Where The Light Shines Through | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Where The Light Shines Through

In the darkness, light still shines.

17
Where The Light Shines Through
Huffington Post

By this time, thousands upon thousands of opinion-filled articles have been published in light of the recent horrors that our ever-wandering country has faced. Different perspectives in different lights.

Switchfoot recently released a new album titled "Where the Light Shines Through," and it seems as though there has never been a timelier message to the world. This album exposes the reality of pain and sorrow but shares the hope and joy found through Christ, which is exactly what the world needs. The title track sings,

"The wound is where the light shines through…..Ain’t we all just Abraham’s son? Saint and sinner with the song and drum, and we're fallen on our knees, we all bleed the same. And the only tattoos I have are scars I got your name written on my heart and the story that brought us here ain't the thing that changed, no.”

Most people know the stories and the damage that have ensued the past few days. Death upon death upon death. Lives of innocent people have been lost to hatred, carelessness to the value of life and darkened hearts. Police officers that have willingly risked their lives every day to protect ours have now lost theirs because of a vengeful heart.

Why, oh why, must we be blind to the cause of these horror-filled events? This is not a social problem. This is not a gun policy problem. This is not a government problem. This is not a racial problem. This is purely a sin problem -- and the only solution is Jesus.

Hurting people, hurt people.

My broken heart asks earnestly how these gruesome, physical and emotional wounds that have swallowed these cities could be used for good. Honestly, there is nothing good about these unlawful shootings. But the Lord redeems and uses everything for good, even when the circumstances are not good. I know those words seem overstated and that they are the last things people want to hear.

People are changed by devastation. I have to believe that there is a reason for this pain. If nothing else, just to show the beauty of God’s unfailing love and affection, His character that is unprejudiced, or to show a moral standard of equality and mutual respect.

I cannot stand here and say I understand the pain and confusion of the wives, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons and friends. I don’t. To lose someone you love, especially to a shooter, would bring indescribable hurt. My condolences to the families of the injured and killed.

The community is where the light shines through. Forgiveness is where the light shines through. Compassion is where the light shines through. Laughter is where the light shines through. Newfound grace will become where the light shines through. Love and burdens shared is where the light shines through. Christ is where the light shines through.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

252
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

1013
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3751
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17868
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments