When you were growing up did you ever sing the song, “This Little Light of Mine”? Sometimes I catch myself singing it as an adult, even though I can’t remember all the versus. It is an “inspiring song”. I associate “light” with warmth, peace, comfort, vision, safety and having a voice. I believe the Lord is the creator of the light and He is my Beacon.
References to “light” in scripture.
“Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” ~ John 8:12
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” ~ John 1:5
“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.” ~ Matthew 5:16
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” ~ Ephesians 5:8
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” ~ 1 John 1:7
Whet we turn to “The light” in times of joy and celebration, personal struggles or loneliness, or when we feel vulnerable from unexpected loss; we can find comfort, vision and peace. This comes to us in music, touch, prayer, meditation- if we let the “light” lead us away from darkness.
https://youtu.be/GQTv8EP_Vm0 Sam Cookes’ rendition of the gospel song, the genera of the Blues
Knowing the history of a song can bring even more meaning to it and how it might touch your heart. There were several amazing music videos of “Be Thou My Vision”, it was difficult to pick just one to post.
This song was first translated in 1912, as an Irish Hym. Story has it that it is a song from Midievil Celtic Christianity and that it was written by an Irish Saint, who later went blind.
https://youtu.be/dXDhCEnM-bQ A beautiful music video with lyrics that lift you up. Sung by Audrey Assad
Be Thou My Vision Lyrics
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art –
thou my best thought, by day or by night;
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father; thine own may I be,
thou in me dwelling and I one with thee.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;
thou mine inheritance, now and always;
thou and thou only first in my heart,
high King of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
Songwriters Saint Dallan
Published by Public Domain
Faith
We do have a lot of darkness in the world right now. I think, as a society, we talk about it too much. It gives it power- a cold, empty space. We have even more light, we must look at it, feel it and be it…. for one another. You know what I am talking about, when you walk in a room and some special person lights it all up. People are drawn to light. If we all carry that light in our heart and soul, we will generate so much warmth and joy, that there won’t be room for darkness.
These are just my thoughts. My hope is God will use me and all of you, to unite. Take the journey with hope, laughter, tears and the whisper of the Holy Spirit, touching so many. Thank you for sharing in my thoughts and story. I am so blessed; great things have come from my external and internal pain and scars.
Eternally Optimism, Eternal Faith
