Be A Light — It’s More Than You Think

“Be a light.” It’s a simple sentence with a significant meaning. When you think of the phrase, you might picture someone who radiates positivity and reminds you of sunshine and sunflowers. But while that image rings somewhat true, there’s so much more to the phrase than many may realize.

I fell in love with the quote during the pandemic. Thomas Rhett came out with the song “Be a Light,” which resonated deeply. The song revolves around being kind, doing the right thing, and choosing to shine even when the world feels dark. The song reminded me of my dad, who, in many ways, was the definition of the phrase. He was kind and selfless, always did right by others, and brought warmth to every room he entered. When he passed away in 2019, I felt like he left me his torch to carry. It was as though my dad trusted me to continue spreading his light, which is a responsibility that I take seriously.

Being a light is so much more than just being “kind.”

There’s something deeper to it. Being a light means being others’ source of comfort, joy, and hope. It’s about being steady in people’s lives, even when life feels chaotic.

The people who embody” being a light” are the ones you can run into at a crowded event and instantly feel relieved that they’re there. They bring a sense of calm, a quiet joy that reassures you even when they don’t say a word. They are the people who make your entire day brighter, even if you only see them for a few minutes. A brief encounter with one of these people can lift your spirits and make you feel like your worries aren’t so heavy anymore.

These people aren’t always loud or outgoing. Sometimes, the brightest lights come in the form of a warm smile, a gentle word, or a small, thoughtful gesture. They’re the friends who send you random texts on a hard day, the coworkers who go out of their way to help when you don’t ask, or the family member who always seems to know when you need a hug. The “lights” are the people who light up the darkest corners of life, not because they’re perfect or have all the answers but because they’re there when it matters the most.

Being a light doesn’t always mean that you “have it all together.”

Many people who radiate light have experienced darkness themselves. They understand what it feels like to struggle, hurt, and lose. That’s why they shine — they choose to rise above those moments and extend a hand to others who may need the care that they once craved. They aren’t perfect, but they are willing. They choose to be kind, even when it’s hard. Also, they decide to be present, even when they’re tired. And that, in and of itself, is what makes them so unique.

So, I will continue to be the person who gets people up on the dance floor no matter how bad my dancing is. I will be the one who willingly makes a fool of myself to put a smile on someone else’s face. I’ll be the person who entertains a little kid in line at the grocery store. I’ll be a light — I’ll give people a reason to feel joy, even in the most mundane moments.

In a world that often feels heavy, where darkness and cruelty seem to dominate the headlines, the least we can do is offer some light to those who need it. Whether we share a kind word, a helping hand, or our presence, we can each make someone’s day a little brighter.

Let’s be honest — the world could always use more light.

Whenever we choose kindness, we make a difference, even if we don’t see an immediate impact. Every small act of love, every smile, and every moment of genuine connection adds up. It’s easy to think that we need to do something big to make a change, but the little things often make the biggest difference.

I’ll continue to carry my dad’s light, not just because I feel it’s my duty but also because I know how much his light meant to the people who knew him. I hope to pass that light on to others, whether with a smile, a silly dance, or a supportive word for someone when they need it the most. 

Be a light — not just for others, but for yourself too. Let your light shine because you never know who might need it.

Featured image via Valeria Boltneva on Pexels