Walt Whitman wrote, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” Casting Shadows was the topic of a breakout session I attended at our men’s conference last year. It was based on Acts 5:15, “As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by.“ People were blessed with healing just from coming in contact with Peter’s shadow.
Each of us casts a much bigger shadow than we think. Leadership expert John C. Maxwell points out that sociologists estimate the average person will influence 10,000 people in their lifetime. The key is to keep our influence positive. As believers, we each face toward the “light of the world” and cast a shadow of influence and blessing that touches those around us. We will never know all of the people we influence because many are watching and listening from a distance, but God knows and so do they.
My emergency scripture is 911 (Psalms 91:1) “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” There is real peace to be found in God’s shadow. James writes, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
While writing about shadows I am reminded of a touching story I read years ago about a woman whose young son was terminally ill. While she was caring for her son he suddenly asked, “Does it hurt when you die?” She quickly excused herself with tears welling up in her eyes and said she would be back in a few minutes and talk to him about it. Sobbing bitterly, she asked God to give her words that would comfort him and give her the strength to speak them without breaking down. She felt a peace come over her as she returned to his bedside. She began by reminding him about the 23rd Psalm that she had read to him many times. “Remember the part that says, ‘Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me?’ Jesus has made it possible for us to pass through the shadow of death. Shadows aren’t scary or painful are they?” He shook his head and said, “No.” She went on, “Remember when you fell asleep in the car on the way home from Grandma and Grandpa’s house and you woke up in your bed the next morning because your father had gently carried you from the car to your bed? When you die you will fall asleep here with us and wake up the next morning in heaven because your heavenly Father will gently carry you there to be with Him.” He smiled and so did she as a sense of relief came over them both.