“A Light for These Troubled Times”

November 1, 2024

There are times that ask more of us than we feel we have to give. Right now, many of us are feeling exactly that—a sense of depletion, uncertainty, even fear. This year has challenged us in ways we couldn’t have predicted, and we’re ending it with a profound sense of both urgency and hope.

If you’re feeling this weight, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth that can carry us forward together:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

These words remind us that, especially in dark moments, our calling isn’t to retreat but to shine. Even when we feel we have nothing left to give, God’s grace reminds us that there is always more. Just when we think we’re empty, we find that if we dig a little deeper, we’re capable of so much more. The Navy SEALs call this the 40% Rule—when we think we’re at our limit, we’ve often only tapped 40% of our true capacity. With God’s grace and a clear intention, we can tap into the other 60% and become a light in the lives of others.

But how do we do this in practical terms? How do we let our light shine and use our energy to uplift others and ourselves? That’s where our Energy Code model comes in. This simple four-step process can help us reconnect to our inner power and create momentum to carry us forward. Here’s how:

1. Align Begin with alignment. Take a few deep breaths to reconnect to this moment because this is where your power lies. When you’re grounded, you’re better able to manage challenges with calm, focus, and resilience. Check in with yourself, notice how you feel, and invite yourself to be fully present. This is how we align with our light and get ready to shine.
2. Grow Do one thing today to make yourself a little stronger. It could be physical, mental, or emotional—whatever feeds your growth. Listen to an inspiring podcast, take a walk, lift some weights, read a good book, or practice a skill you love. When we invest in our growth, we gain energy, clarity, and confidence, which strengthens our ability to shine.
3. Serve Now comes the most transformative step: service. This is where we move beyond ourselves and offer something to another person. Think of one small act of love or kindness you can do today—whether it’s opening a door, calling someone who might be lonely, donating blood, or giving your time to a cause you believe in. It’s amazing how much strength we discover when we serve others. In these moments, we feel the grace of God, reminding us that our light can change the world.
4. Scale Use the energy and momentum you create today to carry you forward. Scaling is about letting your light continue to grow, amplifying the good you’ve created. It’s about keeping the cycle of alignment, growth, and service alive and using it to build your resilience day by day. As you carry your light forward, you inspire others to find their own, creating a ripple effect of hope and strength.

As we step into these last months of 2024, let’s move forward together, with purpose and resilience. Each of us has a light that is needed in this world. In a time of uncertainty, we may not have control over the future, but we do have the power to decide what kind of light we bring to each day.

When we let our lights shine, we create hope not just for ourselves but for others. When we align, grow, serve, and scale, we tap into the quiet, powerful grace within us, inviting everyone around us to do the same.

You are the light of the world. Let it shine, and let it heal.

May this message be a reminder that even in our most trying times, there is always a way to realign with our power, rediscover our strength, and bring love into the world. Let’s move forward together, creating a brighter tomorrow by choosing to shine today.

To learn more about our 9Q Energy Code Framework; Align, Grow, Serve, Scale be sure to subscribe and share this newsletter.

#BeTheLight #HopeInTheStorm #ShineOn #YouAreTheLight #PurposeAndPower #TogetherWeRise #2024