Having Light We Pass It On To Others
Students, alumni, faculty, and staff often find inspiration in our above motto, which encourages each of us to discover our unique gifts and use them for good in the world. For many, it also connects to spiritual values. This weekend, many in our community will be observing either Passover or Easter, while others are halfway through Ramadan. This Easter, I am honored to introduce another student who has found her light here, Interfaith Senator Maddie Engelau ’23. A religion major and educational studies minor from Columbus, Indiana, Maddie has written a special Easter message for us below.
Wittenberg’s motto, “Having light we pass it on to others," means a lot to me with regard to my daily life. It means being kind, helping those around you, and having a sense of community. I use it at camp, in campus ministries, in Greek life, and all over campus. It reminds me of Jesus' words in Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." You are a light. BE a light.
Sometimes, though, being a light and passing it on can feel overwhelming. It can be exhausting to feel as though you always have to shine. At times you may feel lost on what to do, or what to say. This has been especially true during these past two years. My conversations with my friends and family have been filled with the fear and weariness about the uncertainty of life and the world. We have faced a pandemic, social change, and now a war in Ukraine, as well as our own personal challenges.
In the times of uncertainty, I think back to the very first Easter morning. The women walking to the tomb were uncertain of what was to come. I wonder what thoughts they were having. But then the women realized: the tomb is empty. Death and darkness did not overcome God's light. Because He is risen, the light continues to shine. As Jesus said in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” Luckily for us, we don’t have to shine on our own. Through God and with God's help, God's light shines through us, and we are able to pass it on to others.
I pray this Easter you seek God's light so that you are able to share it with the world! No Darkness, no fear, nothing shall overcome God's light.
Thank you, Maddie, for sharing such special words, and to those who celebrate this holy season, greetings and peace from Wittenberg University. Keep passing your light.
Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D.
President