California is known for earthquakes, and I have experienced some big ones over the years of living in Hollywood. Working in the media and entertainment industries, I have also experienced lots of earth-shattering moments, both good and bad, having worked in an ever-unstable industry. Strikes, AI, finance issues, and the many moral and cultural challenges of working in the industry as a Christian are prominent issues taking a toll on artists and creatives today. And it’s not only in Hollywood. Other media and entertainment hubs like Atlanta and NYC are also feeling the strain. Artists and creators are standing on shaky ground on multiple levels and just trying to keep their balance as the industry continues to make seismic changes.
At a recent Influence Women Hollywood Professional gathering, I spoke on why community and standing on the Word of God has never been more critical today.
John, a disciple of Christ and personal witness to His teaching and miracles, encouraged the first-century Church as they felt challenged with the issues of living out their faith in a hedonistic Roman culture. He writes in John 1:5-6, “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”
The word “message” in Greek also means “promise” and is only used two times in the New Testament. It is also related to the word “preach.” John reminds listeners that we are called to preach the promise or evangelize the “good news” and not let our challenges consume us. We are to conduits of His “Light” and bring the “Light” of who Jesus is to others. With our eyes and ears mesmerized by our screens today, we are often influenced by the dark side of life. Wars, famine, shutdowns, climatic and devastating events full of death and destruction weigh on our lives.
John reminds us to walk in the Light of God.
Darkness today impacts our personal lives, too. Disruptions and uncertainties in our daily lives and careers lives toss us around with constant seismic shocks. Yet, in God, there is no darkness—no uncertainties or disruptions—only Light, hope and God’s promise to be there with us. And it can be an opportunity to share the “Light” of God to others. If we’re engaged fully in Him, it means choosing to live an active and vibrant relationship through the turmoil, walking with confident boldness moment by moment. In Him, there is no fear and “no darkness at all.” God will direct our “coming and goings” (Psalm 121:8).
However, if we only claim to know Him, we’ll be left standing in the dark on shaking ground.
Compromise never works. It leaves you vulnerable, unprepared, and unable to trust and be obedient to the truths of God. You are living a lie. I remember the 1994 6.7 Northridge Earthquake. It sounded like a plane had landed on top of my house, and I lived in Burbank, miles away from the epicenter. I remember getting tossed out of bed as bookshelves fell to the ground, pictures tumbled off the walls, and dishes crashed to the floor. Our house was completely turned upside down in only 20 seconds. The shaking was fierce and violent. It was terrifying and dark. And, it remained dark for many hours and in many areas of the city for days. Earthquakes aren’t like hurricanes or tornadoes (which I’ve also been in). Once the damage is done and the storm has passed, it’s over. But earthquakes keep coming with aftershocks, reminding you that more destruction could arrive at any time. Each time they happen, you hold your breath, try to keep your emotional and physical footing, and pray they don’t happen at night. Flashlight sales soared during the weeks after the earthquake. We kept one next to our bed, in our car, and everywhere we went, not knowing if we were going to be trapped in the dark. The uncertainty of earthquakes never left me, and I learned to be better prepared and less vulnerable.
The key is being prepared and staying in the Light.
Our Creator wants us to remember He is the God of Light, the God of miracles and the God of the inexplicable. When we can’t see a way through, He makes a way. But He expects us to be prepared. That means personally taking time to read and memorize scripture and to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This holiday season, as we reflect on the goodness of God, and as Christmas decorations are lit and the season of light unfolds, remember to bring “The LIGHT of the World” to someone. I encourage you not to compromise and only claim to be in the Word and engaged with Jesus. Spending time in the Bible and in prayer is essential and keeps stupid choices–sin and unwise decisions–from overpowering our lives.
In I John, walking in the “Light of God” is equated 17 times to the word freedom.
We are freed from the curses and the confines of the sinful world we live in. God has given us the gift of freedom, and it’s a promise. I encourage you to reach out to someone you know and buy them a cup of “Light” this holiday season. Put down your digital devices that devour time and attention, leaving you in the dark. Be a flashlight – a conduit of “Light.” Let the first-century persecuted Christians be your inspiration. They gathered in dark underground caves and in dark graveyards, but joyously gave unconditionally and encouraged each other. They never felt restricted because God had freed them eternally. They were… Unshakeable!