In the past couple of weeks, we have experienced some clear demonstrations of darkness:  the highly publicized assassination of an American executive…subsequent hate and vitriol chanted across social media…and yesterday’s school shooting in Wisconsin, just to name a few.

When many suggest that someone “deserved to die” because of his chosen vocation and industry and then celebrate his loss…and when a second grade child is the 911 caller reporting gunfire in the classroom…darkness is among us.

I am reminded of the lyrics hauntingly crooned by Maren Morris and Vince Gill.  They begin…

“Dear Hate
I saw you on the news today
Like a shock that takes my breath away
You fall like rain, cover us in drops of pain…”

Our logic is failed if we seek to rely on bureaucratic constructs or media to help us heal.  We need not look farther than their own inward focus to realize that they are incapable of truly helping the hearts and minds of those openly reaching for comfort and assurance. 

Change will not be achieved by way of what we hear or view, rather, it depends on what we embrace, believe, and demonstrate.

Dr. King taught us that “darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”  And Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Edith Wharton observed “There are two ways of spreading light:  to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.” 

As leaders, I believe we are called to LOVE, ENCOURAGE, and SHINE AND REFLECT LIGHT.  To do otherwise – perhaps cowering in fear, quelling our voices, or stepping out of view – is to sink into that darkness, surrendering our privilege to lead.

If we give up as if without hope, hate wins.  But, if we choose light and love, darkness and hate stand no chance. 

The lyrics conclude…

“Dear Love
Just when I think you’ve given up
You were there in the garden when I ran from your voice
I hear you every morning through the chaos and the noise
You still whisper down through history and echo through these halls
And tell me love’s gonna conquer all
Gonna conquer all”

Indeed, “love’s gonna conquer all.”  Love wins.  Every time. 

And so, as leaders, we must be both the light AND the mirror.

My hope for each of us is that these moments and the holidays ahead bring a renewed sense of reflection for us all.  I hope and pray that we take the opportunity to celebrate and demonstrate love for others, well beyond the boundaries of our homes and innermost circles.  We have an opportunity to achieve real change if we choose to lead with a habit of LOVE.

Peace.