The Light Within The Darkness
By Stephen Mallow
Yes, you’re reading this correctly. It’s me.
This is a little unorthodox, I’ll admit, especially because I’m no longer a part of this world.
Some of you may be sceptical and I don’t blame you for that.
As I said, it’s a little unorthodox, not to mention nearly impossible, but I’m afraid there’s no other way to explain it.
I would have died eventually, thanks to the brain tumour that had developed in me, but I find it rather poetic to have gone out the way I did.
Please know, I am at peace. I am happy. I am content.
I am with my love. This means this will be my final article.
It isn’t a long one, but it may be the most important one I’ve ever written.
In the past, I’ve talked a great deal about the darkness and how it can affect us in different ways, even mould us into people we don’t recognise if we let it. The darkness is a very powerful and often misunderstood emotion and presence.
I’ve been hiding within its shadowy corners for too long, like many of us tend to do when life gets too difficult and throws impossible challenges our way. It’s human nature to retreat to a safe place inside, whatever that may look like.
But today, for my final article, I want to talk about something else, something different.
The light.
Like the darkness, the light can often be misinterpreted. We often try to fake the light inside, pretend we are happy, thriving and content with our lives, while ignoring the impending darkness closing in. This is a dangerous game to play.
Everyone has a light side and a dark side. It’s a known fact of life. It’s simply not possible for a human being to be blissfully happy forever, but lately, I’ve noticed a gradual decline of lightness, especially on social media and the news.
Every day, I’d turn on the news or scan through social media, only to see so much darkness, so much negativity and evil. I’ve always thought of myself as a positive person, but seeing all the hate and violence everywhere I looked, began to eat away at my soul, as it would with anyone.
I can’t help but think that if we, as humans, stepped out of our inner darkness and turned on our lights, it would make the world a much more beautiful, hospitable and wonderful place for future generations.
If only we had that ability, though. If only it were as simple as switching on a light.
Before the rise of the internet and social media, life was simpler, I’m sure, but evil and hate still existed and it has done since the beginning of time.
Take John Hammel, for example.
One hundred years ago, John Hammel was hung from a tree by a rope at the hands of his own father and brother. Even his girlfriend betrayed him.
Since then, years have gone by, yet we haven’t learned a thing.
Hate. Evil. Darkness. It still exists in every one of us. In some more than others.
I am no longer a part of this world, but I implore you all to consider something before you let out your inner darkness against another person.
Consider this ...
What if you didn’t let your darkness control you? What if you switched on your light instead?
All of us are capable of making our own decisions. That’s the beauty of the human race. But it’s also a curse. Yes, it’s easier to let the darkness win, but I promise you that a little kindness and generosity goes a long way. A little light can make a huge difference.
I hope that by writing this final article from beyond the grave, it can help you to realise that you do have a choice. You do have the power. I never set out to change the world with my writing, but if this article changes the life of even one person, then I consider it a job well done.
Don’t let the darkness win.
All it takes is for you to step out of the shadows and into the light.
Take care of the world and your life because it’s the only one we have. Don’t waste it by destroying others. Use it to help them instead.
To my good friend, Graham Williams: thank you for allowing me to write my final article and for showing me the meaning of true friendship.
It’s time for me to sign off now. Indefinitely.
Take care.
Stephen Mallow.