Be the light.
This is the phrase I often use to inspire my kids each morning, before I send them off to school.
“Go. Be the light.“
It’s a simple concept really, and yet all-encompassing.
Be the light…
to the lonely, to the ignorant, to the oft forgotten.
Be the light….
to the lost, to the angry, to the broken.
Be the light…
to the hungry, to the proud, to the hopeless.
Be the light that shines in the darkness.
Be the light that illuminates the way.
Be the light in the midst of chaos.
Be the light!
My 8 yr old remembered these words one day, while on her way to school.
As she hopped up onto the bus, she noticed the unfamiliar face of a girl, roughly her age, sitting alone. Her head was bent towards the floor; eyes fixated on the laces of her shoes. She appeared to be nervous and alone.
My daughter thought of the words I had spoken to her just minutes before, “be the light.”
She imagined what the new girl must feel like, not knowing anyone, or having anyone to talk to. So she worked up enough courage to take a seat next to her. When the girl looked up from her lap, my daughter simply smiled and said, “I like your shoes.”
The girl immediately smiled back, and the rest of the way to school the two talked, and laughed, and enjoyed getting to know one another.
One single act of kindness resulted in a year-long friendship.
A simple smile can go a long way!
There is an exercise that I occasionally like to practice with my kids while we are out and about, running errands. The purpose of this exercise is to help teach them the importance of paying attention to their surroundings, and the Holy Spirit inside of them.
It goes like this-
Before entering the doors of a local place of business, I challenge each of my children to find someone in the building that they can be a blessing to.
But here’s the catch- it can’t be just anybody. I don’t want them to merely pick a random person, and speak some random words.
Instead, I encourage them to be alert. Pay attention. Listen as the still, small voice of the Lord causes one person in particular to stand out to them.
And then… go and bless.
This exercise has brought such joy to my heart, as I’ve had the incredible opportunity to watch my children step outside of their comfort zones, be aware of the Holy Spirit inside of them, and selflessly become a blessing to another individual.
It doesn’t take much to make someone’s day. I know from experience.
I’ve been cornered in the grocery store on a few occasions, by an unfamiliar bystander impressed with my well-mannered children, sent to encourage me on a job well done. (They must have caught us on a good day) 😉
What a breath of fresh air these angels-in-disguise are!
Believe me- mama’s of littles NEED to know that we are doing a good job with our offspring, because some days are just too much, and we are ready to throw in the ever-lovin towel! Can I get an AMEN!
It’s good practice to challenge ourselves to move out of our comfort zones, in order to make ourselves a blessing to someone else.
Its good practice to teach ourselves to listen to the Holy Spirit, as He guides us. #bethelight #holyspirit Share on X
There’s a whole wide world that needs you!
This is not simply some happy-happy, joy-joy, feel-good-theology.
This is the word of God.
Mathew 5:16 instructs us
“let your light shine before men, in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This is my heart!
I don’t merely want to make some sweet, old lady happy because I helped load groceries into her car. On the contrary, I want her to encounter Christ in me, so that she can experience true, lasting joy!
I don't simply want to BE a blessing. Ultimately, I want my acts of kindness to point the way to the One who IS the blessing! #choosekindness #bethelight Share on X
I can recall a particular encounter with a local cashier, that helped to drive this point home.
As I stood in the back of a long line of tired, grumpy people waiting to purchase their groceries on this particularly busy day, I watched in horror as the cashier practically threw the grocery items into the bags, and swiftly sent customers on their way, without so much as acknowledging their presence with even a simple “hello.”
She had a hard disposition, and was clearly miserable.
I shook my head, and watched in disbelief as she continued to treat her customers like yesterday’s garbage. I was preparing myself to make a snide remark about her behavior, as I approached the front of the line, but suddenly I was reminded of my own words, be the light.
My muscles began to relax, and my heart- flooded with warm fuzzies- started to feel deeply for this woman.
Finally, it was my turn.
I stood in front of her, waiting…..hoping that she would acknowledge me.
She didn’t.
I quietly prayed, “Lord, give me the words to say that will brighten this woman’s day.”
Without another thought, I spoke. “You have the most beautiful eyes,” I said, somewhat sheepishly.
It is hard to explain in entirety, what transpired next.
Her pace slowed. Her rigid movement suddenly softened. And when she finally looked up at me, I could see the glistening of tears that filled her eyes.
Nearly choking on her words, she whispered, “that’s what my late husband always use to say. Today is his birthday.”
She was no longer the only one with tears in her eyes.
We exchanged smiles, and she thanked me for the kind words.
And then off I went.
We never know what might be happening underneath the rough exterior of those we come into contact with. #bethelight #nojudgement Share on X
We don’t need to shout out Jesus loves you from a megaphone, in order to shine the light of Christ into the lives of others.
In fact, please DON’T do that!
Sometimes- MOST TIMES- all it takes is a kind word, a thoughtful act, or a simple smile, to make someone’s day.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lampstand and it gives light to everyone in the house.” -Mathew 5:14-15
During this holiday season, I can think of no better way to spread the love of Jesus, than by simply committing to being the light to those around you.
As we decorate our trees and our houses with the soft glow of twinkling lights, let us be reminded of the brightest shining Light- the Light of the world– who has come so that we may have light, and in turn share that light with a desperate people.
“Do small things with great love.”- Mother Theresa
Your turn! How can YOU be the light to someone today?
If you’re anything like me, you thrive on of a good challenge! Let this be my challenge to you:
Wherever life leads you this day, I challenge you to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, step out of your comfort zone, and be the light to another individual.
Be sure to return and record your results in the comment section below, so we can celebrate together!
Remember, it doesn’t have to be a big thing. A small act of kindness goes a long way!
Until next time,
You guessed it…be the light!
A truly beautiful post and teaching your children to listen for the Holy Spirit, you are definitely doing a good job of parenting.
Thank you Rebecca! I appreciate that! 🙂
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What a lovely inspiring story about living out the LIGHT in you, and excellent parenting!! All glory and honor to He who grows us……..
Yes and Amen, Tammy! Thanks for stopping by. 😉
Wonderful blog post! So beautifully written ❤️ I love the way you taught your children to find someone to be a blessing to when the go to a local business!
Thank you Steph! It takes a bit of practice, (some of my kids were really uncomfortable at first), but I just kept encouraging them that it’s okay to move out of our comfort zones. If I can instill this practice in them while they are young, it will hopefully become second nature to them as they grow. 😉
Great reminders to be still and to listen to the Holy Spirit lead us to those He wants to minister to.
Thanks Kim! Glad you stopped by today 🙂
I absolutely love this post! It is so true that small gestures of kindness can mean the world to someone. I will make it a point to be the light .
Thank you Kimberly! I appreciate your kindness. Yes- go and be the light! I am rooting for you! 🙂
I linked up next to you at Porch Stories and I’m so glad I did. This was so encouraging and simple yet profound especially as we come up to Christmas season. Thank you so much for your words and insight. God bless
Such a great phrase and reminder. I appreciated your story-examples!
Thanks Bethany! 🙂
What a beautiful, stunning moment! Such amazing love can be shown through such simple gestures. Thanks for this reminder to be kind, even when it’s not easy or convenient.
Thanks Jenn! Yes, simple, small gestures are often all it takes! Sometimes I think we get the idea that we must do the BIG things to really make a difference, or make someone’s day a little brighter. One of satan’s greatest lies…
What an inspiring message you share here! I love the stories of how you are teaching your children to listen to the Spirit’s leading and act on it to help touch the lives of others. We all need to be the LIGHT. Awareness and intention are key to being moved to make a difference in someone’s life. LOVED this. <3
Thank you Christine! I completely agree- awareness and intention are key.
I’ve had several moments like these, after feeling the Holy Spirit’s prompting to act on something. I keep telling myself I should start a journal where our family can record all of the “divine moments” we encounter. I really should get on that! 😉
Thanks for reading!
I love this post! What touched my heart the most was this: “During this holiday season, I can think of no better way to spread the love of Jesus, than by simply committing to being the light to those around you.”
We have always practiced a lifestyle of doing this at this time of year especially, and your post confirmed why we do it. Thank you for sharing. Stopping by from Salt and Light Link Up.
Thank you Timberley! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by this morning. 🙂
Yes- it’s all for Jesus! <3 He should be the "why" behind everything we do!
Beautiful story. I had to tweet!
Yes there is so much going on beneath the rough exterior.
Blessings Rachel
Thank you, Ifeoma! (What a beautiful, original name, btw) :).
Yes, so much about people that we don’t know. It’s easy to judge by the outward actions or appearances, but we really don’t know what’s going on underneath. It’s best to lean on the side of grace!
Thanks for the tweet!
Rachel, I love this so much. What a gift you’re giving your children to teach them this while they’re young. — And, only God could have known that this store clerk needed to feel her husband’s love on his special day. Beautiful testimony. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Thank you, Brenda. Yes, ONLY God! <3
Thanks for taking the time to read. 🙂
Blessings to you!
This is such a beautiful reminder to be the light in this busiest of seasons… oh and your story about the cashier with the lovely eyes! Thanks so much for sharing. Stopping by from #sittingamongfriends 🙂
Thank you, Laura. It’s so easy to become overly busy and consumed with ALL THE THINGS. I’m really trying heard to slow my roll this year, and pause long enough to hear the Holy Spirit’s promptings, so that my life can be a blessing to those around me.
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, I am so inspired by your story! Thank you so much for sharing. And the way you’re teaching your kids to listen to the Holy Spirit, to watch for someone to bless, is just amazing to me. I don’t have kids yet but when I do I will remember this. Thank you so much!
We live in a world today where people get frustrated so easily and most sooner expect to be chewed out in the check out line than to be encouraged, but a kind word is all it takes to light up someone’s day. Bless you for sharing this and for being an intentional mother with your kids. That’s awesome and I am so encouraged by your story! Keep it up!
Thank you Jessica! I am so encouraged by your kind words. It means so much to me. 🙂
It’s easy to be negative. It takes a lot more effort to be the light, but SO MUCH more worth it! (To us, and to others.)
I’m not always good at this, but it IS something I strive at continually.
Thank you again for your encouragement! Glad you stopped by. 😉
Beautifully said! As followers of Christ we are called to be a light- and that takes intentionality. Thank you for sharing with Grace and Truth last week. I would love to feature this post tomorrow.
Thank you Dawn! I would be so honored! 🙂
I appreciate you stopping by my corner of the web today!
Blessings to you!
Rachel, I love the store idea you do with your kids! There is so much that is disciplined in that practice that isn’t even mentioned in this post! SO, so much good stuff! For example, I can see it helping kids to not focus on the ‘gimmes’ because they are more focused on how they can bless someone else. I want to try this with my kids. They are all ‘older’, but I think they will enjoy it, too. Thanks for sharing on Grace and Truth.
Oh Aimee, if you try this excercise with your kids, please let me know how it goes! I would love to hear!
To be honest, not ALL of my kids enjoy this practice.(Especially my older children). BUT each and every one of them have been blessed by it, in some way or another. It takes practice to step out of our comfort zones- for us adults too! But I find that the blessing that awaits on the other end, is SO worth it!
Thanks for the encouragement today! 🙂
What an incredible exercise to share with your children. Thank you so much for joining us on the #LMMLinkup this past week.
Thank you, Mary! It’s always a pleasure! 🙂
Dear Rachel, it’s so obvious that you love being the light! The really cool part is that the more we shine, the brighter we become. Prayers and blessings for a day full of light!
Alice, thank you for the wonderful encouragement! “The more we shine, the brighter we become.” I love that!
Blessings to you too! <3
WOW! What a powerful set of stories, particularly the woman with the beautiful eyes. This was really inspiring and challenging for me as “be the light” is a lesson I’ve been faced with day after day more and more acutely lately. God bless you in your ministry!
Thank you Lydia! I pray that you will continue to display the light of Christ to those He brings into your path! With your coworkers, neighbors, church members, family members, strangers and friends.
Bless you!
Oh my goodness, I now have tears in my eyes too! What a simple yet profound example of being the light! Thank you for sharing…I won’t be able to go through a line as I shop without thinking about “being the light.”
You’re so sweet, Michelle. 🙂 I pray that the Holy Spirit will anoint your mouth to speak words of hope, comfort, encouragement and joy.
May your life be used to minister His grace and love to those around you.
Blessings!
Two amazing stories in one powerful blog post. What a treat, Rachel!
Thanks Sarah! Appreciate it! 🙂
Thank you for this – beautiful. I would like to use “Go, Be the Light” as a benediction at the end of service next Sunday
and to print what follows down to “Be the light that shines in the darkness. Be the light that illuminates the way.
Be the light in the midst of chaos. Be the light!”
in the bulletin. Would that be ok with you. Shall I attribute it to you?
Hi Eva! I’m so sorry I missed this comment earlier…It would absolutely be okay with me if you were to use that in your church service. No need to attribute it to me. It all belongs to the Lord anyhow. 😉
Thanks for the encouraging words! Blessings to you <3
What a lovely post! What I loved the most was how you have taught your children to be aware of their surroundings and the Holy Spirit within. What a blessing you are Momma!!
Thank you Donna! I appreciate your encouragement. <3
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