On December 31st I spent some time reflecting on 2021 and praying over the year ahead. I wrote down and began to declare the phrase, “Live light, be a light” over 2022. I had begun packing and realized way less than I thought was going to actually fit in my pack. I may or may not of had a mini freak out thinking about how little clothes I would have with me for the year. The Lord comforted me with peace that this year I get to live light to be a light for Him!
I have since come to realize that living light to be a light is more than just living light materialistically. I had the opportunity to begin the year at Passion 2022. One of the speakers, Jennie Allen, spoke on confession. She began with Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Jennie stressed that before we run the race set before us, we must throw off our weight and sin. As she was speaking the phrase “Live light, be a light” came back to my mind.
Jennie read 1 John 1:7 and 1 John 1:9 and emphasized the importance of confessing our sins so that we can walk in the light and run our race without the weight of sin holding us back. She then led us into a time of confessing our sins out loud. I have previously confessed the actions of my “big” sins. As I reflected, I began to acknowledge and confess the root of those sinful actions, which is often a desire to fit into the world and to please others. This year, I surrender my fear of man to God so I can live light to be a light for Him!
While listening to worship music recently, I heard From the Inside Out, an old song that I haven’t heard in years. As I listened to the lyrics, I was stopped in my tracks and wrote the lyrics down.
“A thousand times I’ve failed, still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again, I’m caught in your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
You’re above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing you praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
My heart and my soul
I give you control
Consume me from the inside out, Lord
Let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out”
God’s mercy and grace continue to meet me every day. As I step into 2022 and prepare to leave for the World Race next week, I pray that I would continue to be willing to lose myself, to confess my sins, to surrender my fear of man, and to live with few items so that I can live light to be a light for Christ! Ultimately, I pray that I would be willing to let everything around me fade away so that His light can shine!
Love this!!! Can’t wait to live light and be the light with you this year! So excited to see you get even lighter throughout the year 😉 can’t wait to walk + serve alongside you!! Love you sister!!
What an awesome phrase! It means so much and encompasses perfectly what we are about to step into!! Thank you for sharing, Nancy!
Wow. Acknowledging and putting down the “fear of man” is a big deal. It’s a staticky and chaotic process, but the water is warm on the other side!
Nancy, bless you, you will be in my prayers. Love the phrase live light be the light.
Nancy! I’m so looking forward to getting to know you more! This ministered to me greatly. It is never a small thing to be reminded that God loves us continuously, without measure. He loves us so much that fear is abolished in His love, no small thing. We can live freely knowing He does and will catch us. I’m excited to hear more about your journey to live in the light and also to live materialistically light. A lighter mind feels like more space for Jesus, huh? Can’t wait to meet you in person!
Nancy, my husband and I will be in prayer for you as you embark on this wonderful mission. I pray your light will shine bright!!!