Real Life Real Faith Men of Faith November/December | Page 10

Saving the World
One Candle at a Time
Candles are like this and they have many different

world, even if it means one candle at a time! God

contemplative connotations. They represent God’s

has placed me in the right place at the right time for

everlasting stamina where flames are constant and

the right purpose such as this. I cannot do it

consistent in all things spiritual and inspirational. A

without studying His Word and applying it to

good flame does not flicker, nor is it fleeting when

measures in gauging my intent. I want them to shine

it comes to being seen in the right light. I’m sure

through me as God directs my paths, and for me to

that God didn’t intend for candles to be so

symbolize where guiding light should shine

insignificant that they couldn’t give us light which

brightest. Burn bright the candles, for they shall be

can represent connections between spirit and

the way to eternal joy because we will see clearly

matter, and the difference between good and bad.

where hope is not just a flicker but a foundation. In

This is where the Biblical examples given above

my mind, a lit candle suggests that they are seeking

means so much. To some people it may mean that

comfort and some sort of spiritual enlightenment

they burn brightly with hopes that something is

relative to living life to the fullest. On the other

destined to be what they’ve aspired for...or perhaps

hand, an unlit candle suggests that you may be

it could bode ill-will if the flames flicker

feeling rejection and disappointment, or can't see

uncontrollably. Watching a candle burning quietly

anything positive or effective "light" in a situation,

and steadily is a sign of peace of mind,

or in yourself. This is the time to find and manifest

contemplation and desire to look within. If the

illuminated light. I find it when there are dark

flame of a candle goes off, you may be informed

shadows and black holes in my mind. I want my

about the illness or a death of a relative or

steps to be lit with confidence knowing where I’m

somebody close to you. It also could mean the end

going. My life, and yours, should be a lighted candle

of a close friendship or relationship. In another

of hope. I want God to manifest in everything I

sense, a candle is a reverent symbol and could mean

write, including my essays, literary orientations,

a flame of passion burning inside you in a spiritual

the book reviews I distribute, the stories I share,

way. Then again, seeing a candle in the dream, or in

and the books I write. They are illuminations for

a realistic way could symbolize your desire for

anyone to know that there’s messages in how He

more understanding and enlightenment for

guides my hand for ink to flow indelibly. I don’t

wisdom. The key is being able to see the bigger

want to get old and die as I watch my candle burn

picture and not be influenced by surface matter.

down to nothing, nor do I want my dreams deferred

For me, candles go a bit deeper. They are symbols

where candles are cast to the wind. Imagine the

of intimacy, serenity and spiritual hope. I use them

whole world praising His name and making their

in my continual attempts to allow them to be

elections and callings surest with the gift of light!

beacons to lure the children...to teach them with

It’s all about righteous apples and all of the other

internal light. My overall intent is to help light the

spiritual gems for that quality of life to be visible
when candles are placed purposely to light the
world -- each to their own illuminating purpose!