The Truth Is…

What do you say to people who are hurting? Who are in pain and heavy with grief? To people who are disappointed, devastated, sad? Those who are confused, numb, and mad?

You tell them the truth. You tell them that yes, darkness is heavy and present.

But, that light and hope are just as present too.

You tell them that hope can be found in getting some fresh air. In a hot cup of coffee. In a heartfelt prayer. That hope is found in the sun that continues to rise. It’s in the moon and the stars above in our sky.

Hope is found when we put our phones down and breathe. When we kiss our children. When we call a dear friend. When we understand the joy and privilege of singing happy birthday once again.

Hope is found in a meal around a table. When we realize that despite what we may think, we all have the same deep wants, desires, and basic needs. Hope can be found even in the midst of our undeniable devastation and grief.

Hope can be seen in the small but mighty mustard seed we carry that keeps fighting to believe that, in spite of today, goodness will always have the final say.

So, while still holding room for the heaviness and pain, today I choose to step into the tension — fighting to find the good, to find the hope, giving space once again, to let the light win.