People are like Stained Glass Windows
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Those of us with a chronic illness will understand the truth in this quote. In a lifetime it is expected to experience some illness, some loss, some tragedy and some wonderful blessings. But when the darkness is continual or prolonged or with great intensity or cruelty, then the darkness can seem to extinguish all the light within us. When we find ourselves in this abyss, we need to go deep within our souls to search for that candle that is still lighted in our heart. It may be weak and fragile, but it is the only light we have.
We realize at that point, that life is so much richer and deeper than we thought. We see past the superficial and look for the deeper core. We need meaning now in what we do, otherwise it seems unnecessary. And when we see others in darkness, we share what little light we have, to get them through their dark night.
We also see how easy it is to be generous, kind, joyful and successful when life is easy. But when the darkness sets in, then the true character of a person is revealed. How hard it is to give when one has nothing left. But those who do, are true Warriors of Pain, as they have held themselves to a higher standard. I bow to you, who are true Knights.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D. was a Swiss-born psychiatrist and has been widely recognized as one of the foremost authorities in the field of death, dying and transition for over 20 years. After years of study and research, the publication of her first book “On Death and Dying” in 1969 became a classic. Today it is considered the master text on the subject, and is required reading in most major medical and nursing schools and graduate schools of psychiatry and theology. Dr. Kubler-Ross has published nine books dealing with the natural phenomenon of dying.
To learn more about Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’s life just go to http://www.ekrfoundation.org/
Your Scribe,
Lady Sharon
That quote reminds me of one of Tennessee William’s plays “The Glass Menagerie”…lovely…
Makes me think of a light-house. It’s true value is more evident during the night, when darkness clouds the surface of the waters and land, rather than during the day. Sometimes it’s when the darkness sets in that men and women are at their best – when true character is revealed. Almost all the people that have been icons emerged during dark periods – Florence Nightingale, Martin Luther King Jnr, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Joan of Arc and many more. They were like lighthouses that shined in dark times. Great quote and a marvelous post.
The Glass Menagerie is a great play and I remember full of imagery. What I do remember is the fragility of the characters and how one of the characters does find a sense of light in her glass menagerie of animals. Thank you for opening another window to a flow of beautiful words.
Thank you for coming by Camelot, Neel
Thank you Sir Herman,
Me loveth your vivid imagery of a lighthouse when reading the quote. Your observation that people of true inner strength seem to emerge and act as a lighthouse for others when the landscape is the darkest, is poignant. And what makes it very interesting is where each of these extraordinary people found their light source to become that beacon to others.
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross is a name I haven’t heard of in a long time. Thank you for this post
Wilcume RN BSN Nurse,
You are most welcome. I thanketh you for riding by our Kingdom.
Take good care,
Lady Sharon
i love this…
this is goood
Dear Org,
I thank you for taking the time to let me know what you think.
Camelot Blessings to you,
Lady Sharon
Scribe of Camelot