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I can recall many childhood fears related to being in the dark or what happens when it's dark.
I recently listened to a podcast interview with Barbara and was moved by her words from her book, "Learning to Walk in the Dark". She reflects on her experience and says, "I have learned things in the dark that I could never have learned in the light. Things that have saved my life over and over again. So that there is really only one logical conclusion. I need darkness as much as I need light."
As I reflected on the meaning of today, September 11 and all the memories that come flooding back of that day in 2001, this quote struck me in a different way. Often on this day we take time to remember the tragedy and where we were when it happened. Keeping Barbara's words in mind today as I do that, I also realize how much I have learned in those dark days surrounding September 11 and since then.
What can we learn about the ways of God when we cannot see the way ahead, are lost, alone, frightened, not in control or when the world around us seems to have descended into darkness? What carries you through to the times in the light?
As you reflect today, I invite you to consider these words from Barbara, Dr. King, and the Apostle Paul.
"God is more present to our vulnerable, open night-time selves than to our pre-occupied daylight selves."
-Barbara Brown Taylor
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
2 Corinthians 4:6, "For God who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness' has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God is seen in the face of Jesus Christ."
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