Ignite Change

Finding hope and light in a chaotic and scary world can be difficult. Making time to center ourselves, to go inward to what we know and believe, is so important. Sometimes a personal pep talk is needed, to pull us out of our fear and emotions, and to help us refocus on the light that connects all of us.

The transition from the slow, easy days of Summer into the bustle of Fall, brings with it both overwhelm and anticipation. Finding a few minutes in our day to sit in silence, to be still, helps us stay rooted in our being. It allows us be open and present to the new possibilities that the "changing light" offers us.

Music can speak to our hearts and bring celebration and light to the world. This blog post speaks of a beautiful song "Tu rayonnes" by Anisha Jo, part of Manie Musicale, a global celebration of French music. It speaks of how each of us shine our lights for others in the ordinariness of our days, that we can forgive and heal just by being present, that we choose to love and to find joy in the ordinary.

Today I choose to be light in the world. This blog post (or maybe personal mantra!) focuses on our gifts of faith and choice. We have faith in a loving Creator and in the power of love and light around us. We have the ability to choose each day, how we will be in the world around us? Will we despair and give in to the darkness? Or will we remain steadfast in sharing our light and love with the world around us? I wish you light and love for today.

This article focuses on our trans youth and the renewed struggles they and their families face in light of new physical and mental health policies being put in place by the Alberta government. We, the community of loving and supportive light, stand with them against these policies. We wish and pray that they receive the supports that they need to be who they are meant to be, to be able to "stand in the light and be seen as they are".

Life offers us many opportunities to reconnect, to rebuild relationships, to strengthen the light of our bonds. Many times, this reconnection brings healing and new opportunities to turn on the light! Choosing to embrace these opportunities takes courage, effort, and that first step to bringing new light to a better world.

Becoming who we are meant to be or to our fullest potential requires the connection and support of a loving community. Today I invite you to reflect on your own community and how it has helped you to become who you are. Take that love and nurture that you have received to those around you who need a smile, a text message of support, a phone call, a cup of coffee. Bring the light of who you are to others!

Our actions and choices often reflect our memories of lights we have lost or loved ones who are still present. We continue traditions or actions to remember the impact of these lights on our lives. Let us recognize that we too are light for others and that it is so important to share our light, no matter how we see or measure our own light. We must be light in a world that so needs it!

"We are all prophets". We are all keepers, seekers, and bestowers of wisdom. This article explores how we, each of us gifted with unique and necessary ideas and inspiration, are called to share our "light" with our families, friends, and our communities. One light CAN change the world.

In the hustle and bustle of this Advent season of preparation, we often forget to savour the beauty and joy around us. I invite you to take a moment today to bask in the beauty and light of your Christmas tree, to breathe in the stillness and light. Carry the grace of this light and calm to those around you who need your light and loving presence today.

To be people of peace in times of doubt and despair is a daily challenge. But the world needs our light and our hope. The millions of lights that shine around the world can bring peace and hope but we must believe that we all have a part, a voice, a light that can help to make a difference. As a wise friend shared, "Even our smallest actions, when added to those of others, will create change."

One light, one life can make a difference. We must believe in the power of one, the impact that each of us makes on others, on the world around us. We must carry our lights forward as we pray for healing, for peace, for a better, kinder world.