There’s so much going on in our world today that thinking about it, processing it, and experiencing it can feel heavy on both our hearts and our minds. With war, inflation, and yet another school shooting, last night I felt heavy from the weight of the collective, national sorrow. In fact, I felt buried by it. (Do you sometimes feel that way too?)

Just as I was beginning to entertain hopelessness, God reminded me that He doesn’t want us burdened by that negative weight.

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” ~Psalm 55:2

In fact, when you read His word, you learn that God says that we aren’t supposed to carry any of it… because He already carried it all to the cross with Him over 2000 years ago.

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” ~1 Peter 2:24

He carried it all in complete love for each of us. Oh, how it brings me to my knees to remember what He did on Calvary that day. Knowing this truth, I still get caught up from time to time in the knowledge of the pain of the world. That’s hard enough, but what of the people who don’t even know the truth? Some people have no idea of the peace that’s available to them in full surrender to Christ Jesus. Imagine… it’s right there for them, yet some hide from it thinking that they can fix the problem of sin and sorrow in their lives all by themselves. 

Years ago, I captured a conversation with my son that I think sums up what we need to be doing right now for our equally stressed-out neighbors. It’s important to remind people that Jesus is the source of all our Hope. It’s important to share His Peace with others. It’s important to shine His light in this world.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ~John 8:12

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March 28, 2014 — Diamonds (By: Rihanna) “Shine bright like a diamond. Shine bright like a diamond.”

At a random moment, 5yo Connor asked me, “Why does she say, ‘Shine bright like a diamond’ over and over in that song?”

“Well…” I answered, “She’s encouraging us to shine bright like this diamond in my wedding ring. See?” Connor leaned in to look.

I continued, “See, we need to share our light. It makes people smile when you are kind, loving, giving – when you shine bright like a diamond.”

Looking up at me, Connor said, “But the diamond doesn’t have any light. It only reflects the light coming from that lightbulb up there.”

(Suddenly this random moment became a divinely inspired moment.)

“You are absolutely right, Connor!” I answered. “…and like this diamond, we reflect the light that God gives us.”

“So the light that people see in us, is God’s light shining through us?” He asked.

“Yes, because our light comes from Him. And it’s important that we let it shine. For some people, it might be the only light they ever see.”

He thought a little more about that, then said, “Mommy… some people don’t want to see God’s light. Some people run from it.”

“That is true for some. They’ve been in their darkness for so long, the light seems too bright. But you don’t let that change you, Connor. You keep shining God’s light. And you never know, your shine might be the very thing they need to come back out of the darkness.”

“That sounds like a good idea, Mommy.”

“I think so too, honey.”

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Rihanna – Diamonds (Lyrics Video)