Claim Your Light

Jesus taught them: “People do not light a lamp and put it under the basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people.” – Matthew 5:15 (NET) 

Recently I, a 35-year-old woman, made nine new friends. (Hold for applause—making friends in adulthood is hard!) 

Here’s how it happened: A woman posted on my local community page about starting a book club. Her invitation was explicit: she was looking for “cis-women, nonbinary, or trans-women with children” interested in reading fiction. She also mentioned that this book club would talk about the book for approximately ten minutes, before leaving it behind for juicier topics such as “racial equity, feminism, climate change, politics, and parenting.” 

I assume lots of people read her post and kept on scrolling, clear that this group was not for them. I, however, was sold. In just a short time, our little group has established deep friendship, sharing the highs and lows of life, adventuring with our kids, and benefiting from a village built on shared values and experiences. I attribute our chemistry to that first, clear invitation that took the time to unabashedly name what the group was all about. 

Sometimes when we feel shy about claiming who we are, the things we yearn for—intimacy, purpose, compatibility, safety—escape like heat out a wide-open door or fade like a lamp under a basket.  

It is tempting to try to be all things for all people. But perhaps we are called to put our specific candles on our specific lampstands instead. We may be amazed at what God can do with our precious, unique light.

Prayer
Holy One, let our light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to you. Amen.

About the Author
Rev. Kate Kennedy is a New Hampshire-based UCC pastor pursuing a career in family therapy.