I Want To Start a Movement: Shine Your Light

One of the biggest moments in my life was the installation service when I became CEO of KenCrest. It is part of our Lutheran tradition to hold a worship service, pray for the leadership, and welcome them into their new role. I got to pick the readings, the music, and speak about what I hoped to achieve as CEO.

Imagine yourself in a room full of people equally pulling for your spirit all at once. It was awesome! I still remember the faces of the people and the way I felt at the end of the day. The last song we sang was “This Little Light of Mine.” I did a little swaying walking out on that one with one of the KenCrest board members, Herta Clements.

As a person of faith, this moment was a reminder that the people and God were with me. With that song, I promised to let my light shine here at KenCrest. In fact, I must say, I expect all of you to do the same. I expect that my leadership will be, in part, judged by whether or not I created the space for your light and your giftedness to be seen.

Last week, I saw a beautiful commercial that featured a very elderly woman. She was born at the tail end of the last pandemic, and she said very simply that her mother gave birth to her during that awful time and got through it…and that we can too.

I know that there is distress in our community, but we also need to see the people who are taking a knee together and extending their hands in peace. We can make a difference if we all pull together in light, and if we develop relationships built on trust and expect greatness.

As you get up each day, bring your light to work. Sing karaoke, send pictures of your scavenger hunts, take videos of those we support having fun while still wearing their masks and being safe, and tell stories of the lives you have touched. Continue to ask for help and offer help. Consider the song lyrics of Thomas Rhett’s “Be the Light” as you reflect on the ways you can bring forth more light yourself, in this time of doubt. Happy Juneteenth!

In a time full of war, be peace
In a time full of doubt, just believe
Yeah, there ain’t that much difference between you and me
In a time full of war, be peace

In a world full of hate, be a light
When you do somebody wrong, make it right
Don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light
(La-la-la, la, la, la, la)

In a place that needs a change, make a difference
In a time full of noise, just listen
’Cause life is but a breeze, better live it
In a place that needs a change, make a difference

In a world full of hate, be a light
When you do somebody wrong, make it right
Oh, don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light
La-la-la, la, la, la, la
La-la-la, la, la, la, la
La-la-la, la, la, la, la
La-la-la, la, la, la, la

In a race that you can’t win, slow it down
Yeah, you only get one go around
’Cause the finish line is six feet in the ground
In a race you can’t win, just slow it down

In a world full of hate, be a light (oh)
When you do somebody wrong, make it right (make it right)
Don’t hide in the dark (don’t hide in the dark), you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light

Yeah, it’s hard to live in color, when you just see black and white
In a world full of hate, be a light