Faith | When you feel lost, crawl away from darkness and toward the Light

A couple of weeks ago I sat in the complete darkness of Ape Cave with a group of young men as part of youth activity. As we talked about the challenges of trying to walk in absolute darkness, it reminded me of a time when I was their age and had my own struggle with darkness.

My older brother, a friend and I were up in the mountains of Colorado fishing in a high mountain lake. Fishing was good and we decided it would be fun to build a fire, cook and eat some fish. The other two headed back the quarter mile or so to the car to find matches while I enjoyed more fishing.

Time passed and soon it was dark. I began to wonder when or if they would return.

Without a moon for light, I was scared. Where was the path back to the car that was so obvious before? I felt lost and alone, especially as the trail disappeared into the darkness of the trees.

I walked to the edge of the trees uncertain where to go.

Rather than walk into a tree or off a cliff, I knelt down and tried to feel where the hardened trail was compared to the grass. Slowly, I crawled along, feeling for the trail.

Step by step, I crawled until I began to see a glow in the distance. That little bit of light not only helped me see the trail enough to stand and walk, but it gave me hope.

Soon, I realized the dim lights I saw were car headlights. Before I knew it, I was running toward the light, my brother, and safety.

You and I all have challenges in our lives such as loss of a loved one, financial woes, spoiled relationships, or health hardships. In a moment, we can be plunged from a lovely evening into the inkiest darkness, every bit as real as that night was for me. But we don’t have to be stuck there.

We can crawl away from the darkness and back toward the light.

We aren’t alone. Turning toward Jesus’ light can help. Jesus said, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). As we grope for safety in this troubled world full of challenges, the Savior lights the path of our journey by giving us hope, comfort, and healing.

This light of Christ not only comes from Jesus himself but reflects off loved ones who care about us. Just as the light of the car reflected off the trees, to help me find the way and keep me safe, as we ask for help, those who reflect the light of Jesus can buoy us up.

When you feel lost and alone, even the smallest bit of this very special light will push away the darkness and bring you toward peace in Christ. (It took just a little light for me to stand and even begin to run toward the light.) Then once you are enveloped in that light, you can see what was always there.

For me, it was my brother. For you, it could be Jesus’ love for you, the tiny miracles that are all around you, or the goodness of others.

Guest Spiritual Life writer Kriston Brooks is a member in the Kennewick Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.