Cutting through the Darkness

Well, fall is in the air and I couldn’t be happier about it. Autumn is my favorite season of all because with it comes cooler temps, bonfires, several fun holidays, and cozy sweaters. It also means I can put pumpkins outside for decoration. I know it’s not October yet but I don’t even care. I may have already purchased pumpkins and put them outside to welcome in this new season. I may even buy some more. And I don’t even feel bad about it. You shouldn’t either.

When I was writing my article for a local magazine in town, I researched all the different pumpkin colors and what they represent. (Yes, there are several artificial pumpkins out and about this time of year…blue, purple, pink.) I read something very interesting about the regular orange pumpkin though. First of all, I learned that it represents fall harvest.  Okay, no surprise there. But I also read that it can represent light cutting through the darkness.  After the rough year we’ve had, I love the picture of light cutting through the darkness.  We all need some light after 2020, right?  Heck, we need it now in this 2021 dumpster fire, too.

This word picture made me think about jack-o-lanterns. When we carve our pumpkins and place lights inside, we are literally making light shine through the darkness. Hmmm. Maybe that has something to do with it.

Confession Time: Hi, my name is Missy…I am a mom of two and I don’t like carving pumpkins. There, I said it. It’s out in the open, people.

But seriously…the inside of a pumpkin is gross, and slimy. I will carve some if my kids want to, but it’s not something I HAVE to do every year. If my kids don’t mention doing this activity, it’s not like I’m going to bring it up and beg them for a family carving night. I can go a year without that pumpkin goop getting all over me. But if you are one of those brave parents who does this religiously with your child(ren) each year because they love it, and you don’t mind pumpkin guts, then you know how it’s done.

First, you must cut open up the pumpkin. Second, you have to dig out all of the gross insides and make the inside a smooth-ish surface. Next, you make the carving (this can be interesting.) Some like to trace it out first and some just pick up the knife and start cutting. Last, the candle or LED light is placed inside….and voila! You end up with a creatively carved jack-o-lantern. Okay, tutorial complete. Moving on…

This last year has been rough. And as I alluded to before, 2021 isn’t unicorns and rainbows either. So when I think about the jack-o-lantern process, I think about the Lord taking all of our disgusting sins upon Himself, and replacing it with His righteousness. Then He puts His light inside of us to shine for others. It may be a cheesy analogy, but it’s one I can relate to and understand. If my kids want to carve pumpkins this year, I will totally turn it into a Spiritual lesson. Let’s face it, it will need to be in order for me to have a good attitude about it. Haha! Feel free to do the same.

Even though we are living in messy, scary times I can always look to the Lord for peace and comfort. I can always rely on His promises. (He actually keeps them!) I can breathe deeply and know that HE holds the world in His hands. (Yes, even this current crazy world we live in.) He loves me and cares for me. (More than anyone else.) And in the midst of uncertainty, He promises to remain the same today, tomorrow and forever. This promise is found in Hebrews 13:8. (I really don’t like change anyway so this is wonderful.) He is consistent. (Unlike me.). HE IS GOOD. (And not to mention perfect.)

I’ve personally received several messages, texts and even phone calls where I am privileged to discuss life with others. Some who have never felt the pangs of anxiety before are suddenly overcome with it because of all the things going on in our world today. And I do not have all the answers, but I can say for certain that I am thankful the Lord is for me. I cannot imagine walking through this life, full of panic and anxiety alone. So come to Jesus when you feel that way. He understands it, too. Remember that for all who are in Christ, He has done the dirty work. He has died a sinner’s death even though He was perfect. He took all of our disgusting sins upon Himself so that we could look white as snow.

Speak truth to yourself to combat that nasty fear when it rises up. You can also try this with the inhale/exhale breathing exercise. I have gone to a number of different counselors, and several of my friends are counselors and/or therapists. One thing they have affirmed to me is that our brains need oxygen, and there is a lack of oxygen present when the panic starts creeping in. So we breathe in and meditate on one part of a verse or a promise and we exhale with another one. Try it with Matthew 11:28…

Inhale: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,

Exhale: and I will give you rest.

(My friend, Ginny has a podcast and has these exercises on her instagram page from time to time. If you haven’t checked out Pause, Renew, Next….you really should.) We all need to take a minute to concentrate on what is true and right in the world because there are a LOT of lies out there. You aren’t alone, friend. Keep going! We are cutting through the darkness, one step at a time.

I John 1:5 says, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”