The Light
As I wrote the last pages of The Journey of a Widow, the theme of light and the image of my testimony being one of a lighthouse to others in hope and healing surfaced. The Lord then gave me the idea for the cover, the picture of David and me on our wedding day standing next to a lighthouse. We had married in a beautiful small chapel on Lake Martin in Alabama. It was March 13, 2004, exactly one year from our first date. The lighthouse accompanies this property on the water. I actually dressed and prepared for the ceremony inside the lighthouse.
In the first stages of publication, the book’s project manager wasn’t sure the photograph would work as the cover, but as you can see, it did! Since this exciting development towards publication, I’ve had many more conversations with the Lord about the power of His light. The Bible is full of promises on this topic. John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Psalm 119:105 promises us that “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Whether in comfort from darkness or direction in decisions, His light is there.
When I think of lighthouses, I imagine dark, stormy nights with a ship at sea lost in the wind and waves. I think of the hopeless feeling of survival and anxiety of “where do I even try to go?” Then the captain sees the light from the lighthouse, faint but there in the distance. Hope is found! Its direction brings a determination to get there. With each action of navigation, the light becomes closer and brighter. Oh the beauty of the lighthouse that outshines the treacherous storm. I’ve been that captain, and I remember searching for that faint light of hope.
One morning last fall the light of a burning candle on a nearby tabletop filled my thoughts and time with the Lord. I so enjoy the calming flicker and sweet fragrance of a lit candle. It’s such a simple source of light: a wick, wax, and a match. Yet it burns with a steady and constant glow. As I meditated on its simple light, the Holy Spirit said, “I’m the fire bringing the light.” My mind went to the book’s chapter 10 about Tabitha and the gift of the Holy Spirit, which are both recorded in Acts. When the gift of the Holy Spirit was received by the 120 in the upper room, a flame as of fire appeared above each of them. (Acts 2:1-4)
The Spirit of God as our present source of light is more than comfort and direction, it’s a burning power and strength not of ourselves. God’s Spirit dwelling within us, gives us the ability to do ALL THINGS, no matter how big or seemingly small. (Philippians 4:13) Just writing this book in 7 weeks is a testimony to the Spirit’s power and greater work in me! Hebrews 12:29 says, “For our God is a consuming fire.” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were consumed by fire in the furnace, but it did not harm them. They were saved and in turn positioned for the purpose of becoming leaders of authority by King Nebuchadnezzar. God sure did turn that situation around quickly with His trademarked WOW factor!
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is attending the candlelight service at our church. Everything about it, from the melodious and powerful music to the reverent taking of communion, sets my heart in the posture to praise Jesus for his birth, death, and resurrection. Toward the end of the service, everyone has a candle to light. It starts with two or three candles lit, then spreads like wildfire through the auditorium. The sharing of “fire” creates this beautiful light that fills the room. Here we are, hundreds of adults, teens, and children holding little balls of fire, yet no one is afraid or worried. We are in awe of the beauty and peace the light brings.
This past holiday season of Christmas into the New Year of 2026 was so special. While Jacob and I were at Disneyworld with family for the new year, The Journey of a Widow was made available on Amazon the evening of December 30th and officially published! The goal of having it available for God to place in the hands of others by 2026 was accomplished. I’m still in awe of what God did in 7 months! We had another wonderful reason to celebrate!
David loved Disneyworld. We were frequent guests of this “Magical Place on Earth.” Adults can love Disneyworld too ya know! Jacob and I have had the pleasure of continuing the tradition and still go every year. But I realized I had never been ON New Year’s Eve. I found myself that night just before midnight alone and in a swarm of people at the start of the Epcot Luminous Show. Everyone else in my family wanted to squeeze in one last ride before it started. I was to find a place to watch the show and hold it for us all. Well, I didn’t do a very good job, and they couldn’t find me in the crowd. After the stress of it settled for me, I turned my focus to the light show over the water at Epcot, and a song began to play called When Somebody Loved Me. It was about loss and the separation of love. Tears just began to run down my face. I became so emotional it shocked me. All the memories with him here flooded in as the tears poured out. Fifteen New Year’s Eves without him, and I’m still standing here an emotional mess.
But the message of the songs shifted with the last song titled, “I See the Light.” I began to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit standing there with me as I looked up into the beauty and brilliance of all the fireworks synchronized to the lyrics and melody. The Spirit of God was saying, “Remember all the conversations we’ve had about light? This is my light too. Big, booming, beautiful and extravagant light. The light of celebration.” As the lights continued to fill the sky growing in intensity, He was showing me the fullness of His presence and power in me. He was showing my joy dancing in the sky now bringing tears and smiles of excitement. He turned my moment of mourning into his destination of dreams coming true. He reminded me that yes, I have found Him in the light of the lighthouse and the flickering fire of a candle, but don’t forget His favorite. His preferred showcase is the breathtaking production of His majestic light and limitless illumination in all His glory. Now go! And let your light, Our light, shine before all!