AFRICA HAS BEEN CALLED THE DARK CONTINENT, not because of the people or because of the difference in culture and religion, but because we knew so little about it. It was not that it was dark, it’s more that we, in the West, were in the dark about this great land and its amazing people.
But thanks to National Geographic Magazine and the shows that populate the TravelChannel, we are less in the dark today. In fact, Africa is now becoming the new center for evangelical growth and theology. The church is alive and well, and in many regards has much to offer us here in the West. We would do well to sit up and listen to what our brothers and sisters have to communicate to us from the two-thirds world.
Africa has not been the only dark continent. Too often our souls are shadowed places for us as well. Not necessarily places dark because of sin, but like the Africa of the past, dark because we know so little about them. We hesitate to spend anytime getting to know ourselves spiritually. We gain knowledge and expertise in so many areas from the latest cooking techniques, sports, any number of hobbies, even the bizarre foods of Africa, but we fail to learn that which will deepen and enrich our souls. Much like the Dark Continent of a century ago, we seem fearful of the place closest to us.
But, like Africa, learning from our souls brings much benefit. There is nothing really of which the follower of Christ needs to be afraid, for it is there that our blessed Lord resides. It is in those deep dark reaches that we can meet the Savior, learn of Him, and experience the amazing love He has for us.
So, fellow-traveler, I invite you to take a journey of discovery, the journey of opening your heart to the One who loves you the most and the best. Allow the Light of the world to enlighten your soul and rejoice.