This Expansive Light of Mine
Catharine Craig Doty of Lamoni, IA, USA
There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!” …I will…sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. -Psalm 4:6, 8
As a child, I enjoyed singing “This Little Light of Mine.” I remember being in the front of our church with the other children, singing my heart out. You remember that song, don’t you? “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…”
My infant son and I spend our mornings singing. We listen to music in ways not available when I was young. Now we turn on the Xbox and connect to Raffi Radio, a streaming online radio station. Lately, our playlist includes a jazzy version of that same tune I loved to belt out when I was seven. As an adult, the lyrics have a different meaning for me, and I have found a deeper inspiration when I sing to my baby. My expanded light:
This little light of mine
My mission is to let it shine
This little light of mine
A new voice I will find
This little light of mine
God grant me courage to shine
I am light, I am brave, See me shine.
Won’t let apathy blow it out
Gonna work to make it shine
Not gonna let doubt shut it out
I trust in the Divine
Won’t let sadness snuff it out
Remember to let God shine
I am light, I am brave, See me shine.
As adults we move beyond the innocence of our childhood. Songs and ideas evolve with us. Considering all the hurt, indifference, poverty, and darkness that shadow our world, this children’s hymn seems all the more important to sing, teach, reflect on, and expand with.
Prayer Phrase
Let your heart be broken for a world in need. -Bryan Jeffrey Leech, \xc2\xa9 1976 Fred Bock Music Company, Community of Christ Sings 353
Spiritual Practice
Lament
Lament is an expression of our grief, sorrow, and sometimes confession to God amid the brokenness, injustice, and suffering of the human family. Lament is a major theme of the psalms and an invitation to “let our hearts be broken” as we humbly pray for awareness of right and restorative action. Spend time each day this month practicing the prayer of Lament.
Loving God, break my heart open to my own and others’ suffering because of injustice. Help me stay with what is real even when it is uncomfortable.
Forgiving God, grow in me an awareness of the ways that I consciously and unconsciously contribute to systems of violence, suffering, and injustice.
Healing God, open my eyes to invitations to relieve the physical and spiritual suffering of others.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
