Shining Your Light into Dark Places

In my home state of Alaska, winters are dark, so we learn to keep our lanterns handy and firewood stocked. The sun is having trouble peeking over the tree line, truly creating the darkest time of the year. Light and warmth are not optional, so we anticipate and adapt by keeping our tools close at hand.

It’s been a tough winter for most. Much of North America suffered mightily through winter storms. Political churning has perpetuated frustration and unrest in our hearts and in our streets. And during these shared seasons, every individual is quietly carrying something personally heavy.

So, how do we adapt during the dark nights of the soul? Thankfully, our founders provided us with the resources to do just that. In a poem “AOII Is…” by founder Stella George Stern Perry, we are called to spread good news outside of our comfort zones:

“AOII is…family watching solicitously, let us believe, each of its members, not only for family friendship and for love…but watching for a light going into dark places, the light of Alpha Omicron Pi”

Did you catch that? Not just to respond to situations but to seek out opportunities to make things better. This call to action requires us to think bigger, to focus outside ourselves.

But, this can be uncomfortable. When the world around us seems rife with division, it is far simpler to “pick a side” and set up a camp that expressly points a finger at “the opposition.” We find it easy to align ourselves with the trappings of clannishness. But the bonds we have pledged ourselves to uphold beckon us to demonstrate freedom from narrow prejudice and exclusiveness of any nature.

So, what might it look like to shine our light into dark places?

• Choosing to serve at a local food bank or warming shelter instead of watching a favorite show.
• Refusing to post divisive memes or images on social media, even when it’s trendy.
• Sitting down with a friend with a different viewpoint and listening to their concerns.
• Anticipating a difficult season, like when a sister has a sick family member, and making her a thoughtful card or gift.
• Adding more philanthropic moments to sisterhood events.
• Listening to the answer when you ask, “How are you,” and taking time when the answer hints at something beyond a superficial “I’m fine. How are you?”

When we look beyond our own circumstances and cultivate the practice of empathy for others, we carry the ability to uplift the situation. The moment brightens. Hearts soften. We see things more clearly…or at least through a different lens. We can illuminate the darkness, inspiring courage in others to do the same.

The uncommon character and humility of an AOII sister forges a trail on the road less traveled. By leaning on the wisdom of our Founders, we can speak life instead of perpetuating division, changing a bleak narrative into a story of hope.

Take heart: The ice is melting, and all signs indicate that spring is on the way. In the meantime, you can be the light we all need.

You may contact the Rituals, Traditions, and Jewelry Committee (RT&J) about anything Ritual related at RTandJ@alphaomicronpi.org.