Turn On The Light
Finding Light in Darkness: How Personal Redemption and Faith Transform Our Lives
I used to say, “I have sadly been through more than most at this point in life.” I think many people use this phrase, and what I have learned is that it is actually a negative statement.
Now, after much revelation and self-reflection, I have redeemed it by saying, “All my experiences in life have made me who I am today.”
I want to share a piece of my life that led me to where I am today. Self-talk and perspective go a long way.
To Turn on the Light…
In the beginning of time as we know it—no matter where you look in history, in books, movies, or television—whether you read the Book of Mormon, the Bible, or any other text—everything often starts from chaos, drama, and unorganized order.
“The earth as we know it was without form and void; darkness was upon the face of the deep.” (Genesis 1:2)
Everyone has a story, and every story has people hurting, needing, wanting, and feeling left behind.
This darkness—this chaos, negativity, and feeling of hopelessness—is very reminiscent of how the adversary, and as my grandmother once taught me to call him, “the little man with the pitchfork,” makes us feel when there is sin or when we make choices that go against our values and principles. Sometimes we feel as though there were no other choices—that we are trapped—and it encourages us to hide.
The truth is, there are always choices, and there are always answers. I made the decision to tell myself—and I encourage you to do the same—that you just have not found the answer yet. Trust me when I say that if there is a will, there is a way.
The moment you open your eyes in the morning, you have a choice: to be grateful for waking up on the right side of the grass, or to start your day with the man with the pitchfork.
As Sister Tamara Runia, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught, “Jesus Christ gives light to those who sit in darkness.”
So on those days, or in those moments, when that little man with the pitchfork sits on your shoulder or whispers to you, I encourage you not to sit in that dark room alone. Be brave—turn on the light, open the curtains, and let the light in.
Believe in Christ. Be the brightness of hope for yourself first. No one can truly love you until you believe in yourself spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and even financially. Why do I say this? Because even if people do not say it, they feel it in your voice, they see it in your eyes, and they hear it in your words. Others pick up on your pain, and sometimes, instead of supporting you, they distance themselves. That is when you find out who your real people are.
I can attest to this and to the saying: “You are either on my side, by my side, or in my way.”
I made a choice, under the direction and guidance of God, knowing that during creation, the first thing Jesus Christ did to dispel darkness was bring light (Genesis 1:3; Moses 2:2–5). Then He brought order to chaos, from the heart to the smallest detail.
If He can bring order to the universe, just imagine what can be done when you turn to Him for healing, guidance, and redemption.
So when you feel burdened by struggles or darkness, reach for Christ’s light. It is the first step toward finding peace.
Lastly—and this is crucial—you need to remember who you are. Sometimes that chaos, drama, and negativity, along with the adversarial “little man with the pitchfork,” tries to make us forget who we are. As soon as God departed, Satan would appear and call Moses “Son of Man” (Moses 1:12), attempting to make him forget his true identity. That is his role—to make us forget who we truly are.
He instills doubt. He tries to make us believe we cannot change or make better choices.
It is our responsibility to push him off our shoulders. As Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reminds us, “You can coexist with Christ with confidence in His loving kindness and receive all His gifts of joy, peace, hope, light, truth, revelation, knowledge, and wisdom. You are a beloved child of God. You are cherished.”
Redemption is the one thing Satan will never have.
When you lean into your spiritual identity, even in those difficult times—as Moses did—you remember: “Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God.”
So I encourage you to pause, breathe, and remember: you are a son or daughter of God.
When life feels chaotic, hopeless, or full of drama, remember to turn on the light. He will see you.
