"As nightfall does not come at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly unchanged. And it is in such twilight that we all must be most aware of change in the air, however slight, lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness."
- Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas
I read the above quote in the introduction to an article I'm reading for class entitled, "Confidentially Speaking: American Libraries and the USA PATRIOT Act," by Ellen D. Gilbert. The nightfall imagery struck me as a particularly powerful one.
Alternatively, the image of a sunrise also comes to mind as a helpful one in considering many aspects of life. During dark times, we may not see change coming as drastically as we'd like to see--as in the difference between night and day. We are tempted to remain frustrated, angry or defeated when we don't see results as quickly as we would like for them to take place. But, if we remain steadfast, focused and determined, soon the early dawn hours will begin to creep in and light will slowly begin to illuminate the horizon....steadily chasing the darkness away until the whole sky is brilliant.
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2 comments:
It seems like we are headed into a dark time as a nation. More and more I see evidence of our lack of personal freedom for the sake of safety (US Patriot Act), health (just try to get your insurance company to pay for a therapeutic massage), peace (how many folks have died in Iraq?).
But about that darkness we are heading toward - thank God for stars that twinkle in the night - those harbingers of light that they share with our own sun.
Yes, Kristy, you are right, we do have the dawn to look forward to and to inspire us to thrive in adversity as we go from twilight to darkness. And we have now-time stars to keep us focused and steadfast for the new day.
Well said, my friend!
And thank you for contributing to the dialogue--I enjoyed your comments.
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