Light Overcomes the Shadows

Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” 

After battling addiction and incarceration, Anna came to the Magdalene House ready for a fresh start. She has been determined to make the most of this new chapter, taking meaningful steps to rebuild her life and heal her heart. Just last week, she started pursuing a degree in psychology. She’s also working, setting goals, and making plans for her future. More than anything, she’s excited about being a mom again outside of the Magdalene House. When we sat down to talk, she shared that her Grandpa is really proud of her, and after taking this photo, she smiled and said, “I’m going to send it to him.”

Moments like this speak to the power of deep connection and love. This love is biblical. The kind of love that is patient, full of grace, and that lifts people up, reminding them of their worth. Anna told me how much her Grandpa has always supported her, how grateful she is for him, and how much it means to her that he sees her doing well. While working at Maggie Bags recently, she heard Stairway to Heaven playing and thought of him.

There’s a lyric in that song that stood out to me, “And as we wind on down the road, our shadows taller than our soul, there walks a woman we all know.” It made me think about how sometimes our past mistakes can feel overwhelming, like they overshadow the good in us, almost as if they become bigger than who we are. But the truth is, no matter how long or heavy our shadows seem, light always overcomes darkness.

Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” That verse reminds me of Anna’s journey. No matter how dark or difficult the past may feel, it can never stand against the power of renewal, love, and faith. She is stepping into a new season, one filled with hope and purpose, knowing she is seen, loved, and supported.

And that is the beauty of God's grace. It doesn’t dwell in the shadows. It invites us into the light.