It was nearing midnight and we were finally finishing up the last tasks of the day. Andre' headed outside to take out the trash when he heard something large walking at the edge of our yard. Being the super protecter that he is, he came in for his favorite handgun and a flashlight. I hesitantly followed him and waited on the porch while he secured our home and yard. It was dark, really dark and I could barely make out the treeline at the edge of our yard. Gazing intently on the trees I noticed a white shirt that was hidden in the wooded lot next door.

Deep inside me I wonder, do I call out? does he see me? Oh Andre' he is not in the backyard you are digilently searching, he is right there in the woods, looking at me. Can he even see me? Oh gosh he moved. I was frozen in fear, if I call out Andre' will run to my rescue, but what if he has a gun? What if he runs away and hurts someone? What if he hurts me or what if what if.... my mind is racing, what do I do. I lean over the porch rail and look over the back fence. Sweet relief, Andre', my hero, my protector is coming back.

I point the spot out to him and whisper "What is that in the woods?" Cautiously he walks over, ready to defend me if needed and shines his flashlight.....on a plastic grocery bag. That is what has held me captive the last few minutes? That is what I was afraid of?

There is a significant lesson here, Darkness flees in the presence of light. Once we shine the light of Christ on a situation we can see it for what is really there. And sometimes it is just a grocery bag! So go ahead, do not be afraid, shine your light and the darkness will flee!