A Chanukah Message from Michal Bonell

When I find it challenging to find the words, I turn to other writings or poetry that align with my thoughts, feelings, hopes or dreams:

“The Light That Shines in the Darkness” – A Poem About Hope by Justin Farley
There’s a light that shines in the darkness.
There’s a destiny waiting at the end of the road.
There’s meaning in the middle of this emptiness.
There’s a reason you’ve been asked to carry this
heavy load.

Lessons are taught when we reach out
Farther than we thought we’d ever dare.
Faith abounds when we confront our deepest doubts,
Enduring more than we dreamed we could ever bear.

There’s a dawn waiting at the edge of every midnight.
There’s a seed planted with every fallen leaf.
With every wrong there’s the chance to make a right.
With every hour of suffering there’s an eternity of relief.

Our darkest moments give us the opportunity
For seasons of our greatest growth.
Everyday we work towards continuity
Of acceptance and persistent hope.

And there’s a light that shines in the darkness.
There’s a star that guides the way.
There’s a gate that’s open to forgiveness,
[Calling] those who’ve gone astray.

Michal Bonell is a senior account manager for Atlanta Jewish Times.