At the end of the day, it's night.
What does this title mean to you?
In the world of prose this phrase speaks to a situation in which the conclusion of a matter, regardless of how long it takes, is actually quite obvious.
In a more literal sense this phrase speaks to the fact that, in most places in the world, after a significant period of hours of daylight the sun sets and the skies become dark (night time). Fun fact for those who may not know; for about two months every year Alaska actually experiences 24 hours of daylight EVERYDAY. Hello blackout curtains.
Let’s refocus. Proverbially this expression is often repeated in an attempt to offer comfort, for some the night brings rest, a break from the rigours of the day, an opportunity to recharge. In some instances it is passed along as a word of caution because the night brings obscurity, loss of security, and it makes one vulnerable.
PERSPECTIVE AND CLARITY
Not every situation can be analysed and digested as this or that, black or white, day or night. Two persons can read this headline at the exact same time and have completely polar responses, depending on the encounters they’ve had in life which would define their perspective. For some people the 'day' is a place of agony and turmoil, whilst for others it is a breath of fresh air and a chance to start anew.
In the same way, two people can read the exact same scripture and have completely different interpretations and responses, based on their past experiences and the teachings they have encountered. Two persons can be coming from opposite ends of a spectrum and both firmly believe they are representing God. So, what determines who is right and who is wrong? What brings the clarity?
In the ever-growing world of social media marketing and influencers, goal setting is based on engagement, brand awareness and lead generation. These used to be terms utilised by corporations, organisations, and businesses, however, with the explosion of influencer marketing you have individuals with millions of followers across several platforms who are anxiously waiting to hear and see what is eaten for breakfast, what brand of cookware is being used in the kitchen, what brand clothing and shoes are in the many closets and what activities are done with families. Today we are more knowledgeable and more interconnected than at any other time in history. We get real time updates on people and events all across the globe. We can post questions and receive advice and guidance from thousands and even millions of people worldwide and yet survey after survey, study after study, and report after report are showing that people are feeling more lonely, isolated, and hopeless than in previous periods in history.
According to a report by the World Health Organisation “approximately 280 million people in the world have depression.” According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health this has been attributed to the phenomenon of modernisation, which is “A toxic social environment characterized by increasing competition, inequality, and social isolation (that) may also contribute to a depressogenic milieu.”
The world we now live in is shrinking yet growing increasingly more toxic.
THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUTH
In his 2018 single ‘Clarity’, Christian rapper, Andy Mineo, states thus,
“All I, all I want is clarity, clarity, 'Cause all of my heroes are frauds just like me, just like me. So let every man be a liar, let only God be truth And all of your heroes are frauds just like you”
The word of God says “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John chapter 14 verses 16-17)
This world whether you are viewing it in person or from behind a screen, is filled to overflowing with elements that tug and pull, twist and shake, steam roll and upend, our expectations and views. Those who we consider heroes whether they be influencers, family members, mentors, pastors and the list goes on are at the end of every day… human. In light of that (see what I did there?) we must always remember that there has only ever been, is only and will only ever be one true source of truth. At the end of day, whether we are dreading the next one or not, the Father has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Danelle M. Pinnock first emerged as a writer when she began chronicling her journey with God, through a debilitating sickness. Her authentic reflections provided encouragement to many and resulted in her first publication “31 Day Devotional- Quiet Time.”
This full time homemaker, a proud Jamaican, lives in Kingston with her husband Raul and their two children Levi and Zhuri. Along with her freelance writing, she is a worship leader at her church where her husband, a cancer survivor, serves as a deacon.
Follow her on Instagram @danellewritesstuff to learn how God guides a woman with a background in Chemistry, Business Management and Public Health to skillfully pen His methods and His ways through sickness, marriage and parenting.
