“This Little Light of Mine”
“This Little Light of Mine,”
Hurricane Helene devastated many of us throughout the Southeast. In some areas, it looks like a war zone. We were not prepared for this level of destruction. The aftermath of the hurricane has turned many neighbors into friends. Only in a foreign country have I seen the level of cooperation and joining of forces to combat losses. Seeing so much love poured out in our community warms my heart. This must be what New York City experienced on September 11, 2001. My light will continue to shine, even among the lifestyle disruptions Helene has brought into my life and the lives of all those affected.
I have a special prayer place in my bedroom. Every night, before I pray, I light a candle to let God know I will always shine a light for Him. The song “This Little Light of Mine” calls us to keep the faith even when you feel surrounded by worldly challenges. The song refers to the verses in Mathew 5:14-16 and Luke 11:33.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Mathew 5:14-16, NIV).
No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden or under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand so that those who come in may see the light (Luke 11:33, NIV).
Nobody really knows who composed the little spiritual hymn “This Little Light of Mine,” but many speculate a black gospel composer in the wake of the Civil War composed it. It has since morphed into a children’s song taught in Sunday schools around the world.
The chainsaws are still humming in my neighborhood. The sounds of large trucks, tractors, and workers fill the air with their melody. The anxiety caused by Helene is still present everywhere. Grocery stores are not yet back to full capacity. Gasoline stations are still dealing with gas shortages because the supply of fuel is low. I see some progress, but it will take some time to bring things back to normal. I long for normal. We have experienced several crises in the last several years: the 2008 financial crisis, COVID-19, and now Hurricane Helene. Many residents in Florida are experiencing a double whammy of hurricanes, first Helene and now Milton. Must we endure more?
I am reminded of the Book of Revelation, specifically the Tribulation period. Those who must endure this awful time will experience oceans of blood (Revelation 8:8-0), stars falling out of the sky (Revelation 6: 13), mountains and islands moving (Revelation 6:14), great earthquakes and darkness (Revelation 6:12), and poisonous waters (Revelation 8: 10-11). This seven-year period will be miserable for people having to endure it. Luckily, those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ into our lives and follow His word will not be here to experience all this pain. Jesus will call us unto His Kingdom before the Tribulation during the Rapture. Is the Tribulation period coming soon? Nobody really knows, but it is getting closer. My hope for you is that you, too, have already accepted Jesus into your life and will never experience it. If not, please consider repenting and opening your heart to Jesus today.
When the insurance adjuster came to my house, he commented on my calm demeanor. He told me it was unusual to experience such calmness during this crisis period. I told him I trust God has a plan to get us through this temporary setback. I do not place my life in the hands of insurance companies. What the insurance does not cover, God will provide recompense in some manner. Meanwhile, I will continue to shine my light for Him. Will you also shine a light for God?
Your servant
