Sister to Sister: You Are a Light

Dear Sisters,

Does it ever seem to you that your light isn’t functioning correctly? Technical difficulties! In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says, “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.” 

Now, I think this makes sense to us; we need to be an example to others, to share Christ’s love and be a witness for him. But, we all have rough days, when instead of a city on a hill we feel like a half melted birthday candle.

This was something I was discouraged about for some time—I wanted to shine, but sometimes it feels like the darkness around you wants to swallow you up! To illustrate, I work as a Nurse’s Aide in a nursing home. It’s a great place to learn to be a servant, as you work with and for all kinds of different people, from all walks of life. Obviously, in a nursing home one works with every emotion imaginable, so some days are better than others. 

Some days though, it seems like nothing you do to help is done right, or fast enough.  It’s easy in those situations to want to put your light under a bushel and throw in the towel. Enough! Or, it can feel like someone is dumping a bucket of water on your light. What good does one little light do anyhow...? 

A great deal actually.

This past summer, I heard a message on the subject of being a light, no matter what your situation. It really encouraged me, but first let me share Philippians 2:14-16 with you:

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.”

We shine as lights in a world of darkness! Think on this: When you are in a dark room, lighting one little match suddenly lets you see a bit, right? (Bear with me; I know this isn’t rocket science…)  But, if you are in a lighted room, opening a box of darkness doesn’t make it night. 

One light—regardless of how big—completely breaks the darkness. 

You are that light! 

It may seem like your light is so insignificant. It’s not. If someone is groping in the blindness of darkness, don’t you think they will benefit from your light? They can choose to ignore it, and squeeze their eyes very tight not to see it. But, seriously, who—if they truly desire to see—would do that?

The best part is—you aren’t alone! “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Christ His son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

Not only are we cleansed, but we also have each other. Do you ever meet someone and just know they share your faith in Christ? This is a special gift. Your light and theirs found each other in the midst the dark, and together you shine all the brighter!

So girls, keep on shining! You may feel like you haven’t much to shine about; or you may just be tired. May the Lord continue to give you strength for each day and situation you face. So, sisters in Christ, "As light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (1 Peter 1:19), keep up the faith! 

Remember, your light completely shatters the darkness. God is not finished with you yet.

With His love,

Jenna

About the letter writer...

Jenna Cooksey is a CNA at a nursing home in Southern Oregon, as well as a private violin teacher to a broad range of students. She graduated with an AA degree in music in 2011, and enjoys performing with her violin in various venues in the county. She also enjoys reading, writing letters, spending time with her family, and participating in her church. Jenna Lives in Myrtle Creek, Oregon with her parents and seven younger brothers and sisters.