“Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”

We’ve all heard this quote before.  I’ve thought of it often as a high school teacher in the public school system.  There’s a lot of darkness in school; kids dealing with mental health issues, thoughts of suicide, broken relationships and desperation.  As a teacher, I’ve got two options: light a candle or curse the darkness.  

It makes me think of Russell Wilson, the prolific quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.  Drafted in 2012, he made an immediate impact with his teammates, his adopted city and the league.  At five foot eleven he’s considered too small for the position as most quarterbacks are six foot three or taller.   What Russell Wilson lacks in size he makes up in speed, athletic intelligence and character.  

Speaking of character, Russell Wilson oozes with it and for that he’s adored by his fans, including yours truly.  You may not know this, but Russell is married to Ciara Princess Harris, a famous pop star whose stage name is Ciara.  When Russell and Ciara were dating Russell was speaking at a church and let them know he was saving himself for marriage.  This led to a Twitter storm and even an open feud between two ESPN employees.  He was mocked and ridiculed for making a godly decision.  
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Known for faithfully going to the Children’s Hospital in Seattle every Tuesday, Russell Wilson is not cursing the darkness. Instead he’s living a noble life in arguably one of the most secular cities in America and their response is to love and adore him.  Like Grácia Davis he’s blooming where he’s planted.  What about you? Are you seeing the opportunity to minister where you are?  Whether it’s on a construction crew with crude co-workers, or at school with classmates that don’t understand your faith and mock you, or in a youth group with kids who don’t take their faith seriously.  I’m praying you light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.

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director tom