How The Light Spills Out

Last weekend, Wendy and I visited the local Quaker meeting here in El Paso. The majority of the time together is spent in contemplative silence as we each recognize the “inner light” of Christ’s presence and quietly rest in the stillness.

During this half hour session, I was overwhelmed by the peace of God’s presence. I felt very snuggly and safe in that space. It was an experience I never wanted to end.

But, then I began to think about the world outside of this circle of peace. How there was so much violence, and hate and division just beyond this quiet oasis of love we were experiencing together. I wondered, how can we expand our little circle of light to those living outside in the darkness?

This is when I saw an image in my mind of a fried egg on a plate. A fork came into view and pierced the yolk, allowing the yellow insides to flow outward and cover the plate.

Isn’t this how it works? Darkness responds to light with hate. Violence responds to love with more violence. When the light is pierced, the darkness is engulfed in light. When love is pierced, the violent are knocked back on their heels as the flow of love overwhelms them.

Only light can overcome the darkness. Only love can cast out fear.

Then I saw Jesus being pierced on the cross as he cried out, “Father forgive them!” and I saw a baby’s placenta sack being pierced allowing the child to emerge into the world, and then I pictured a cocoon being opened to allow the butterfly to spread her wings and fly.

This is how it works, I thought. This is how we widen our circle. When we are pierced, we allow the love to flow out. When we are attacked, we respond with love. When we are hated, we bless. When we are cursed, we offer smiles and sincere prayers for healing.

So, all this week I’ve been trying to keep my eyes open for opportunities to widen the circle. Not every avenue needs to be a response to violence or hate. It can simply be a proactive gesture of love on an unsuspecting bystander. It can be a kind word or a wide smile that preemptively wages peace on someone who is desperate for acceptance and hungry for hope.

What can you do to widen this circle? How are you working to expand the light into the darkness?

It won’t happen by itself. It won’t grow on its own. We have to be the ones who boldly step forward and love out loud, no matter what anyone else is doing.

Let’s keep our eyes open for ways to wage peace in this violent time of division. Let’s push back the darkness with greater love and refuse to play the “Us vs Them” game.

If we choose the path of peace, we already know the outcome.

Now all we have to do is walk it out.

Let’s go for it.

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Keith Giles was formerly a licensed and ordained minister who walked away from organized church 11 years ago, to start a home fellowship that gave away 100% of the offering to the poor in the community. Today, He and his wife have returned to El Paso, TX after 25 years, as part of their next adventure. They hope to start a new house church very soon.