When I was a Boy Scout, our troop went spelunking, and at one point, we gathered in a large “room” in the cave and turned off our flashlights. We were told this darkness was far darker than the darkest night on earth, but then our guide flicked on a cigarette lighter. That one little flame caused the massive amount of that powerful darkness to flee.
Why can’t I be that kind of light in the midst of such powerful darkness in our world? What can I do so that my light isn’t taken out by the darkness of terrorism?
Some people have just the right personality, gifts, and networks to make their message heard, but it seems to me so many of those messages are not realistic, viable solutions. They tend to cause polarization of fellow Americans more than actually saving lives.
As an ordinary person, what can I do that’s actually positive and actually works? Be a small light in the darkness that’s actually around you. How?
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A cigarette lighter isn’t going to bring light to a different room in a cave. Most likely, you are not in the same room as a terrorist on a daily basis, so you may not be able to influence terrorists directly. (Although, according to the butterfly effect, you just might indirectly.) You might, however, be around some people of different races, religions, and nationalities. Be a small light to the darkness of racism and stereotypes they experience; affirm that you still think they’re great people.
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Realize the consequences of words, no matter how true you believe them to be. Think before you speak. If you choose to speak, think how you will speak. What will bring about the best results? Does it show compassion to the innocent and stand up to the guilty? More importantly, will those that hear you clearly understand your intentions and your message?
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Work with people who are already being a light. Why repeat the hard work of starting something when someone else already has and you just simply join in and help?
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Don’t be surprised at tragic events. Be absolutely horrified, but don’t act like you never thought things like this would ever happen. Psychologist Daniel Levitin says we are best able to handle stressful situations when we are not thrown off-guard by them. Having that mental preparedness allows you to be a calm light to a chaotic darkness.
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Be creative! If you have some creative ideas that are effective, I’d like to know. Please leave a comment below with your idea to share with all of us…
The World Better 