Recently, I listened again to a story we have shared before with our Be There Dad community. It is about Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of classic books like Treasure Island. Growing up in 19th century Scotland, as a boy, he was intrigued by the work of the lamplighters who went about with a ladder and torch, setting the street lights ablaze each night. One evening, as he stood watching with fascination, his parents asked him, “Robert, what in the world are you looking at out there?” With great excitement he exclaimed, “Look at that man! He’s punching holes in the darkness!”
Dads and Their Light
I have used this story to describe the many wonderful men who are a part of our Be There Dad ministry in this community. On any given day, a young child might look at one of our dads with excitement and exclaim the same, “Look at that man. He’s punching a hole in the darkness!” These dads light lamps in many places. They stand up to support the children. When the lights appear, children begin to see themselves as they have never seen themselves before. They begin to see their potential and then pursue it. With light on the path before them, children walk more confidently in the direction of their dreams. With the assurance that the light will be relit every day, children feel safe and calm.
Every night the lamplighter did his duty. Dependably, he lit one lamp after another so others could see to find their way. Like the lamplighter, Be There Dads tend to their duties and, faithfully light their lamps. When a dad shows up for dinner, he lights a lamp for his family. When a dad reads a bedtime story, he lights a lamp for his child. When a dad plays catch or when he helps with homework, he punches a hole in the darkness.
Current Day Lamplighters
This story has caused me to think about another group of servants. Today in our community there are many folks who feel vulnerable and afraid. As the government works to apprehend criminals, many law abiding citizens are fearful of being caught up in what often becomes mistake, confusion and chaos. Many are afraid to leave their homes, to go to work, to school and even the grocery store for fear of being misidentified or misjudged because of the way they look, where they live or where they work.
In response, other community members who do not feel the vulnerability have taken up
responsibility for the safety of their neighbors. Community organizations are training volunteer monitors to watch for incidents and notify those who feel vulnerable. Many of these volunteers have received training to blow whistles to alert people to stand clear. These protectors pierce the silence. I want to call these folks the lamplighters of this time. By their presence, these current day lamplighters can bring calm to chaos and comfort to the apprehensive. Some have volunteered to escort children to school. Still others work with food banks to deliver groceries to the homes of the fearful. Their intent is not to break the law or interfere with legitimate law enforcement activities; their goal is to alert law abiding citizens so they will not be swept into darkness.
Lessons
These lamplighters are trained to observe the actions of law enforcement. As witnesses, they gather evidence so actions can be reviewed objectively. In short, they assure that light shines on processes and actions. As well it should. In our country we believe in due process. We believe in transparency. We believe that all are considered innocent until proven guilt. Shining a light assures that our beliefs are upheld.
These are trying times. But trying times present opportunities for conversations, opportunities to volunteer and lessons to be taught and placed in backpacks. Seek the truth. Stand up for your neighbors. Dads can teach children to shine their light.
Courage in the Trenches
Among the tactics presented in the current community training is that groups observing incidents should encourage onlookers to sing together – to lower the emotion and the potential for violence. Creating a sense of unity. Appropriately the song the trainers suggest is one that many of us already know – This Little Light of Mine. 
I am reminded of another story of courage that manifests itself in song. During World War I, one year a Christmas day ceasefire was observed among opposing troops along part of the front lines of a battle. Supposedly, a German soldier stood up in his trench and began to sing Silent Night. A lamplighter? Punching a hole? The legend goes that despite the danger, many soldiers from both sides soon joined in singing the universally recognized Christmas hymn.
Garth Brooks used the story as the inspiration for his song Belleau Wood. His words paint a picture of the potential for peace if just one person has the courage to stand up and break the silence. The concluding lyrics describe the moment when soldiers stopped the fighting and joined together in their commonality. The words are both instructive and full of hope:
But for just one fleeting moment
The answer seemed so clear
Heaven’s not beyond the clouds
It’s just beyond the fear
No, heaven’s not beyond the clouds
It’s for us to find it here
For Us to Find It Here
When the people in the streets of our community (our trenches) have the courage to stand up and pierce the silence by blowing whistles or singing songs, our fears seem to fade. In this season of hope and joy, my prayer is that each of us might find a way to punch at the darkness and that the light streaming forth will allow us to find the heaven that is waiting for us here.
