Yesterday Gary and I participated in the Vermont Walk to Defeat ALS. I know of others in our congregation who participated in yesterday's Alzheimer's Walk going in Shelburne. Additionally there are many others in our congregation who walk (or paddle!) for other causes including breast cancer, diabetes, and hunger.

Walking is a way to feel like we can do something in the face of uncertainty. As I walked yesterday I thought of my father who died of ALS last December. I know he would have been proud of me. Walking is a way to honor the suffering and courage of others. Walking is also a way to raise awareness. When you see a mass of people walking down the road all wearing the same T-Shirt you've got to wonder what is going on!

Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew, "People don't light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." As followers of Christ we are called to shed light in the darkness. Many of the causes that we walk for are things that people don't like to talk about ~ Alzheimer's, Cancer, ASL, Hunger. By bringing attention to them we are bringing them out into the light. By shedding light in dark places we can begin to bring justice and healing and hope to others. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.