YOU! HAVE THE POWER | Turn it Up!

BY DR. ELLEN W. BROWN

With everyday life in 2026 going upside down, outside, downtown, uptown and under the bushel, the Light is doing a pretty good job of keeping things “Turned Up”! Depending on where we are at the time of need and what we get versus what we want, life seems to keep the lights on at some level of brightness to keep us focused on the prize! 

There was a cute nursery rhyme shared among my elementary school and Sunday school buddies about giving up power. Its title is “This Little Light of Mine.” Of course, we knew nothing about how the little lights in the song were supposed to mean something later in life. We just sang the song, clapped our hands and took advantage of the emphasis on making something little turn BIG—and LOUD! 

At the core of the song were many adult meanings. In researching the deeper meaning of the lyrics, I came across a description of this powerful song that even labeled it “The Song That Changed History”! It is actually an adult song message intended to inspire personal courage against oppression. The simple, childlike title was a cover-up for the real need to face the Light and empower the people. 

They took a Sunday school song that was fun to sing — I even remember it from my own Sunday school days! — and exciting to act out. In other words, the congregation, including the children, used this song to encourage people of all ages to believe in shining their Lights! 

When the Civil Rights Movement began in the late 1950s, “This Little Light of Mine” inspired people to stay focused on the “Light.” The lyrics were originally written as a children’s gospel song in the 1920s and later became better known as a song of freedom. It became a symbol of faith and a weapon against fear. 

It is 2026 — more than 70 years since songs came along to defy Fear and stand up to darkness. Those who sang these songs defied the darkness and focused on the Light, keeping it alive to spread good news, belief and strength that this, too, shall pass.

TURN IT UP!

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