The Power of Goodness - Contemporary Example

Not long ago, I met a woman named Lydia in our community who radiated goodness amidst the darkness of her circumstances. She was a single mother struggling to make ends meet, working two jobs while caring for her ailing father. On the surface, her life seemed overwhelming, a tapestry woven with threads of hardship and fatigue. Yet, every time I saw her, she wore a smile—a light that cut through her shadows.

One evening, as autumn leaves danced in the brisk air, Lydia decided to host a small gathering for her neighbors. She prepared a humble meal, inviting those who often felt forgotten, the elderly and the young alike. As they sat around her table, sharing stories and laughter, I witnessed something remarkable. Lydia, with her limited means but limitless heart, created a sanctuary of warmth and connection.

In that simple act of goodness, I felt the truth of Psalm 23:1-6 come alive. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Lydia embodied this promise. She didn’t merely serve food; she illuminated paths of hope for those who walked in darkness. Her moral integrity shone brightly, encouraging others to seek purpose in their trials and to reflect the light of Christ.

Friends, goodness can be our guiding star. Just as Lydia’s spirit illuminated a room, our small acts of love can lead others to spiritual growth and unity. May we, too, let our lives become beacons of light, carrying the promise of shalom (peace) into a world so desperately in need of illumination.