Dericka Canada Cunningham, GBW Founder
July 1, 2024
This Week's Anchor
“…because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us
from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Luke 1:78-79 (NIV)
In the words of Roy Ayers, “Everybody loves the sunshine”. It’s one of my favorite songs. I especially love listening to it in the New England months of June and July when the song feels just right for the season. But it’s hard to find the light amid the pervasive darkness our world continues to endure. While Roy Ayers’ song echoes sentiments of summertime and the joy of the sunlight, for those of us connected to another Source, we have the Son (of God, Jesus) at the center of our lives lighting our way despite the evil and darkness surrounding us. In times like this, we can find a light within us through connecting with the Holy Trinity. Not only can this little light within us shine outwardly to the world, but it can also provide us with the ray of warmth needed to carry on.
Our anchor scripture this week reminds us of this. Nestled in a song of praise declared by Zechariah following a divinely meaningful moment in his life, this verse illustrates the mercy and peace we can receive despite our world of gloom when God’s light radiates within our lives. Throughout the Bible, the gifted life and presence of Jesus is described in relation to light:
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12 NIV)
“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:4-5 NIV)
“Then Jesus told them, ‘You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.’ When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.” (John 12:35-36)
“I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (John 12:46 NIV)
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV)
“ The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” (Revelation 21:23 NIV)
Not only is the imagery of light directly expressed in connection with Jesus but there are countless moments and stories in the Bible where the light of the Holy Trinity is beautifully illustrated. From the development of our world to the miracles that Jesus performed to the creative and extraordinary ways that the Holy Trinity spoke wisdom to and through individuals—the strength, hope, and joy offered by being connected to this powerful Source is evident and unparalleled. Like these powerful moments in the Bible, we have our own stories where God’s light has been affirmed in our lives. Nevertheless, the sense of impending fear and relentless grief from what feels like never-ending tragedies across the globe can, understandably, make it challenging to connect with our source of light. Considering all that we are facing, we need the joy and encouragement of eternal light now more than ever. Here are a few ways we can embrace the Sonshine in our lives:
Challenge our autopilot mode—It’s easy to get stuck in a routine and lose the meaning of experiences due to disconnection and/or distraction. Each moment in our lives provides us with an opportunity to be mindfully present. When we are present, moments feel more purposeful, and we are more likely to connect with a sense of enjoyment. I recently visited one of my good friends on a trip to Chicago. It is usually my norm to take as many photos as possible. However, as I reconnected with dear friends with whom I hadn’t spent time like this in years, I decided I didn’t want the distraction of my phone. I wanted to be fully present (pre-cell phone days style) so, my phone remained in my handbag most of the time. I ended the trip with just a few photos capturing the experience; however, I left with much more—tender memories I can hold in my heart forever. Pausing and making decisions like this is sometimes necessary to fully experience the goodness of our lives (especially when there is an abundance of not-so-goodness surrounding us). Whether it’s reconnecting with friends, having a conversation with a co-worker, or enjoying a meal as a family, make it your intention to eliminate distractions and be as fully present as possible.
Engage in consistent conversation and connection with the Holy Trinity—When I was a young girl, there was a song the deacons in my church loved to sing, “Have a little talk with Jesus, tell Him all about our troubles, He will hear our faintest cry, and He will answer by and by. When you feel a little prayer wheel turning. You will know a little fire is burning. Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right.” One word that always stands out to me in this song is “little”. It’s a great reminder that even the simplest conversation with Jesus can shed light on our lives. Although some conversations with the Holy Trinity will be longer and stronger, they don’t all have to be. In full transparency, when I feel exhausted from the cares and concerns of this world, it can be difficult to generate the energy for hours-long prayers. I’ve sometimes noticed myself avoiding prayer due to the pressure I sometimes feel to pray long and strong. But over the years I’ve realized that it’s consistency that matters—quality over quantity. God would much rather we have a heartfelt sincere 10-minute conversation with Him on your commute to work than no conversation at all. Like the favorite song of my church’s deacons, we must remember there is much to be gained from connecting with God in conversation and prayer, and through reading/meditating on the Word. Talking with Jesus can truly make things right.
Meaningfully connect with others more—When we are in tough seasons or navigating collective tragedies/concerns that are difficult to process, a default coping strategy for some of us can be to withdraw and isolate. While solitude can be useful, when pushed to the extreme of isolation it can be more harmful than helpful. When we feel ourselves isolating in ways that don’t feel restorative or useful, we can challenge ourselves to do the opposite of how we feel in the moment and make connections when and where possible. We can consider these questions to guide us: Is there anyone you’ve been thinking about that you haven’t reached out to but should? Are there individuals that you could connect with for a simple lunch date, coffee break, or stroll in the neighborhood/park?
Find ways to connect with a deeper purpose in our lives—If you find yourself feeling (validly) angry and upset about the recent and ongoing acts of violence and political disappointment, explore ways that you can advocate. Look for opportunities to volunteer and/or donate to important causes. Consider a passion or calling that’s been left on the backburner that can be brought to the forefront and prioritized to reach a particular community. Connecting with advocacy and empowering others is known to help us on our healing journeys, and no person is too young or old to empower.
Have fun—When possible, we can connect with radical joy even if it’s simple and fleeting. We need not feel guilty for experiencing joy during darkness because experiencing complex combinations of emotions is a natural part of life. Life is a beautiful chaotic mess, and we can feel and embrace happiness, sadness, joy, and grief collectively and simultaneously. Think about what makes you laugh and do that. Recall who makes you smile and connect with them. Consider what places bring you peace and joy and go there. Remember what food brings you comfort and enjoy it (so long as your body and doctor agree).
So, as we enter this week, let us put one step in front of the other as we continue to sustain ourselves through these times, finding ways we can connect with the Divine light in our lives!
Reflection
What is resonating for you about this scripture and/or this devotion?
What do you need from the Holy Trinity to give you hope and encouragement in this season?
What intention(s) do you want to set to connect and/or reconnect with being grounded this week?
Related Scriptures to Ground You Through this Week
Job 33:28-30
Psalm 43:3-4
Isaiah 60:1-3
Hosea 6:1-3
John 1:1-9; 8:12; 12:44-46
2 Peter 1:19
My Through-the-Week Reflection Guide
A Song of Inspiration
Quote of Love & Liberation
“Helped are those who are content to be themselves;
they will never lack mystery in their lives and the joys of self-discovery will be constant.”
Alice Walker
I appreciate your devotion on the SONshine! It is a reminder of the Light that is always present with us and to stay connected with the Trinity! I just found your website and I will share with others. It is a blessing for us BIWOC. Peace & Blessings to you!