COLUMN: Grey Matters – Light in the dark

“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.” ― Roy T. Bennett

Sometimes, the greatest gift we can offer others is not to shine too brightly, but simply to be a gentle glow in the darkness. It’s easy to think that we must be loud, bold, or the centre of attention to make a difference in the world. Yet, in moments of uncertainty or hardship like our world is now going through, a soft presence – a comforting light – can be more valuable than any dazzling display.

In Psalm 119:105, the Bible talks about God’s word in this way: “your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” A lamp is not a bright torch, but a gentle light. This past week I had the opportunity to speak at Red Rock’s ‘Father Son Camp’ where the theme was ‘Light in the Dark’. With the lights completely off in the evening chapel, I had one of the kids walk with me down the aisle. At first, I held the lamp right by his face, but he couldn’t really see where he was going. When put by his feet, he could see his next steps. He couldn’t see to the end, but as long as we kept walking in faith he would eventually see his destination.

My experience of God’s light in the dark has been similar. He doesn’t show me everything that will happen in my life, but with his gentle guidance I know enough for the next step. He is patient, He is kind, I just wish sometimes He would show me the whole path!

For friends who struggle or wander through darkness, being that steady glow means offering warmth, kindness, and understanding without overwhelming them and scaring them away. As a chaplain I can’t solve everyone’s problems, but I can point them in the right direction. Does anyone enjoy facing those bright white car lights on a two-lane highway? The closer they get, the harder it is stay on the road. Humble radiance reassures loved ones that they are not alone, that their experience of darkness is ok, but that when they are ready, we can support them with a next step.

Light in the Dark is the quiet bravery of kindness when the world feels heavy. It means choosing gentleness in a harsh moment, forgiveness in a bitter situation, and sharing gentle hope when despair seems easier. This kind of light doesn’t glare – it glows. It guides. It warms. God has placed a soul in each of us, a beacon of light if we let it. To help friends and society through hard times, kindness becomes a form of resistance, a declaration that darkness does not get the final word. Let’s close with this poem from an unknown author for us to read aloud, from a time when bright electric lights did not rule the night.

Flames of the Heart

In shadows deep, where silence lay,

A flick’ring flame began to play,

With tender glow, it danced and spun,

Warming hearts, as day was done.

A whisper soft, a gentle spark,

In darkest night, it left its mark,

It lured the lost, it soothed the cold,

A story of the brave and bold.

With every flicker, tales retold,

Of love entwined, of hearts of gold,

The warmth it gave, a sweet embrace,

Illuminated every face.

In every hearth, a fire bright,

Against the chill of endless night,

So gather close, let’s share our dreams,

In glowing light, where hope redeems.

Through flames that flicker, souls ignite,

Crafting poems ‘neath starry night,

For love’s true spark will never fade,

In warming flames, our paths are laid.