Let Your Light Shine
Denise Gilliam
“Celebrating a memorable Grandparents and Special Friends Day”
“This Little Light of Mine,” one of our regular and beloved chapel songs at CCEP, is an African-American song from the 1920s. It was often reported to have been written for children by Harry Dixon Loes, but he never claimed credit for the original version. Later, Zilphia Horton, among many other activists, adapted it in connection with the civil rights movement. “The Little Light of Mine” has always been one of my favorite chapel songs because it’s easy for the children to learn, has fun finger plays to accompany the song, and reminds us that we each have a special light to share with others, especially in times of need.
Mother Ruth, Mason, and I have spent the last three days attending the National Association of Episcopal Schools Biennial Conference. The theme “Let your Light Shine” has provided us with inspirational reminders of the many ways we can share our unique gifts. We lift each other up when we recognize someone having a hard time and we give support. We lift each other up when we show patience and compassion for people's ideas and beliefs that differ from ours, and when we give graciously of our time, especially when we don’t think we have time to share. Noticing the remarkable achievements of our children in ways where they know we care about their success provides a lasting, hopeful, connection.
Our small acts of kindness toward each other strengthen our community, and there is evidence of this happening all the time at CCEP and CCCH. One recent example includes Grandparents and Special Friends Day. It was our privilege to celebrate our Grandparents and Special Friends this week as their lights always shine brightly throughout our school and community. With gratitude, we lift up all those who worked tirelessly to make this day meaningful. Thank you, Lisa Stevens, Denise Gilliam, Father Michael, Lisa Tuleya, and Valerie Long for your amazing planning and attention to detail that made the day run smoothly. Our Parents Association, Tamson Livonov, Sarah Lauzen, Vienna Perillo, and countless others who provided delicious food and refreshments. Thank you, teachers, Mr. Chris, and Chucho for your countless contributions.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing your children with us each day. They are the ultimate reminder of God’s love and his light that lives inside us all.