I’m in my early twenties, living in Bologna, Italy. It’s the early hours of the morning, and a friend and I are standing at the side of a long, dark country road – miles outside the town.
No taxis. No Ubers. Just darkness and silence.
We’d realised we were in the wrong situation and asked to get out of the van we were in. They stopped – and left us there.
I remember thinking, What are we going to do?
We start walking.
Then, out of nowhere, I hear a motorbike.
It pulls up beside us – and it turns out the rider is a friend. He puts both of us on the back, and as we ride, I can see the lights of the town coming into view.
I remember the relief.
I was safe again.
That night, I was physically brought out of the darkness.
And yet – here’s the question that’s stayed with me:
How many of us know what it is to be delivered from the darkness…
...but still live in the shadows?
By living in the shadows, I mean holding back.
Not using your voice.
Not stepping fully into your gifts.
Letting old fears or labels silence you.
Verse of the Week
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”
— Colossians 1:13
Delivered – and brought into the light.
And yet it’s possible to be safe, and still stay hidden.
This week, take a quiet moment with the Lord and ask:
Where might I be safe – but still holding back?
Simply pay attention to what He brings to mind.
Until next week,
Have a blessed day and keep shining. ✨
Cheryl
