I never thought I would be traveling down a road named Boogertown. Then again, I never thought I’d tour another cavern.  The claustrophobic episode from the last cavern tour left me longing for less, not more, of the down-under experience. However, my family was there and wanted to go into the depths, so I followed. Family and FOMO (Fear of missing out) tipped the scales, and off we went to the Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, TN.

It was not as confining as the small caves in Marianna, FL. Tuckaleechee Cavern had rooms with great heights and cool air moving. I had no problems breathing! There was also one room large enough for a football stadium to fit inside. It was spacious, and I was thankful! We only had a few tight spots to navigate, bending low to avoid knocking our noggins. 

There was that one thing that threatened to send me screaming in terror. Gabe, our tour guide, asked: “Who’s afraid of the dark?” Of course, I screamed “Me, me!” hoping he would NOT do what I knew he was going to do.

Gabe had no sympathy, standing at the edge of the 60-foot cliff that dropped deeper into the cavern. He did advise all us amateurs to step away from the ledge. Then he did it. He turned off the lights. 

It was dark. Not a gray-black dark, where you can still see vague shadows moving around. It was an inky black, true and utter darkness. One step in the wrong direction, and I’d be toast. I was anxious, but I was leaning against the firm foundation of the rock wall.  My husband was next to me, and I had a solid grasp of his hand. 

 

From time to time in my life, I have been in that place of total darkness. Panic overwhelms and fear moves in to paralyze. I know I’m only inches from falling over the edge into a deep pit. 

Each time, the Light leads me out. Day after day after day, I chose to wake up and sit in the Son Light. Every day, no matter how grieved or sad I might be, I would get up and read my Bible. I would stand on the firm foundation of the word of God. Jesus became my light in the darkness of grief.

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12 NASB

Each day would shine a little brighter. Because you see, darkness cannot overcome light. Over exposure to this Son Light will not harm you. 

“That Light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:5 (CSB)

Go ahead, bask in the Son!

Praise You Lord, You are our rock and our foundation! Thank You Father for Your eternal presence with us, leading us through the darkness. Thank You for the light of Jesus that breaks through all darkness. Amen.

Grace be with you,