So-Called Light

We spend our days in upward climb,

Chasing praise and racing time.

We polish image, guard our place,

And long for status, growth, and grace.

We strive to shine in borrowed light,

To win approval, look just right.

But when the noise has had its say,

And wealth and fame have slipped away,

None of it crosses death’s cold night —

Not applause, nor power, nor outward light.

Only the soul will stand revealed,

With nothing hidden, nothing concealed.

Did you love when it was hard to do?

Did compassion shape the heart in you?

Did you forgive when pride was strong?

Or cling to wounds and nurse them long?

Did you reach out when help was near?

Or turn away in comfort or fear?

Did you ignore when you could have helped,

Choosing ease above what you felt?

And deeper still, beneath it all —

Beyond ambition’s subtle call.

Did you honour Him in open sight?

Or hide His name to keep your so-called light?

Did you stand firm when faith was tried?

Or choose the crowd and step aside?

Each word you spoke, each step you trod,

Moved you closer — or away from God.

For every act, both small and slight,

Is measured in eternal light.

Yet mercy waits; the door is wide.

Grace still calls from mercy’s side.

You are not bound to yesterday.

The true Light still shows the way.

God is not swayed by gold or fame,

Nor dazzled by a polished name.

He looks within where truth must start —

At the quiet chambers of the heart.

And when all striving fades from sight,

The soul will stand in Christ, the Light.

For in the end, both far and near,

The heart makes everything clear.

Marnie Hill

www.marniehill.com