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Giving Light
By: Anne
Hartley Pfohl, MSEd, ABD
“We must be the
change we wish to see in the world” ~ Ghandi
 There are a lot of
things in life over which we have little or no control. The snow is
coming. All we can do is get our shovels, snow blowers, and scrapers
ready, bundle up, and dig in. And those people who drive too slow, drive
too fast, cut us off or won’t get out of the way - how about them as you
scramble to get your shopping done for all the dinners and gift
exchanges? Just count to five, take a deep breath, and try to keep your
mood light in this season of light and miracles.
Given recent events,
and some future prospects, we may feel in need of a miracle or two right
about now. We’re not alone. As difficult as any of us may feel we have
it, given the atmosphere of fear and animosity toward LGBT folk, our
families, our ways of life, there are others we can think of who are
worse off.
As we near the end of
the calendar year, plans for parties, visiting friends and family,
singing and celebrating begin to occupy our thoughts. We are also given
reminders and encouragement to reach out to strangers, members of our
wider communities who face hardship and uncertainty.
Ironically, some of
the people busy working to bring relief to those in need during the
holidays are the same people who tell LGBT folk there’s no room for us
at the Inn; who threaten our ways of life because they don’t like who we
are or what we believe; who tell us the values of unity, creativity,
community, responsibility and faith have little to do with us.
Well, they’re not the
only ones who can create change in the world. We also have the
opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life by giving money,
goods, or our time. LGBT folk have a long history of helping, caring,
building, and creating beauty and community. Perhaps at this time of
year the meaning we attach to such acts is greater. Perhaps in these
times when we wish our efforts had made a difference last month, we can
strive to make a difference this month and in the future.
During the holidays
LGBT folk may feel more acutely than ever the ways in which we are
excluded, silenced, or made invisible. In December we celebrate light,
even in the darkest hours. Hanukkah, Christmas, the Solstice, Ramadan,
and Kwanzaa all have light at the center of their mysteries and rituals.
Our desires as LGBT folk, to live and celebrate our livesy, to
share who we truly are, may stir more urgently. We want to be in that
light, part of that light, and share in the hope and promise it brings.
There are others at the margins of the holiday season - people who would
greet food, shelter, clothing, and kindness like a shining miracle.
If we work to make the
world a better place, things may not turn out the way we expect or hope.
If we leave the work of improving the world to others, who may not share
our values, the results could be even worse. Reaching out, giving light,
staying connected takes time and energy. It is an investment in
ourselves, our families, our communities, and our future. Instead of
thinking about what can’t, or hasn’t, or might not happen, let’s try
doing what we can to manifest a vision of light and connection in the
world.
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