“When day comes we ask ourselves,
where can we find light in this never-ending shade?”
Amanda Gorman, “The Hill We Climb,” 2021 Presidential Inaugural Poem

Amanda Gorman began to recite her Inaugural Poem, “The Hill We Climb,” and I stopped my morning rush, stood in front of the television, and absorbed the moments as if I were swept up into a rhapsody of words. Shimmering words danced to the tempo of delight.

Light in and out with the movement of her fingertips. Possibility in her smiles. Hope in her eyes.

“It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit,
it’s the past we step into
and how we repair it” (lines 52-54)

We repair it by stepping into the light.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Restoration comes by stepping into the Word of God and allowing the light of His love letter to His people guide us and lead us back to Him.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” John 8:12.

The Creator of heaven and earth, the One who spoke and there was light, bids us to follow Him. To walk in His light, so that His light will shine in our hearts. For we are children of light, children of the day, and not children of the night or darknesss (1 Thessalonians 5:5).

“If we merge mercy with might,
and might with right,
then love becomes our legacy” (lines 87-89)

As we walk in the Light of Jesus, the fruit of His love grows within us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23.

”For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it
If only we’re brave enough to be it” (lines 108-11).

Jesus urges His followers to let their lights shine before others, so that when others see Jesus’ followers’ good works, they would give God glory (Matthew 5:16 ESV).

The Light of the World is before us.
Do you see Him?
Are you brave enough to shine your light upon the darkness?

Father, thank You for Your Light. When we walk in Your Light, we do not stumble. America has stumbled and fallen, Lord. Yet, You are near. You are waiting for us to walk in Your Light. Help us to see You more clearly, to step into Your Light, and to become a light to others. Thank You for Your lovingkindness that brings new hope with each morning. We love You, Father, and we love our country. God bless America. In Jesus’ name, Amen.