Light in the Darkness

2018 is almost at a close and now marks a time when we look back at what our year was and ahead to the coming year. Maybe the year did not quite turn out as we had planned on News Years, or maybe it was even better than the resolutions made; both the triumphs and the trials made our year what it was. Despite what hurdles were before us, we made it.  It does not matter if we energetically jumped over, barely climbed or even squeeze our way under, passing them is what counts and worth celebrating.  2018 should not be seen as a year of failure, should have or could have. It should be regarded as the year of training. The year we were on probation getting ready to permanently secure our post. The year we had to go through some strength training so we would be strong enough to manage the weight of the victory that is ahead.  The year God had us doing some spring cleaning and making room for new blessings. Whatever 2018 was like, having regrets at this point can't and w...

It's official Light in the Darkness is now a year old. I remember starting this blog last year not knowing what I was really getting into nor how I would keep it alive. However, God's grace have maintained this blog and now it is officially 1 year of light shining in this dark world through spirit lead inspirational articles. It was a slow fourth quarter with not as many articles but it's a year worth celebrating. I am happy for all the support over the year and is looking forward to another blessed year of God's words pouring through my writings. For many years I asked myself what am I good at that I do seamlessly and with a passion; I now realize that I write. I have been blessed with the ability to express thoughts in a way that appeal to others and the ability to share my life experiences with others giving God due glory and making a difference in the lives of those fortunate to read my articles. I am thankful I have such a platform, despite it may actually repres...

I know it has been a while since I have updated the blog. However it's never easy keeping an updated blog that is completely dependent on a word from God. While God is always speaking to us the truth is we are not always listening or in a position to hear him. Nevertheless when he does speak and we do hear, we know it's a word with power.  This morning I recalled a lesson covered by my pastor in one of our bible study sessions addressing our heart conditions. What would be your response if you were asked what is the condition of your heart? Medically we would look at the chambers of the heart, the valves and other areas, assessing the presence or absence of diseases; however that would not be the response fitting for this instance. As children of God what exactly are the conditions of our hearts. Are our hearts right with God? Many times we focus on the big deeds but ignore the small things (or so we think) and not realize that these micro areas are enough to lock us out ...

Have you ever stopped in awe of the beauty of the r a i n b o w ? The rainbow is quite a picturesque and little children love to see a rainbow. As children of God we too should be in awe of the rainbow not just for the array of colors that splash across the sky but also for the beauty in its meaning and the love God has for us. As we know, the rainbow comes after we have had the rains and this is the tricky part about this magnificent sight. The saying goes "in order for the rainbow then we must endure the rains". Many times we find ourselves in a storm and while we are in that storm the only thing we can actually see are the actions of the storm and the devastation it is causing around us. Unfortunately, we are in a storm so long at times that we don't even remember there is a rainbow at the end of it all. We don't even think about the fact that no matter how long the storm rage it must cease at some point. More often we hear people asking when will this stor...

In Matthew 7:7-8 we are told to ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find, for everyone that asketh receiveth and he that seeketh findeth. Children are known to ask continuously of their parents whatever it is that they desire until they receive it. Be it that birthday or Christmas gift, that extra allowance, you name it but they will ask even to the point of nagging until it is granted. Well it should be the same with our Heavenly Father as he has already given us permission to ask of him.  1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing and we know that it is through prayer that we communicate with our Father in heaven therefore we can almost interpret the scripture to mean we are to never stop asking of God what it is that we desire. While not everything that we ask of God will be granted but instead those things that are in alignment with his will he hears us and will give in his perfect timing (1 John 5:14). To have a true relationship with God we must first...

Have you ever thought about how several Bible stories ended surprisingly different from what we would have imagined all because of the presence of God?  We all know the story of Daniel in the lion's den and in reality we can see how that should have ended but not how it actually did. Now you have a man out of jealousy and hatred plotted against and thrown in the lion's den. Amazingly, we know lion's to be fierce carnivorous creatures but they could not eat Daniel as an angel of the Lord shut their mouths (Daniel 6:22). Second story is of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego three Jewish boys who were tossed in the fiery furnace again out of jealousy. Nevertheless, they were delivered by God despite the furnace being seven times hotter than usual. It was so hot it consumed the soldiers that took them to it. When King Nebuchadnezzar looked in the furnace he was surprised to see not just three men but instead four men unharmed in the furnace (Daniel 3:25). The enemy is alw...

How many times have we heard someone being asked to pray respond by saying they do not know how to pray or what to say? It can be nerve-racking to pray in public as oftentimes we simple don't know what to say in prayer when we are overwhelmed, anxious or feel like all hope is gone. However, all that is required of us is for us to say thank you. We don't know what God has in store for us and we definitely don't know the lengths He goes to ensure we are kept each day. We may not have it all or have it at all as we often feel but we sure have life and that is reason enough to say thank you. This morning as I travelled the streets in the wee hours of the morning to respond to an emergency call out, we had to deviate from the usual route on the highway as there had been an accident. This was separate and apart from the emergency I was responding to which in fact was another motor vehicle accident. While coming back, I was chatting with my husband telling him how blessed we a...

If you went to the movies  to see the latest release but halfway through the movie you decided you didn't like the direction of the script and left, would you have gained anything? Could you rightly say how the movie went? Would you have the right to determine if it was a good movie or not? Frankly no!! You cannot watch the movie halfway through and make conclusions based on such. Yes, you may make predictions which turn out to be true, however that does not change the fact that your predictions could go either way. Similarly, many times in our Christian journey we are hard pressed with situations that make us think we should bail before the end.  Over the last few weeks I have been faced with a number of challenges that caused me to hold strong to my faith lest I fall. It seemed asif all that could go wrong had gone wrong or would go wrong. Unsettling drama on the job, family issues, personal struggles and the list continues. However, through it all I have decided that m...

I have learnt that it matters not where you are from or who you hang with, you will experience some pain and disappointment in life. Not everyone will cheer you on or speak words of encouragement over you. The enemy will always seek to bring opposition to your purpose. He will gather as many to throw dirt on you. However, when you know that you know God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6) you will have faith that he will bring you through.  Joseph should have been fairly safe in his brothers company as one of the youngest. It's only natural that older siblings look after the younger ones. Unfortunately, this was the opposite for Joseph. He had a purpose and the enemy was trying to kill that purpose so he planted a spirit of jealousy in Joseph's brothers toward him. The story of Joseph and his brothers is known to almost every Sunday school child and is found in Genesis 37:1-36 and onward. There is so much to learn from Joseph's experience and ...

So it's Easter and of course there are Easter eggs and bunnies and all the chocolate the world has to give. It is indeed quite similar to Christmas where Santa tries to rain on the parade and many are sidetracked in the shopping, food and gifts. However, for believers Easter is not just another holiday to be merry but one of the most observed and sacred time when we reflect and bask in the glory of Jesus resurrection. The birth of Jesus is one of the greatest gift God gave men yet Easter which marks Jesus crucifixion and resurrection is the greatest of all.  Many years ago the Son of God became the Son of Man as he took on flesh and walked this earth with one aim and that was to redeem us from our sins, the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).  The word of God tells us that it was amazing love when God gave us His only begotten son that we who believe may have eternal life (John 3:16).  It was this unprecedented love why Jesus endured torment and was crucified in...

Have you ever helped someone and found that later on that person completely forgot what you did for them despite the magnitude of the deed? How did that make you feel? Did it make you feel used, betrayed or even unappreciated? Well I sometimes wonder how God feels when we behave similarly and completely forget what he has done for us. Luckily, God tells us in his words that his thoughts are nothing like ours so therefore we can always expect only the best from him including his forgiveness ( Isaiah 55:8). Over last week I had to get a wake up call after I found myself doubting God, putting a limit on the great king. It's not like I don't know who God is, however I realize that by deciding what problems I would present to him was actually putting a limit on what he can do and indeed does not reflect the actions of someone who truly knows him(John 10:14). It was never my intention to limit God but unknowingly what I was doing reflected just that. My thoughts were just center...

Today many people rely on family ties and connections to get by. It may be a manager in the bank, the doctor at a hospital, the receptionist at the insurance office, the superintendent at a police station and the list could go on and on. At the mention of some names automatically you are attended to or even given a free service. Many young graduates may even land themselves jobs simply based on the who you know policy. However, as Christians have we really thought about the advantages of this who you know scheme?  I can tell you of many instances where this who you know scheme worked and worked well. After graduating from University and completing my internship I was out of a job. The company I did my internship did not have any vacancy at the time and could have only extended my internship by a short period but not hire me permanently.  Therefore, like many of my fellow peers I was left home with a degree but no job. I started volunteering my time at a community basic sc...

Is there anyone who adores the beach as much as I do? I simply love the beach, the smell, the sand, the picture perfect scenery, I just love the beach. Living on an island is basically a give away as to why one would spend so much time at the beach or have such a strong liking for it. The beach is my idea of a get away. It gives me the opportunity to relax and clear my head and refuel for my next task.  I often like to get in the water and close my eyes while the waves splash about me. I am however very careful to not wander out too far as can often be the case if not extremely cautious. As I thought of this analogy, I am forced to think of my walk with Christ.  How many times are we drifting away from God, away from safe waters out in the deep and yet knowingly allow it? I can't say exactly why people lose hope in God and give up on what they loved so much. Yes we could all blame the devil and sin and the list goes on but as adults I honestly believe the first rule of be...

Having a Christian blog is not a walk in the park. After all, how many are truly interested in hearing about the wonders of God when it's much more enticing to read the local gossip column? And for those who should care, there are thousands of blogs to choose from, so how do I go about maintaining my readers interest? Well I simply write from my heart and from guidance of the holy spirit as I am forced to see my daily activities and experiences through my spiritual eyes. I find that when God leads, writing becomes easy. I know this fact also from writing poems that when God lays it on my heart my poetry flows and connects strongly without much effort. The guide of the holy spirit is still relevant in today's world despite what we are forced to think. Many times we find ourselves in uncomfortable places and despite all our efforts things seem rather impossible. Simple task becomes burdensome and what should be an easy thing becomes our biggest nightmare. When we live a life w...

Working in the medical field can be very rewarding not just financially but psychologically and have the ability to break you or make you. How you choose to view each day and the situations that are presented will decide your outcome. It can be depressing at times when you see the many people that are sick, some terminally ill.  Who will show up with what disease is just unbelievable as there are no age restrictions, racial barriers, religious orientation or gender that decides. The rich gets sick and so too the poor. It is this observation that has increased my willingness to enjoy life and be thankful for each new day.  If you have ever been sick, which is 99% likely you have, then you will know that the pain sickness brings can be excruciating. We all deal with illnesses differently as each person's pain threshold is different. Additionally, our mental strength varies and this affects how we see our sicknesses. Being in the medical field has brought me great joy to mee...

Yesterday I had to visit the bank. Now, for those who know me well will know this is not the sort of trip I anticipate. I simply dislike having to go there and wait in the long lines that somehow seem to be a permanent structure of these facilities. I therefore take pleasure in utilising online banking services as much as possible or automated banking when there is an option. Nevertheless, to say the least I had to go in bank yesterday and join the queue.  As I got in the bank I released a heavy sigh as confirmation of how I dreaded having to go and wait. I quickly got in line and waited. As I was in the line, like almost everytime the Lord reminded me of what He showed me so many other times about the wait. I am not certain if it's the quietness of the bank why He never ceases to show me this whenever I queue up in the bank. However, as I was there and the lines slowly progressed, I heard him say wait, you are next in line. The truth of it is that I somehow was trying to thin...

So we are officially at the end of 2017. In fact, in 2 days and a few hours we will be in a new year. As the year comes to a close, many reflect on the year and plan ahead for the future. For some, 2017 was a cruel year taking lives, homes, jobs and health among other things. However, with a new year approaching, it signifies new hopes, dreams and aspirations. 2018 has the potential to be your best year or your worst year with a tight 50/50 chance on either side. How your year turns out is ultimately in your hands. My question is, will you let your hardened heart say yes to God for 2018?  Saying yes to God does not mean you will have a magical year. It does not mean you will have a sick free year. It does not signify you will get the house or car you hope to acquire. Neither does it mean you will get that sought-after job or position you desire. Saying Yes to God means you recognize your limited ability and is willing to submit to a higher power in whom ALL things are possib...

With all the dazzling lights and beautifully wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree it's easy to get lost in the true meaning of what this holiday season represents. The noise from all the family gathered together, the sweet aroma of the many meats we have on the grill and the alcohol loaded on the wine racks may all distract us but I dare to remind you that Jesus is the reason for the season.  Friends let us take some time from the hustle and bustle of the festivities and reflect on what Christmas is all about.  Christmas is the time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Many argue about the accuracy of the time but honestly that is insignificant, what is important is that he was conceived by the power of the holy ghost and was born of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1: 18-25; Luke 1:26-38). We celebrate Jesus today not as a baby in a manager anymore, but as Jesus the grown man that died for our sins, was buried and who has risen; Jesus the ...

It is Christmas! My favorite time of the year and not for the commercialized aspect of it but because it is the time of the year when family make deliberate effort to spend time together. More importantly, it's the time of the year whether accurate or not when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and what His coming has done for mankind.  Therefore as another year comes to a close I think about all I have achieved for this year, as well as those plans I fell short of making a reality this time around. My reflection entails all my trials and triumphs, all the nays sayers that had their own ideas of how I would progress for this year but most importantly what I withstand with Christ in my vessel. While my year wasn't always on a high note I must admit that the things that worried me occasionally throughout the year don't even matter today. The beauty of time is that it heals. We often worry about today but if we live to see tomorrow we would see th...

 I was on my way home one evening from work. It was a long day that presented many challenges and I was rather exhausted and just wanted to get home in the shortest possible time. Unlike most days I would have patiently waited for a bus with empty seats, on that particularly evening  my body would not allow for that when I just wanted to get home and retire for the day.  Therefore, the first bus that came that was traveling on my route I gladly boarded, despite there wasn't much room to even stand. I figured with the day's earlier weather and the forecast that was out for the evening many others were eager to get home too.  We were all crammed in the bus, squished like sardines in a can which was quite the norm from time to time in some Caribbean Islands. I was standing closer to the front of the bus as it was already jam packed by the time I had boarded. A young lady was standing beside me in the bus with her cellphone in her hand. She had one hand holding the rail...