lightHave you ever been surprised or discouraged by unexpected animosity from people? It may stun you: You approach them with sincerity and an open heart, and they lash out at you with anger or criticism. Perhaps you offer them help and support, and they snap back at you with accusations.

Something you should know…

When people feel your kindness, love, and care they either receive it with appreciation as the benevolent rays of sunshine, or as a threat…

If a person has been denying love in their own heart for years, if they feel unworthy of love (many people do), then your light reveals their shadow…

This shadow – the disowned part of themselves – has been yearning for acceptance and recognition for a very long time. The pain has been dull and chronic.

It’s as if you shined a light on this inner struggle and pushed the very button they want to pretend does not exist. No wonder they resent you and look at you as the source of their pain…

If you believe in their negative reaction and respond defensively or with blame, you add to their pain and to the suffering of the world, including your own. You momentarily take away your light, step into your own shadow, and confirm their fear of being not worthy of love.

If you see beyond their sorrow or adverse behavior into the light of their soul, if you don’t let their hostility to be the reason for you to not shine, the shadow ceases.

Darkness cannot be in the presence of LIGHT

To Love or not to Love: That is the question. What do YOU chose?