By Staff
Our View
This was a phrase that was repeated at Tuesday night's Alabama Democratic Convention many times. The phrase is short, made up of only seven words and two verbs, but speaks volumes about life.
Throughout history there has been made reference to sides of darkness and the light. The dark side has always had characteristics thought of as negative, evil or wrong. Conversely, when referring to light, this side has always been associated with goodness, being positive, or the right thing to do.
"Curse the darkness or light a candle," is a phrase that gives us two choices concerning how we view and react to life and the challenges that we are presented with. It represents the light verses darkness, right against wrong, the difference between winning and losing.
"Curse the Darkness," represents the attitude of a defeatist, someone that has already thrown in the towel. The person that accepts this thought pattern or action is left with no other option but to complain. No longer interested in searching for avenues to prosper, a person left to only curse the darkness, must accept the fact they have declared themselves a loser.
However, the latter part of this phrase "or light a candle," offers the hope that in the end everything will be alright. And if not, it won't be because of lack of trying. This phrase has been echoed many times and in different ways. Examples are "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade," "the difference between the possible and the impossible is the person's determination" and "give out, but don't give up." This mindset is one that screams to the masses, "I am a winner."
So, when you are offered the chance to "Curse the darkness or light a candle," we urge you to choose the latter. We encourage each of you, including ourselves, "light a candle." Don't just sit there and complain about whatever ails you, get up and do something about it.