light

most days i wake up with a song in my head. i believe the correct term is an earworm. it's not unusual for it to be a song i have not heard or thought about in quite some time. this morning was no exception and my earworm should be familiar to many churchgoers in the early 90's...

"Lord the light of your love is shining,

in the midst of the darkness shining.

Jesus, Light of the world shine upon us.

set us free by the truth you now bring us.

shine on me

*clap clap*

*clap clap*"

after my performance shower, i went downstairs and watched one of the morning news shows. i happened to catch coverage of iran and saw pictures and videos of the protests and riots taking place over there now. images of the massive crowds and the violence that has ensued. vidoes of people being beaten and shot at, and of the wounded, bleeding and disfigured. up until this point, i had only skimmed read headlines and heard discussion about the way social media sites like twitter have been at the forefront of keeping the world informed about what is happening. as i was finally confronted with these scenes, tears started forming in my eyes. i felt a little hopelessness and a little helplessness. yes, people are standing up against injustice and fighting for what is important to them, which i believe to be admirable traits. but the thing that got to me the most was just seeing what we humans will do to each other; the violence that we inflict on one another and the hurt and pain that we cause. and here i sit on the other side of the world at a loss as to what my response to this should be. it was only after i got to work and got some coffee in me that it came together that the song in my head this morning was an answer to the questions i was left with after the news on iran. the events taking place over there are filled with darkness. but He is light. "flow river flow flood the nations with grace and mercy send forth Your Word, Lord, and let there be Light" Jesus is the Word. He is the light of the world. He is the answer. and as to what my response should be? to pray for grace and mercy to be poured out upon the nations. to pray for Light.