My eyes strayed from the open pages of my Bible and landed on the white, salt-streaked stretch of road outside my window. Movements caught my attention: the electric wires, their shadows moving in the breeze.
My eyes sought out other shadows nearby--thick, rounded telephone poles, the shadow in the sharp slant of roof lines, fence posts, tree branches. I saw them everywhere. It made me pause and consider this: everything (and everyone) has a shadow. What do we do with those shadows and what they represent to each of us? These were the beginnings of a seed being planted in my soul. A seed, I hoped, would be brought out again and carefully examined and planted into the soil of just the right story. A theme emerged from it, too. What would we fight these shadows with? The only solution we have is with light and all that that represents. These elements are both so unique, in that, they can't be mixed (think of oil and water) but, they can be present at the same time. Light and shadows. Shadows and light. It's a beautiful, telling dance they put on for those looking for them. To have that ability! To be able to see the beauty in the darkness, as well as in the daylight. Alas, we cannot do it by ourselves or with our own determination. Only God can help us see the beauty that comes from ashes, the joy after the mourning, the life after death. He uses them both--the light and the shadows--to teach us the lessons He wants us to learn. They are both instrumental in His capable hands. Shadows are redeemable opportunities when you bring them to God; only then can they be completely vanquished, by the light of His love and grace. Traces of those shadows will still cling to our flesh--we are human and sinful after all--but with God on our side, He will give us strength to fight for the light (the truth) and give us extra help to keep vanquishing those shadows that return to haunt us. So in those split seconds, a theme danced through my mind. . . a theme bigger than I ever imagined it could be, with so much imagery and deeper meanings. It brought a question to my mind. What shadows are chasing you? Bring them to the light and let Christ help you overcome them, once and for always.
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AuthorHi! I'm Carolyn, a writer seeking to glorify God with my words. Archives
February 2024
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