In a world shadowed by the resurgence of authoritarianism and fascism, I believe it is vital to remember the power of light—my light and yours.
Standing against darkness requires not only resistance but also the intentional act of creation.
As Socrates once said, “The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new.” These words resonate deeply with me, offering a blueprint for how I can combat the shadows of hate and oppression.
On the latest episode of Second Cup with Keith, I talked about the fact that we can’t let our light shine without exposing the darkness.
That’s the crux of my mission. The act of shining light is inherently transformative, not only for us but also for those enveloped in its glow.
That means it is not enough for me to simply expose what is wrong; I must also actively build what is right.
A few days ago I wrote a blog post about the late film director, David Lynch, who is someone I greatly admire for his ability to find the surreal beauty in darkness.
In that post, I talked about something he said that complements this idea: “Don’t even worry about the darkness. Turn on the light and the darkness goes. Turn up that light of pure consciousness: Negativity goes.”
For me, this doesn’t mean ignoring the dangers of fascism or pretending it doesn’t exist. Instead, it means countering it by creating spaces of inclusion, justice, and love that stand as a stark contrast to the fear and division it seeks to sow.
I’ve noticed that the rise of fascism often begins subtly, with small encroachments on freedoms that many may dismiss as inconsequential. These are the moments when we need to act—to shine.
Why? Because Fascism feeds on despair and on the belief that the darkness is too vast to overcome. But we need to remind ourselves, “When the light goes out, darkness wins.”
So, what does it mean for me to shine my light? It starts with small, intentional acts:
- I speak up when I hear hateful rhetoric.
- I support leaders and organizations that embody justice and equality.
- I build relationships across divides, creating a network of light that spreads.
Importantly, shining my light also means rejecting cynicism and despair.
Instead of only railing against what’s wrong, I invest my energy in building something better. This is where Socrates’ wisdom becomes my action: I focus not only dismantling the old but on crafting the new.
History shows me the power of light in dark times. I think of the underground networks during World War II, quietly saving lives and resisting oppression. They didn’t just fight fascism; they created a lifeline of hope and humanity.
Today, our task is no different. Whether through art, activism, or simply living authentically and compassionately, we can all shine our light to push back the darkness.
It’s easy for me to feel overwhelmed. The news cycles remind me daily of the challenges we face. Maybe you can relate?
But here’s one thing I’ve learned: “Shining my light isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present.”
You and I have a light to offer, no matter how small it may seem. Together, our individual lights become a blaze that darkness cannot withstand.
As you navigate this world, I ask yourself: How can I shine today? How can I build the new while acknowledging the old?
The answers guide each of us toward a life that not only resists fascism but actively replaces it with something far more beautiful.
Remember, the light doesn’t just expose darkness; it transforms it. And in that transformation, we can find hope, courage, and the kind of change that lasts.
So, please, especially now, let your light shine.
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The newest book from Keith Giles, “The Quantum Sayings of Jesus: Decoding the Lost Gospel of Thomas” is available now on Amazon. Order HERE>
Keith Giles is the best-selling author of the Jesus Un series. He has appeared on CNN, USA Today, BuzzFeed, and John Fugelsang’s “Tell Me Everything.”
He co-hosts The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast and his solo podcast, Second Cup With Keith which are both available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple, Podbean or wherever you find your podcast fix.
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