What It Means to Be a Light
When You’re Struggling

by Rev. Sheri Spiritual teacher, writer, and founder of Angel Messenger

There was a time when I was sick for more than a decade and could barely get out of bed. Some days, the ordinary things people do without thinking felt far beyond what I could manage.

I still wanted to be part of the world. I still wanted my life to bring something good into it. Working on Angel Messenger gave me a way to do that from where I was.

I could write a message, share encouragement, or create something that might help another person feel less alone. I often felt as though I had very little to give. Yet doing that work made me feel connected to something larger than my illness. I was helping create a little light, and it felt good to be part of a solution.

Light Can Come from a Difficult Place

I want to be careful with this story. I was able to do some Angel Messenger work, and it mattered deeply to me. That does not mean every hard day needed a purpose, or that every person who is ill should find a way to give.

There were days when getting through the day was enough. There may be days like that for you, too.

Still, I know what it meant to me to discover that I could offer something from the life I was living, even when that life looked very different from the one I had imagined. I did not have to wait until I felt well to care about someone. I could share what was within my reach.

Sometimes that was a message of hope. Sometimes it was the honesty of saying, I understand how hard this can be.

We Do Not Have to Be Shining All the Time

When we talk about “being a light,” it can sound as though we must always be cheerful, strong, or ready to encourage someone else. I do not believe that.

A person can be hurting and still carry love. A person can need help and still have wisdom to share. A person can spend the day resting and still be deeply worthy of care.

During those years, Angel Messenger helped me feel that I could participate in making the world gentler. I am grateful for that. I am also grateful for the people and moments that brought light to me. We need one another. Sometimes we are the ones offering comfort, and sometimes we are the ones receiving it.

Neither place makes us less whole.

What Is Within Your Reach?

If you are going through a difficult season, please do not measure your life by what you can produce or how much you can do for others. You do not owe the world a beautiful lesson from your pain.

But if there is something small that helps you feel connected—to another person, to the Divine, or to a cause you care about—you are allowed to follow it. Your contribution may look different from what it once did. It may change from day to day. It still belongs to you.

And if today you have nothing to give beyond your own care, let that be enough. You are still part of this world and still deserving of its kindness.

When I look back on those years, I remember how meaningful it felt to create light through Angel Messenger while I was struggling. I also remember how much I needed light myself.

Perhaps being a light begins there: letting love move among us in both directions, wherever we are and with whatever we have today.

A gentle reflection: What helps you feel connected to something good during a difficult season? What kind of support would you welcome in return?

May you know that you are loved on the days you give and on the days you need to receive. May you find small moments of connection, and may you never feel that you must hide your struggles to belong.

Peace, Love, and Grace,
Rev. Sheri

Share a Little Care—or Receive Some Yourself

If someone comes to mind as you read this, you can nominate them for a free Compassion Care Kit. You can nominate yourself, too. Each kit is a small, mailed reminder that someone is seen and cared for.