When It’s Darkest

Written by on June 19, 2015 in Conversations on the Journey with 2 Comments

When it’s the darkest is when we need to shine the brightest, each in our own way. Don’t underestimate the importance of each sun ray, of every moonbeam. We have no idea just who we will touch, what it will mean to them… or to us. Whether falling full faced onto a well tended garden or slipping softly between the bars of someone’s prison, our shouting sunlight, our muted moonlight can make all the difference.

I am so grateful for you. Grateful for you who are courageous enough to love…

The nine who were gunned down in Charleston, South Carolina did not die because they were gracious and kind. This is not what you get for loving someone. It’s not what happens when you’re compassionate.

It’s what you get when hate is allowed to grow and thrive. It’s what happens when we sustain ourselves on bigotry and fear. It’s the fruit we pick from seeds of indifference that we have sown, as a society, perhaps even as individuals.

The man who pulled the trigger is responsible. Assuming no other accomplices, he alone bears accountability. Whatever burdened his heart, he is responsible for what he did with it. But he was not transplanted here from another planet.

Today my heart is a little more broken. The weight of another tragedy, another sorrow, another injustice too heavy.

I will pour some love into these broken parts, but after I let my tears flow over them first. And then, perhaps only a candle light strength or the barely perceptible blue of moonlight, I will shed a little light where I stand, cast it over the dark space I see before me.

And why bother? I mock myself. Don’t I know it’s just too overwhelming? What do I hope to see, anyway? People all of a sudden loving each other? Everyone getting along?

Perhaps not. Perhaps I won’t see those changes. But what I will see is that there are more candles in this room than me, more soft light falling through broken windows, reaching into basements and through prison walls.

And I take comfort in that… no, strength. I find strength in that… and hope… and commitment. My life, changed, just a little bit more because of every person who makes that choice to not dim their light but to turn it up.

That’s what the nine in South Carolina get for their kindness. That’s what’s happening… all over this world, heart by heart, because they chose to love… thank you.

I choose love, too.

~ demian

 

 

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About the Author

About the Author: Demian Yumei, author, singer/songwriter and artist activist, using spoken, written word and original songs in her human rights activism. Demian is a traveler on the healing journey with a lifelong love affair with the creative process. .

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  • Merian says:

    just a little hello from me, hope you are well and thriving hug from Merian (marjoram from sweetgrass lodge)

  • DemianYumei says:

    @Merian Hi Sweet Merian! I’ve neglected this blog for a good while — went
    through a LOT of major changes this year. I’m now reclaiming my little
    writing corner of the internet, so I want to apologize for not saying
    hello earlier, but I’m back now! So wonderful to hear from you, as
    always. I hope you are doing well and life is giving you many, many
    reasons to smile. <3

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