There have been times in my life when I was so traumatized that I didn't know which way was up or down, left or right, back or forward. But throughout this time, a gentle voice kept talking to me, kept saying, walk towards the light. There were days when I felt like I couldn't walk. And the voice would say, that's okay, just move toward the light. There were days when I felt like I couldn't even move. And that voice would say, that's okay, just look toward the light. During those times-- and we all experienced them, I became extremely sensitive to who and what was drawing me toward the light, and who and what was drawing me deeper into the darkness. And it wasn't just other people.

These are the types of things that draw me into the darkness. Worry, fear, procrastination, self-destructive behavior, ruminating on the past, obsessing about the future, negative self-talk, and toxic people. These are the types of things that draw me into the light. Prayer, reflection, meditation, reading, work, long walks in quiet places, authentic love of self, acceptance of others, being loved, and accepted by others. Friends, who want what is best for me, regardless of what it costs them. And being that kind of a friend to other people. What do you do when life doesn't turn out as expected? What do you do when you find yourself beat up and abandoned in one of life's dark alleys? What do you do when you have been blindsided by betrayal? Walk toward the light. There are times when we cannot distinguish between the path forward and the path backward. We have become emotionally and spiritually disoriented. At those times of debilitating disorientation, be still, catch your breath. If you sense it is time to move along, but still cannot discern what path to take, just move toward the light. Find your own way, there is no one path or recipe for everyone. You have unique hopes, unique dreams, fears, ambitions, talents, and unique needs. God will use all of these to call you along your own unique path, but always toward the light. If you're not sure where you are, or what direction you should be going, move toward the light. The light. The light always leads us forward.