One Light

Tonight, I went to the opening reception for the Voices of Courage campaign art exhibition put on by the BYU Women's Services and Resources office. I had an art piece featured in the exhibition, and I decided I wanted to share a little bit more about why I created it. It's a digital painting of a girl (thanks Megan) going into the darkness, holding aloft a single candle that is keeping the encroaching darkness at bay. I read the prompt: "The Reflections of Courage Art Exhibition welcomes submissions that, in their way, complete the phrase “Courage Is...” What does courage look like? What acts take courage? How have you shown courage in your own experiences? Where might you need to be more courageous?..." and I thought about my own experience and how I've had to show courage. This is the image that came to mind, and the word that came with it was faith.

"You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you."

-Boyd K. Packer

This is something that I have personally struggled to understand and learn recently: what is faith? Where does it come from?  I did not understand these things until recently when I've had to make some important decisions for my life. I have since come to understand the unbreakable bond between faith and courage. Having faith takes courage and finding the right amount of courage takes faith in a greater purpose. Consequently, moving beyond the bounds of what is comfortable for you takes faith, and it takes courage to take that first step. 

There is a lot that is dark and despairing in the world we live in. But there is no need to fear, when you have even one small light to share, you can conquer the darkness, as St. Francis of Assisi wrote, "All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle." 

Courage is holding tight to the light of what you already know and being willing to take one step into the darkness of uncertainty with the faith that the way will be revealed. And it always is. Eventually, your path will become lit enough for you to travel onward. There is hope and life ahead, even if the way is clouded now, exercising faith on what you know to be right and true, and having the courage to move forward will lead to brighter and more glorious days.