Bending the Arc

In a September 27, 2025, article in the Gary [Indiana] Crusader, Rev. John Jackson shares an inspirational message about finding light in the darkness of our times. He starts by quoting the late Dr. Frederick G. Sampson who said, “There are times in life when we feel overcast by dreadful and foreboding shadows.” Shadows of insecurity, shadows of uncertainty, shadows of anxiety and fear. Yet, Dr. Sampson said, “Try not to get fixated on the shadows, because no solid object can cast a shadow itself. If there are shadows, that just means that a light is shining from somewhere. Find that light and focus on the light.”

Rev. Jackson goes on to list several Black trailblazers who overcame the nadir/darkness of our U.S. history as he acknowledges that we are experiencing another nadir in this “yet to be united states of America.” He suggests that “the nadir we are presently in cannot stop the light that has passed on to us to create a new beginning of light and hope. Shadows are still non-substantive, and the light is still shining. The death of the way things used to be will lead to the birth of a new reality if we focus on building as a community, rather than individually.”

He concludes by reminding us that “the light shines in the darkness, but the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5). We are the light of the world, my people, so shine! Be authentic, Be Encouraged and Stay Woke.”

Rev. Dr. John E.Jackson, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Gary, Indiana. Read his full article here: https://chicagocrusader.com/from-nadir-to-the-light-of-new-beginnings/