Embrace Your Inner Light: Shining Beyond Expectations

Recently, I observed a young mother scolding her child, telling him, “you need to be a good boy.” Oh, I can't count how many times I heard similar well-intentioned reprimands during my own childhood. However, regardless of the good intentions behind such words, they can cause harm by instilling a sense of inadequacy. If you've been feeling like you're not measuring up lately, this may arise from childhood experiences, and today’s message is for you. 

Nearly every book on healing addresses childhood trauma, regardless of how selfless or loving one's parents were. If you're reading today's blog post, it's likely that you also carry some unresolved pain, possibly stemming from errors made by your parents or authority figures, such as teachers.

How can we be healed from childhood trauma through compassionate parenting of Jesus? Jesus adopted a different approach to raising his followers. Despite them being adults, he taught them to embody the qualities of children and used stories to impart significant truths. Revealing his identity and that of his followers was a crucial aspect of that.

His approach was interesting in raising a new generation of students who will inspire others to lead lives guided by sacrificial love and purpose. By uncovering the identity of who Jesus is, He was simultaneously revealing the nature of His Father, God. Interestingly, whatever aspect of His character and identity He disclosed to His disciples, He encouraged them to explore and embrace that same identity within themselves. We are invited on the same journey of discovery, today, realizing that the Father created us all in His likeness and image. 

At times, Jesus used metaphors to convey spiritual truths about human nature. In Matthew 5:14-16, he remarked, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be concealed. People do not light a lamp and place it under a bowl. Instead, they set it on a stand, providing light to everyone in the house. Similarly, let your light shine before others, so they may witness your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Light symbolizes awareness or understanding of truth. Let me illustrate with an example from the Bible, where it is revealed that stealing is wrong. Someone who embraces this truth and lives by it stands out in a world where theft occurs. Regardless of whether they are Christian or not, a person who embodies the principle of not stealing shines in the world simply by living according to this revealed truth. 

What is Jesus primarily doing? He is unveiling his identity, the identity of God the Father, and our own identity, rather than instructing us with rules like "do this" or "don't do that." The essence of Godly character radiates in the darkness. Light does not need to speak; it simply exists as light. Jesus is inviting us not to conceal that light, but to let it be seen by others, so that it can achieve its purpose of bringing light into the darkness.

In this passage, Jesus is revealing another aspect of their identity, which includes the act of speaking. However, that subject will be explored in a different blog post. 

You are shining beyond expectations, you are just not aware of it!

At this moment, I invite you to close your eyes, take a pause, and allow this truth to resonate deeply within you: You are a radiant light... You don't need to measure up to anyone's expectations. Let this truth saturate your unfolding emotions and thoughts. You are a LIGHT! Carry this truth with you throughout your day.

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].” James 1:17