Overcome darkness.

I haven't got the mail since Monday. The cold hurts that much.

As I scanned the isles late in the night, I gathered boxes of tissue for his raw blown nose, and food that would last us through the weekend--making one less trip out there, where it hurts to breath.

Stepping through the automatic swinging door came as a shock--a frozen slap to the face. Manning plastic bags on both arms I frantically pulled my coat closed. I reasoned that the brutality of winter gets worse when the darkness gets darker.

Daytime is nice, but nighttime is better; faded distractions, simply thoughts. Creeping back into the house I slip off my boots. Still dressed from a funeral I take a deep breath. In the darkness you must focus on the light--on Him. Quietly I move from counter to refrigerator, cupboard to pantry--there is Power in His name: Jesus.  

In the dark you can choose to stand still or be still. The dark can overcome or the dark can be overcome.

Lies.
Manipulation.
Men.
Selfishness.
Doubt.
Pride.
Anger.
Murder.
Hate.
Gluttony.
Sex.
Hollywood.
Self-righteousness.
Control.
Debt.
Anxiety.
Gossip.
Pain.
Fear.

Putting the Kleenex away I played-over their laughs of disbelief. Because what else do you do when someone tells you something that seems far-fetched?

Maybe if I pinned that list of sin to my chest it would drive the point home...

Rounding the hall and locking-up shop I flip off the lights.

And maybe that's our problem. We fail to speak our sins out in detail, admitting the fault in full. He atoned for our sins, we say--clumping it all into a little box, never looking at each sin that fills the space in our hearts. True confession only happens when we take the time to speak the darkness--looking at each ugly thing. And then forgiveness.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Confess our sin. 
Each sin. 
And those things we don't want to call sin...

Live in the light—just as he is in the light—then have fellowship with one another, and let the blood of Jesus, his Son, purify us from every sin.

I have and continue to do so.

In the dark I am still. Confessing all the ugly I think and speak. 
I have overcome the dark by His light and unfailing love--by His blood.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.