Among the wisdom passed down through generations of Quaker faith is a simple yet profound expression: "holding you in the light." This saying encapsulates the practice of surrounding someone with love, care, and divine protection, akin to holding them in God’s encouraging and healing presence. It’s a beautiful reminder of how we can engage in spiritual solidarity, offering our support through prayer and intentional thought.
At its core, "holding you in the light" is about acknowledging the struggles, joys, and journeys of those around us while invoking divine grace and guidance on their behalf. It's a commitment to be mindful of others—a spiritual posture of empathy and concern. There's no one way to "do" this; it can be as silent as meditation, as vibrant as a group prayer meeting, or as constant as whispering a quiet prayer whenever a person's name crosses your mind.
The workplace can often feel detached from spiritual life. However, when we adopt the mindset of "holding you in the light," we begin to see our professional environment as fertile ground for ministry. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to reflect God’s love and to foster an environment where the Holy Spirit thrives.
The Apostle Paul beautifully writes about the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, emphasizing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Imagine a workspace where these qualities are the norm, rather than exceptions. By intentionally holding your coworkers or clients in the light, these virtues can be embodied in your daily tasks, making your work a living ministry.
Moreover, Jesus's instruction in Matthew 5:14-16 about not hiding your light under a bowl but allowing it to shine before others opens doors for practical application. Our work should not be an area where we dim our spiritual light. Instead, it should be where we amplify it. By holding others in the light, our actions, decisions, and the way we handle pressures or conflicts can serve as a testament to God's presence within us.
Walking this path transforms how we perceive day-to-day work, infusing every decision and every relationship with spiritual intention. In holding others in the light, we not only uplift those around us but also invite divine light to shine into every corner of our work and life. With each step, we celebrate our call to be beacons of God's grace in a world yearning for light.
