Yes to Less: Live in the Light

Living in the light doesn’t mean you never struggle.

I’ve spent a lot of my life thinking that living in the light meant having nothing to hide. A clean heart. A cleaned-up life. I thought living in the light meant constant peace and consistent order and maybe even perpetually good lighting.

But lately, I’m realizing something different.
Living in the light doesn’t mean you never struggle.
It doesn’t mean you’re always healed, always hopeful, or always whole.
Living in the light just means you’re not hiding.

That’s what 1 John 1:7 says: “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.”
Not if we’re perfect. Not if we’re polished. Just if we walk in the light.

And that word “walk” is active. It implies movement. Intention. Decision. It’s something we do on purpose.

If I’m being honest, I still have to choose the light: especially when shame tries to convince me it’s safer in the dark.

I’ve believed the lie that I need to process something privately before I share it. That I should figure it out first. That I should at least make it a little more palatable before I name it.

But darkness loves delay. And shame thrives in silence.

This week, I confessed something to a friend I didn’t want to say out loud. It wasn’t a sin I was proud of. But the moment I said it, without trying to spin it or justify it, I felt lighter. I felt free. I felt human and forgiven and loved.

And that’s the whole thing, right? Living in the light isn’t about exposure for exposure’s sake. It’s about restoration. It’s about connection. It’s about being known and loved at the same time.

So this summer, in this Yes to Less season, I’m saying yes to less hiding.
Less pretending.
Less self-protection.
Less spiritual loneliness.

And I’m saying yes to more light.

If that sounds good to you too, here are a few gentle, practical ways to start living in the light this week:

☀️ Three Simple Ways to Practice Confession and Feel Lighter:

1. Tell the truth to one safe person.

Not everyone needs to know everything, but someone should know something. Pick one friend, mentor, or counselor. Tell them what’s really going on. Don’t dress it up. Let them remind you of grace.

2. Say it to God plainly.

Not in polished prayers. In real words. Try: “God, I’m struggling with ____ and I don’t want to hide it anymore.” Let yourself be met with kindness. He already knows, He’s just waiting for the conversation.

3. Swap shame for solidarity.

When a friend opens up to you, resist the urge to fix or minimize. Just be present. And when you share something vulnerable, look for the eyes that say, “me too.” That’s where the fellowship is.

We were never meant to carry our secrets alone.

You don’t have to be perfect to be in the light, you just have to be honest.
You don’t have to have it all together, you just have to stop pretending that you do.
You don’t have to hide anymore.

Jesus already paid for our freedom. We don’t owe shame anything.

Let’s say “yes” to less shame.
Let’s say “yes” to less hiding.
Let’s say “yes” to freedom.

Let’s live in the light.

With you,
Jess