“Let light shine out of darkness…” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
I love light. Sunlight, lamplight, candlelight. Big windows with the curtains tied back. Lamps brightening the corners of each room. Candles flickering in the center of a harvest table.
One evening, my parents left 12-year-old me home alone for a couple of hours. While they were gone, I turned on every light in our old house. Every. One. Our antiquated electrical system couldn’t handle the load, so the fuses blew. Every. One.
My parents returned home to a pitch-black house and a freaked-out daughter. They quickly got the message: this girl hates the dark.
Now, the irony: I lived in darkness for a decade. Led astray by foolish ideas and blinded by selfish desires, I spent most of my twenties in shadowy nightclubs and bars, looking for love and settling for less. Much less.
It was easier to live in the dark
than to step into the light
and face the truth about myself.
But God, the Source of Light, is very patient.
One September I met two new coworkers who were positively filled with light. Their eyes shone like stars, and their faces were radiant. I’m not kidding. These two people, this husband and wife? They glowed, as if all the bright colors of autumn lived inside them.
Monday through Friday, they brought a Bible to our workplace. (I wasn’t sure that was even legal.) In the break room they read passages aloud, then discussed what they’d read. As if the words were important, as if they made a difference in their lives.
Then I heard them read, “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).
I was sure they were talking about me.
Even so, I was drawn to them. Maybe it was that inner light or the warmth of their hugs. All I know is, I couldn’t turn away.
They made me welcome in their home and in their lives. They taught me what they sincerely believed to be true, and showed me a God who promised to banish the darkness.
One day, He did.
“God…made his light shine in our hearts…” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
It was like turning on a floor lamp in a darkened room. No light? Light everywhere. No truth? Truth everywhere.
All the words my friends had been pouring into me suddenly made sense.
Believe me, it wasn’t because of anything good or right that I did. Not for one second. I was still smoking pot, drinking Southern Comfort, and sleeping around with men I hardly knew.
I was a mess.
Yet, in the midst of all my sin, God’s light broke through. He aimed the beacon of His grace at the darkest corners of my soul. Not to shame me, but to claim me. Not to put an end to me, but to give me a new beginning.
“…to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
God soon revealed why He’d rescued me from that deep, dark pit: so His Son would be glorified. The spotlight is always meant to fall on Christ, not on Christians. On the Savior, not on the saved.
It’s taken me about thirty years to understand this.
Now, when I need more light in my life, I don’t look to others, however brilliant they may be. I look to Jesus.
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
{Bottom photo by bark.}
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Leave a Comment
Melanie Vanlaningham says
Liz, God has used your message this morning to bring some hope to my heart as I wait prayerfully for the fullness of His light to shine in my son’s life , restoring him, healing him, so God would be glorified. It’s been a long journey and sometimes I get fearful and worried in the waiting, but I do believe in God’s perfect timing. I want to use the passage you have shared this morning to pray over my son’s life. Thank you for sharing this part of your story.
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Praying for your son, Melanie…may we not give up hope!
((Hugs)),
Bev
Liz Curtis Higgs says
My own family must have wondered if I would ever see the light, Melanie. Don’t lose heart! God’s timing is perfect, and when your son returns to His embrace, his love for God will be all the greater for his years in the far country. Praying for you right now, my sister.
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Liz,
I echo the comments of Melanie. Your message of hope that Light can and will break through is one I so need to hear. Also a mother of a son who walks in darkness, I pray for my son – that he would respond to Jesus pursuing him. It is hard not to worry in the waiting, but God is good in that He sends me messages like yours that bring me peace and hope. You, Liz, are a bright light that brings glory to your Savior and Heavenly Father. Thank you…thank you!
Blessings,
Bev
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Praying for you as well, dear Bev. I never am entirely sure what direction my posts will take, trusting God to lead. Day after day, he always knows what our sisters need here on (in)courage. Such a blessing. Thanks for being an encourager to all of us!
Kim J says
So very thankful that I have a patient and faithful God. My path was similar to yours Liz, after being raised in church and knowing the right way, I turned to darkness that was masquerading as light, what I thought was fun. I’m so glad that God rescues us from paths of darkness and brings us back to the light of truth, and in him no amount of darkness can prevail.
Liz Curtis Higgs says
So right, Kim. John 1:5 tells us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Thank you, Lord, for your patience with us.
betsydecruz says
Liz, you are SUCH a gift story-teller. I love your stories and illustrations. They bring God’s Word to life. Thanks so much for sharing your gift. BLESSINGS on your ministry.
Love this: “Yet, in the midst of all my sin, God’s light broke through. He aimed the beacon of His grace at the darkest corners of my soul. Not to shame me, but to claim me. Not to put an end to me, but to give me a new beginning.”
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Bless you for your kindness, Betsy. God is so faithful.
Penny says
The way you express yourself Liz is such a pleasure to read. I found that light has become such a comfort….to me.
I thought I would share this:
At 18 I foolishly decided not to wear a seat belt. It was an icy Winter night. I was sitting in the middle of the front seat when the driver lost control and hit a bridge.
At first there was darkness and then a flicker of light. The next thing I knew I was in the hospital having the glass removed from my face. At first I was n’t permitted to have a mirror and to my horror not long after I found out why. Years have gone by and there is barely a scar. But the slight ones I do have are a reminder of that icy Winter crash the sudden darkness with the flicker of light that followed.
blessings,
Penny
Liz Curtis Higgs says
How like the Lord, to take away our scars, yet leave a small one in place to remind us of His grace. Rejoicing in your “happy ending,” Penny. Thanks for sharing.
Lynn Morrissey says
Gotta tell you, Liz, I smiled when I read about your twelve-year-old house-lighting escapade, because to this day, I walk through the house turning out the lights. I’ve been known to turn them out even when my husband and daughter are in the bathroom, for goodness sake(!), and I don’t realize that they are. This ridiculous practice stems from the fact that my father was a Depression baby, and he instilled and drilled into us, till we were on automatic pilot, that you never leave a room still lit! Gotta save money, you know. All that aside, however, I take to heart your post, and I, too, love light and how God shone His into the deep, dark crevices of my darkened heart, and brought me into the glorious light of His salvation. In my youth, I frequented bars, too, and God saved me not just from the depravity of my sin, but from the depths of my alcoholism. He gave me the Light of Life, Himself–our Lord Jesus Christ. I love, too, how His light, even the tiniest pinprick of it, will dispell any darkness–whether in our hearts or the world at large. This gives me great hope in the tumultously troubled times in which we live. So, dear Lizzie (may I call you that?!), keep shining His light and looking to *His* light alone! May I also share with your readers one of my favorite books of yours which speaks to this theme? It’s also a perfect autumn read. Here ’tis, “The Pumpkin Patch Parable.” I’m sure your readers will love this! I know I do. Thanks for all you do to shine the light and to reflect His glory.
Fondly,
Lynn Morrissey
http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Patch-Parable-Special/dp/1400308461/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411225491&sr=1-1&keywords=liz+curtis+higgs+parable+of+pumpkin
Liz Curtis Higgs says
We had the same father, Lynn! My husband, too, goes around turning off lights. :>) Praising God for your redemption. It changes everything, doesn’t it? And thanks for the mention of The Pumpkin Patch Parable. The Lord gave me that story the year I met Him. I shared it for years from the platform, then finally released it as a children’s book 19 years ago. Only by God’s kindness is it still out there, inviting little ones to shine for Him!
Lynn Morrissey says
Oh, I get chills in realizing how the Lord gave you that story–your salvation story! Wow! Just love that. And it was but a prelude of all you would one day write for Him! I’ll bet you had no clue at the time! 🙂 Thank you for your obedience. Now go make your husband happy and turn off those lights! But I know that God will always keep your heart-light burning brightly!!!
xxoo
L
Karen Leboffe says
Much to my surprise, I recently found myself sitting in the dark.
I know Jesus, I follow Jesus, I have Joy in Jesus.
I was totally sidelined.
Thankfully, with dear Christian sisters & brothers sharing the brightly shining love of Jesus on & around me, I am feeling the light increase.
Thank you for your post, Liz!
Joyfully in Jesus,
Karen
By the way, where are the Fall pictures taken? I want to live there!!
Liz Curtis Higgs says
You’ve wisely reminded us, Karen, that darkness can slip into our lives almost before we can sense the fading light. But God is faithful and will send His light to rescue us, again and again. SO glad you are sensing the warmth of His light once more.
As for the photos, I took them two autumns ago while traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Perfectly glorious weather. My camera and I were so happy to be there!
Lynn Morrissey says
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Liz & Karen; I know that sideline darkness and am tentatively stepping back into the dance . . . and into the light. Needed to hear this!
L.
Janey says
Awesome piece. Thank you Liz for so beautifully sharing. You brought light and hope to my fearful heart as I walk through difficult days with my headstrong teenage daughter. Bless you.
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Oh, Janey, I’m thinking of all the wonderful verses that might encourage you, and perhaps this one most of all right now: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
cindy l says
Thank you Liz,I too spent my 20’s in bars and unknown men,after divorce. God pursued me all the way to northern Japan,where I allowed His love to fill my heart and guide me.
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Wow. The lengths (and distances) the Lord will go to bring us into His light! Thanks for sharing, Cindy.
trista says
Just what I needed today. My husband is lost in the darkness of anger and misery right now. He has told me that he wants a divorce and admitted to the hardening of his heart. It has been a long summer and now as summer turns to fall, I am starting to feel the weariness of my heart.
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Trista, my heart goes out to you. Anger + misery may = depression. Your husband needs help. The key is humbling himself enough to admit it. Heavenly Father, lift our sister’s burden and assure her of Your presence, now and always. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
tami says
I’m praying for you, too Trista. for all that you need now and tomorrow!!
Beth Williams says
Trista,
Prayers for God to soften & change your husband’s heart. May he see the truth of the light & love.
Father God,
Please help Trista & her husband. Change his heart to see your light & love his wife as he should. Bring friends to Trista to help & encourage her during this time!
AMEN!
Anna Rendell says
Liz, this is stunning. Thank you for sharing your heart and your story – God brings light to so many through your words, myself included.
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Hugs and thanks, my (in)courage sister!
Lisa E says
Trista, I am praying for you, may God shine his ever loving light on your entire family.
Liz, thank you for your honesty and for sharing your story. You never know who it will help! My story is similar to yours, although I didn’t sleep around, I met my husband when I was 15! (My poor mom!) I disobeyed her, she was a single mom and a victim of abuse. I never met my dad as she fled when Ian’s just three months old. I drank, smoked pot and did everything my way. (It WAS the 60’s-70’s) it wasn’t until my granddaughter as born, that a couple I met shared heir story with me (10.6 years ago) and that light become so clear and bright I couldn’t ignore it! HIS beautiful light shines and is the only light I seek now. His timing his perfect!
I love your writing, Liz, God has sure given you a special gift, thank you for sharing it with us!
With much love,
Lisa
Liz Curtis Higgs says
What a difficult start to things, Lisa. And yet, such a redemptive ending. So glad His is “the only light you seek now!”
Susan Gruener says
Hallelujah! So glad He calls us “while we are yet sinners”. And so glad you said “Yes” to Him…or we ladies (and maybe some men ;)) would have missed out on all your wonderful books, blogs, humor, wisdom, encouragment…and your life in general!!!
Thanks for this Liz!
May those who read it and share it share the “Light” that is our only Hope!
May He continue to bless you abundantly!
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Oh, YES, Susan. My life verse, Romans 5:8: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Best. News. Ever.
ro elliott says
His light shines brightly through your words and life… isn’t His love amazing and so scandalous!!! He is wooing our hearts long before we even awaken to His Love… long-suffering love that never gives up… and the more we receive His Love… the more His light will shine!!!
Liz Curtis Higgs says
What an eloquent writer you are! My husband loves the phrase “scandalous grace.” So apt.
Kate Carman says
Liz, as always, thank you for your realness! You are not afraid to share parts of an unsavory past to give credit to the Savior 🙂 I can relate 🙂
Laurie from WI says
Liz,
I met you (and your dear friend, Ann Voskamp) at a “Set Apart” woman’s conference in Minneapolis about a year and a half or 2 years ago. I loved the luncheon where the two of you spoke and shared your friendship with us participants. You exude “light” and it so obviously comes from Our Lord filling you with His light. You signed your new book for me and prayed with me because my 20-something married daughter was dealing with being raped while her husband was deployed. When her husband returned from deployment they had a beautiful baby boy, Luke. She was so happy to tell me how his name means “light”. But now her husband has turned his back on God and says he’s an atheist. They are separated now and she and Luke have moved back to WI. She could use a lot of prayer for the light to shine brighter a she deals with an upcoming divorce. Thank you for such a timely post–you shine God’s light in all your writing. thank you
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Oh, my, Laurie. Such joy, such sorrow. I am honored to pray for your daughter again. And, since God doesn’t give up us on while we still have breath, I will pray for her husband. He has been through much, and is no doubt angry with God, so is therefore denying His existence. My prayer is that his heart will be softened, and that your daughter’s heart will be mended, and that Luke will know he is dearly loved.
Laurie from WI says
Thank you so much. God’s sweet blessings to you…
Brandi Luiz says
Thank you!
Brandi says
Thank you for sharing your story.
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Grateful to offer hope to anyone who has a loved one still in the darkness. Light is coming.
Pam H. says
Liz,
Your story mirrors mine. I sit here at 53 in E’town (just South if you; as you well know, but others don’t) sifting through my past with God’s giant screen. Only He knows the nuggets that come from the grit and filth of my choices before Him.
36 years ago I lost my virginity at 16 to to son of a man my mom had dated in high school. It was a date rape. I woke the next morning after in my downstairs bedroom dressed in my favorite nightgown- a long-sleeved flannel granny complete with high neck and ruffles. After that it was a quick descent which precipated latent Bipolar disorder (personally, I call it Bipolar In Order. Someone coined that; not me).
Now in marriage # 3 that rape came up this week in a PTSD flashback; not once, but twice. Now, my sister-in-law is posting reunion pictures of him on her page! (I can ‘t be frustrated or hurt because she does not know.
So, the point is that now because God has redeemed me 100% from that pit, I am free! I share His grace, forgiveness and restoration with everyone I encounter.
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Pam, I’m so grateful that through all the pain and darkness and illness and sorrow, God’s light still shines bright in you.
Thelma Bliss says
Thank you and God bless you Liz. My son is out in the darkness of drugs and living on the street. He is so young (19) and he is so sick. He had leukemia when he was a baby and almost died. But he made it and i thought that was the biggest battle we’d have to face. But now I’m so afraid of losing him. You have given me encouragement tonight when i sorely needed some. Thank you. I needed to be reminded to trust that God will take care of him. I pray that he will turn back to God and get the medical attention he needs so badly. I’m praying for the other people who have commented here as well. God bless all of you.
Liz Curtis Higgs says
I truly understand, Thelma. The opening chapter of my book, Bad Girls of the Bible, introduces a young woman of 19 who is heading down a dangerous road. It was a very hard chapter to write, because that girl was me. Had you known me then, you would have said, “Gone too far, done too much, no hope of salvation here.” But God said, “She’s mine.”
Be encouraged. Your son’s story isn’t finished yet. God loves him and has a plan for him. I realize I’m asking you to do two very hard things: trust and wait. Praying for you, my sister.
Becky Jones says
Liz,
It is real good to see somebody give themselves to God. We are not perfect but we have never done a lot of what you mentioned. But we have 2 sons who give in a lot of different sinful practices. We finally turned the oldest one over to God because ‘we’ just do anything with him. We will keep sinning until Christ comes back. So one thing I can say and that is to pray about the problems and try to live a life for Christ.
Becky
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Thanks for sharing your own journey, Becky. I hear exactly what you’re saying. Romans 3:23-24 captures the seriously bad news about the human condition and the truly Good News about God’s grace: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Susie Morris says
What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your story with us. I know most of us come from broken places and it’s amazing to see God turn it around for good. God bless you and may your journey continue to be one of joy and discovery through Him.
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Thanks, Susie. God is definitely the One who turned it around for me. I’d still be in the far country, feeding the pigs, without Him!
Kathy @ In Quiet Places says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful grace-filled testimony. You are a vessel that Jesus is brightly shining through!
The fall photos are gorgeous!
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Don’t you just LOVE autumn? Those photos were taken in October 2012 traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia. God’s handiwork is gloriously displayed this time of year, and that golden LIGHT is a big part of its beauty!
Carissa says
Thank you Liz for the encouragement! My story is a bit different. I have been very monogamous dated one man for 3 and recently ended an 8 year relationship. I never realized how in the dark I was until I ended it. It never felt right but I stayed bcuz it felt comfortable and people became angry when I tried to leave (which I attempted on a monthly basis). My relationship with my previous boyfriend was so toxic verbally abusive and pulled me away from God even though we were both very involved in the church. I finally felt the strength to leave and it was ugly. To this day my sister won’t talk to me over it. I struggle becuz no one in my life accepts me ending my previous relationship becuz he is so intertwined and a very nice guy. Plus I never really mentioned the toxicity of our relationship and I won’t dirty his name for what he’s done to me. As a people pleaser it’s been the most difficult struggle for me but I know it’s what’s best for me. I pray for God to open their hearts And to accept the choices I feel God is leading me to. Even without the support of others I am happier than I have ever been. I finally met a man who brings me closer to God and loves me unconditionally for my mistakes in my past. For committing my body time and heart to men who weren’t right for me. Thanks for this message today. I’m so grateful I’m no longer hiding in the dark and ashamed of my decisions. Praising God repeatedly for bringing me out of the dark and giving me the strength to make the right choices and not the choices everyone else thinks I should do. Praying God brings us all out of the darkness and into the light!♥️
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Carissa, I’m so proud of you for walking away from a toxic situation and walking toward the Lord. It’s especially hard when others aren’t supportive. I get the whole people-pleasing challenge very well. This recent post on my blog might offer you some encouragement about that issue: http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/your-50-favorite-proverbs-16-what-will-people-think/. If you can take your desire to please people and turn it into a desire to please God, the months and years ahead will be far more joy-filled and peace-filled. Praying for you today!
Carissa says
Thanks Liz, that means so much! I feel that God used this trial as a way to show me that “look everyone is non-supportive and displeased in you and you are still alive and I am taking good care of you!”:) People pleasing has been my biggest sin and the one that hinders me the most. Sometimes God uses difficult situations to heal us of our weaknesses!! There is good that can come out of every situation! God is so good!
Liz Curtis Higgs says
This is a great truth, Carissa: “God uses difficult situations to heal us of our weaknesses.” Yes He does…and in the process He reveals His strengths!
Mary says
OH my! I love this post! I too hated the dark as a child. Oh the stories I could tell you. And like you I spent years in the dark, though I had a praying momma and a lot of church teaching, I still messed up my life really good. But today the Light is alive and shining in me and hopefully through me as well. God is my best friend. The crazy thing is an eye condition I have make darkness really bad for me, so I have a lot of lights turned on and LOVE the sunshine. Please pray for healing for my eyes, so that I don’t have to live in darkness. Thanks! May God’s will be done, for HE created me and knows what I am to face and will give me HIS GRACE to face it or heal me.
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Your trust in God is truly evident, Mary. What an encouragement for the rest of us! His grace is sufficient, and so is His light. Blessings and prayers, sister.
Catherine says
Liz, What a wonderful message! Yes, He is the Light. I KNOW things are in His timing. Some of us are taken from the darkness directly into His light, some of us it is a journey, process. For me my journey has been a process but I will say these past 4 + years God has opened my eyes, heart, mind to His amazing, powerful, wonderful light. I admit to struggle but I know He is with me in the fires (crucibles) trial, tribulations, I can feel Him with me during all of it. There are times that I cry but tears of thankfulness and joy that He would love me and be so personal with me, and of course others. He shows us that He is with us, and He comforts us and sends others to shine their light and give us grace and comfort. Liz I just love your messages and blogs etc… You had me laughing so hard at Women of Faith 2013 & 2014!!! I am so excited to see you in Ohio, Oct. 3rd & 4th.
In His Time!
p.s. I am 56 and still do not care for the dark wink, wink… (except when outside looking up at those beautiful stars)
Liz Curtis Higgs says
You do not struggle alone, Catherine. We’re all right there with you. Rejoicing at how God’s love for you is recreating you into the image of His Son. Look forward to seeing you in October in Ohio!
Beth Williams says
Beautifully written Liz.
Ironically I was raised a Christian but, after high school I left the church–didn’t feel needed or a part of the family. It took a long time for me to slowly come back to the church, then still a little timidly! My hubby and I went to a Wednesday night Bible study. It was there that God touched something in me–something deep down. I felt convicted, even though I was baptized as a baby, to be re baptized (this time I was dunked). Ever since then I have been different. Wanting more of God and less of this world.
Blessings 🙂
Liz Curtis Higgs says
How wonderful, Beth, that God wooed you out of those shadowy corners and back into the warmth and light of His embrace!
Kate says
How I long for my husband to have his eyes opened to God’s light! He claims to believe, but is not walking it.
Liz Curtis Higgs says
You can be sure the Holy Spirit is in hot pursuit. Praying for whatever it takes to help your dear man open his eyes!
RUSTY MCCORMICK says
Liz.. I hope you don’t mind but I’m going to use your story in my sermon tomorrow morning.
I’ve done a series on “Identity theft” and “Who We are in CHRIST” and now about “Holiness thru the Eyes of Grace”. I’ve been talkin about GOD’s Light a bunch.. this is a Great Testimony.
Sic’em for JESUS … Rusty
Liz Curtis Higgs says
Honored to encourage you and the people you serve, Rusty!