jesus comes, I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."

Tonight while sitting on my front deck enjoying the cool evening air, my heart was heavy with sorrow for those whose lives have been rocked by tragedy. As I watched the fading daylight, my thoughts turned to how dim and without hope the world must seem to so many.  Everywhere you turn there is news of some type of trouble. Even if the news isn't filled with the violence of man against man, it is still overrun with stories of people who appear to have lost all regard for anyone but themselves.
It wearies my soul.
Perhaps I am feeling it a bit more today because I spent a greater amount of time on social media than I normally spend. I am appalled by the mean spirited responses that fill so many posts.  What happened to kindness? Post after post are inundated with people's thoughts on whatever given subject. Hiding in the obscurity of social media, many feel free to belittle others opinions and take pot shots at those with whom they disagree. It would appear that gentleness of spirit and kindness have simply disappeared. Rude statements and behaviors take the front row seat caring for no one other than self.
What a sad, sad commentary on today's society.
Now it's not to say that there aren't pockets of goodwill and kindness. There are scattered posts of God's goodness and grace, and people showing others through Christ like behavior and speech, that there are better ways to approach things. But they are definitely in the minority. I can only pray that the words of grace and truth will penetrate the most hardened heart.
All this to say, stand courageous my fellow followers of Christ. The enemy of our souls is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking those he can steal, kill and destroy.  Don't let the negative world around you draw you into the snare.
I am deeply thankful that even in the midst of the troubled sounds of chaos and hatred, I can still distinguish the still small voice of peace that reminds me God is still on His throne and still in control. My heart rejoices in the reality that this world is NOT my home and a better one is coming.
As the darkness of the night removes the landscape from my eyes, the solar lights pop on, twinkling brightly. When it is the darkest, their light shows up the best.
A good reminder that even though darkness of soul has littered the landscape of humankind, the light of grace and truth shines most brightly against the backdrop.
I will hold this little light of mine high, reminding all I encounter that there is hope that shines in the darkness.

I will let it shine until His kingdom comes.