There's a song that we used to sing in the church when I was a child. The title was "This little light of mine". The lyrics said, this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. All around the neighborhood I'm going to let it shine, hide it under a bush oh no, I'm going to let it shine. Don't let Satan blow it out, I'm going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
The song is so powerful because it implies that you have something valuable to the world that needs to be shared. The song itself was created for children, however, it was often used during the Civil Rights movement at a time when we had to acknowledge that no person, purpose, or contribution to change and our world was to small to make a difference. If we take it a step further we can identify with the words of this song today and how the words of the song correlate with our purpose in life.
Bear with me for a moment while I break down the song. It opens by talking about a light. Although as simple as it may seem, some people are searching and wondering how this applies to their life. Your light is you individuality, it's whom God created you to be, it's Gods purpose for your creation. It's easy to be confused in a world of social media influencers, the internet, our family at times and so many other outside identifiers that often times shape our identity. Your light is something that you may hide, that you keep on the inside because of the perception of how others may accept it. You light can actually sometimes lead to insecurity, because it looks different.
There is a scripture in Matthew 5:14-16 that reads “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. So when the songs says "all around the neighborhood, l'm going to let it shine, it's saying "Light doesn’t define its surroundings. Light illuminates its surroundings". So why then would we hide the very thing that illuminates everything around us.
There are people that discover their own path because of the light that you shine. Some discover their true potential because they witnessed you shinning in dark situations. They saw you praying when things seems dim. They say you staying consistent in your faith and standing firm even in situations that seemed impossible. Your light is meant to shine because collectively when we shine together we illuminate the world.
Your light is needed in the world so much so that Satan or the enemy will try to distract you from your calling and purpose. He will try to get you so confused about your identity that you will try to hide the very thing that God has given you to reveal. So the song says "don't let Satan blow it out, I'm going to let it shine. I encourage you to embrace this song and its meaning. Shine your light so bright that others cant help but see who God created you to become. As difficult as it is at times to fall into normalcy and comparison, God created you to stand out.
He created you unique; remember no two flames are the same. So whether you were created to be a Boss or a Janitor, a Mother or a Mentor, a Soloist or a back up singer, a Pastor or an Usher, a Teacher or an Aide, embrace the path and light God designed specifically for you. Always remember that a thousand candles can be lit by one flame. This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
