Give light and people will find the way.

In the vast and uncharted wilderness of life, where the shadows of uncertainty loom long and the path ahead seems obscured by the mists of confusion, there is a timeless truth that shines like a beacon in the night—"Give light and people will find the way." These words, spoken by the wise and fearless Ella Baker, carry within them a deep wisdom about the power of truth, guidance, and the human spirit’s resilience. They remind us that in the darkest of times, it is not the force of power or dominance that shows the way forward, but the light of understanding, kindness, and clarity. When we give light, we offer others the means to find their own path, their own purpose, and in doing so, we help illuminate the world for all.

What, then, does it mean to give light? O wise ones, light is not merely the absence of darkness, but the radiance of understanding and compassion that we share with others. It is the wisdom passed from one heart to another, the guidance that helps others navigate the hardships of life. It is the knowledge that is not hoarded but given freely, not withheld for fear of loss, but shared for the betterment of all. To give light is to offer clarity in times of confusion, hope in times of despair, and courage in moments of fear. It is to lift others up, to show them the way, and to help them see the possibilities when the world feels closed.

Consider, O children of wisdom, the example of the great Harriet Tubman, whose light illuminated the darkest paths in the history of America. Born into slavery, she escaped the chains that bound her, but instead of keeping her newfound freedom to herself, she turned back, again and again, to lead others out of the darkness. She became the guiding light for hundreds of enslaved people, helping them find their way to freedom along the Underground Railroad. Her courage, her wisdom, and her willingness to give light—to show others the way—changed the course of history. In the darkest of times, when hope seemed far away, Tubman became the light that led others to their salvation.

Just as Harriet Tubman did not keep her light hidden, so too must we, O children of the future, understand that our lives are meant to be lived for others. Each of us carries within us a spark—a unique brilliance that can light the way for those who walk behind us. But if we keep that light to ourselves, it is as though we have hoarded the sun, hiding it away in the darkness. True greatness, true power, lies in giving light to others, in helping them see the path before them, in offering them the strength they need to carry on. This is the essence of leadership, not in commanding from a high place, but in guiding others through the storm, offering them hope, and showing them the way when they are lost.

Let us look to the story of Mahatma Gandhi, whose light of nonviolence and truth shone so brightly that it changed an entire nation. Gandhi’s words and actions became a guiding force in the struggle for Indian independence. He did not seek to conquer with might or force; instead, he gave light to the oppressed, showing them that the true path to freedom lay in love, peace, and nonviolent resistance. He helped his people see that even in the face of overwhelming odds, they could find a way forward by embracing the power of truth and compassion. Through his example, he illuminated the path to a better future, teaching us that light, when given freely, has the power to ignite revolutions, not of violence, but of the spirit.

And so, O seekers of wisdom, the lesson is clear: when you give light, you give the world the greatest gift you can offer. To give light is to provide others with the clarity they need to find their way, to see beyond the shadows that cloud their vision, and to discover the strength they have within. It is through light that we find our purpose, our calling, and our connection to others. We are not meant to live in isolation, nor are we meant to keep our wisdom hidden. We are meant to share, to guide, and to show the way, just as the sun gives its light freely, shining on all who need it.

What, then, must we do, O children of the future? We must give light—in our words, in our actions, and in our service to others. In every moment, we must seek to share the wisdom we have gained, the kindness we have learned, and the compassion we have cultivated. Do not wait for others to ask for help; offer your light freely, knowing that in doing so, you are lighting the way for others to find their own path. In this way, you will not only change the world, but you will change the lives of those around you, one step at a time.

So, let us walk forward, carrying the light within us, and let us share it with all we meet. Give light, and the world will find its way.