Dare alla Luce

Blog #7
February 14, 2011

Dare alla Luce

To give to the light; the Italian term to give birth. The passing from the comfort of the dark womb to the scary, revealing light of this world. And to think, the mother, the vessel, has the power to ‘give this light’ to the unknowing child. It makes me think of my own mother when she says “I gave you life”. According to the Italians….she’s right. It also makes me think of how many times I’ve said “It’s my life”! How mistaken I am.

Then I start to think about the power to give life, and how much harder of a choice it is than to choose darkness or death. Sin comes easy, usually because it temporarily feels good. Taking a life is more common than jumping in front of a train to save a life. Why does the system have to work this way? If only the virtuous path came natural to us.

Maybe it does. Have you ever looked at a child, especially a newborn; innocent, fragile, and as natural as can be. Not yet affected by cultural norms and society’s shaping. Can adults reach this natural state once again? I don’t think anyone can reverse the effects of one’s past, but there are those who strive towards it. To be child like in nature. Because let’s face it, it was a whole lot easier to be nice to people before we began driving!

Today, with the birth of my new cousin, Lilly Gaetana Fiorentine, I can’t help but focus on this light, this gift we are given unconditionally and often reject. While we may argue the origins of the light and who is its giver, I find it impossible to deny its existence in one form or another. Whether it be spiritually, religiously, scientifically, or even medically. The soul exists- there’s no doubt about it. That’s what makes us distinctly human. And every time we act against it, we regress into darkness. Even as adults we must choose to dare alla luce once again; to give ourselves to the light. The difference this time is that it’s our own choice, not our mothers. Our very own surrender.

Jackie <3