Oh, FreedomSample

“This Little Light of Mine . . . I’m gonna’ let it shine,” written in the 1920s as a gospel song for children, transformed into an iconic freedom song. Activists, including Fannie Lou Hamer, taught the song to US Civil Rights demonstrators in the 1960s. The joyful melody and defiant lyrics sparked courage. In the face of violence that demonstrators suffered, they shouted confidence in God’s divine presence, protection, and power over injustice, strengthening their hope.

By the time “This Little Light of Mine” reached me, I was growing up in a black United Methodist church. Our children’s choir director (using her signature, loud whisper during worship services) instructed us to sing and shout confidently: “Everywhere I go, I’m going to let it shine!” This song was a seed affirming my identity in Christ as my light.

With a theme that mirrors Jesus’s words to followers, “Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16), we gain that divine calling when we accept Him as our Savior. We will find ourselves on the “frontlines,” facing challenging life situations. Our rays of hope, joy, love, and compassion encourage us, and pique others’ interest. Whether others’ reactions to us are wonder, admiration, or unfavorable oppression, our salvation illuminates! The freedom we exhibit in Christ bears witness to Scripture and our unshakable faith in God. We’re designed to shine—and others see the light. - Cherie Trahan

Although the world might try to diminish our light, the world does not have the power to hide what God has lit.