Can Darkness extinguish Light?

Last summer, I had the chance to visit the Holocaust Museum in Michigan, USA.  I was taken back by an inspiring quote written on the wall where there were many antique steam engines: “The first greatest important thing is to have love of God in the heart and the second most important thing is to have electricity in the house!”  I felt strange and it got me thinking. My thoughts took me back in time, after we constructed our new house. We did not have electricity for almost three years. In those years, I experienced darkness and the importance of light.

Darkness and Light

The word “light” does not need any detailed definition or explanation because it is clear even to a child. Light represents positivity, creativity, encouragement and is attractive. I remember a quote by a saint “All the darkness of the world cannot extinguish the light of a candle.”  Similarly, the positive and creative elements in our lives, cannot be damaged by any darkness of the world. Darkness simply is the absence of light.

Guests: Bring light or darkness?

When I was younger, I was told about two types of happiness when visitors came home. The first kind of people bring in a lot of warmth and happiness so much so that we miss them when they bid farewell. Time spent with them seems to pass away too quickly.

The second kind of people are the people we are happy to see go away. Their talks do not kindle any joy or happiness in our families and they bring unrest by their presence.

Makes me think: what kind of people are we? How many people wait for our presence to create light in their lives? Or do we create darkness by our presence?

Appearance: Light or Dark?

Everyone attires himself or herself based on his or her personal choice. Some follow the latest trends and fashion whereas some wear uniforms based on duty calls. Yet others base it on comfort. This varied approach got me thinking.

For example, let us take religious individuals. We have seen a lot of them with their tunics, long beards, beads, etc. all of which depict that they are religious and the mere appearance of the outfit makes us retreat. In addition, they carry themselves with a lot of ritualistic grandeur. Overall, people think twice before they share their problems with them. Eventually, their prime duty of being accessible and to give a listening ear is forgotten.

However, a few who may not always wear their priestly attire, but are ready to listen to others.

Do we care to think if our attire make others approachable so we can enlighten them? Or does our clothing make the other person retract into darkness?

Politicians: Bring light or darkness

A lamp that is lit and put under the bed or under a basket would extinguish the light. Our society is filled with many young people and leaders doing this exact thing of shunning the light. During elections, they declare from their hearts that they live for the people. Many of them make promises: better roads, proper water supply, electricity, and sanitation, all to better the lives of the people. Once elections are over and governance begins their words are hidden under the bed of deceit. And, the very people who voted for them are forgotten because satisfying their inevitable hunger takes priority.

As opposed to our new leaders, the world history had so many strong figures who fought for their people until death. In these figures, we see the real light they ignited for the people they governed or led. I remember a cartoon where two persons – one a politician and the other a prostitute are having dialogue.  When the politician said, “I am a politician and honest”, she retorted, “I am a prostitute and a virgin.”

Don’t our leaders extinguish the light within them by being dishonest? Or can we be honest and spread light around us?

Helping: Brings light or darkness

I recall a story at a train station; three young men were rushing to get into the train. As they were running to catch the train, one of them mistakenly scattered away the cherries being sold by a boy near the platform. After a while, out of curiosity, he turned back to see the situation of the boy.

He saw the boy struggling to search for the cherries. It baffled him to realize that the boy was blind. Out of guilt, he came to help the boy. When the boy realized that someone was helping him, he grabbed his hand and asked him, “You must be God, I have heard that God comes to us when in need of assistance.” The young man with tear-filled eyes stood speechless. The thoughtful act of acceptance and correction brought light to the blind boy. Being ignorant and going away would have continued the darkness in his life.

We all have different experiences of these kinds, which may teach us enriching lessons in our lives. One must be the beacon of light in someone’s life rather than harbingers of darkness.