By Brandon C. Williams
Editor, The Post Newspaper
Why. Three letters that are a jumping point toward infinite lists and questions. Chances are almost zero we each do not go an entire day without using the word.
In our deepest, most intimate moments where we can unconditionally be honest with ourselves, the word “why” can be wielded as an instrument that helps solve our deepest interrogations within our soul. Challenging and occasionally painful it may be, the question of why we are here where we are right now in this very minute can lead to some of our most spiritual conversations with God.
John 9:5 tells us “But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” Wow. Think about that for a sec and ponder the fact that we have the most powerful business card in the universe. “Hi, my name is Brandon Williams, and I am the light of the world.” Those who don’t know God may consider me more against the grain than usual, yet for each of you reading this wherever you may be, knowing we are the light of the world is the ultimate answer for almost any time we may find ourselves asking “Why?”
Our lights shine in so many ways. Mother. Father. Employee. Husband. Wife. The list is Google. We are blessed each day to shine our lights upon this world, and while we are here, our lights must shine where light does not exist.
There are times where we may fear our own light. Admittedly, I have faced those fears, so much so that a former employer in an exit interview told me point blank, “you hold back you are scared of just how great your talent truly is.” I am here today to admit that. If I sat back and truly asked why my 51 years have gone the path it has, not only will it be because God planned it to be this way, but a lot of it does come from that evaluation.
If we go back to John 6:20, it reads, “but he called out to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here.’” That’s God telling me, you and every one of us to not be afraid of letting our lights shine. In this day and time of uncertainty, God is telling us H\e has come to stop being in fear of holding back. Today, as you read this, I choose to no longer be afraid. If our lights must shine at 1 million watts and we’re OK with it shining at 450,000, that’s not enough in God’s eyes. Yes, it is an uncomfortable feeling to go beyond our supposed comfort zones, but Jesus told us this role of being a light shiner was not going to always feel like your first last kiss, the Christmas gift you always wanted or the huge and unexpected pay raise.
Our lights must shine. My light must shine. Philemon 1:8 reads “That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do.”
Come Shine with Me. I’d greatly appreciate it.
