Grisham's Lessons #20 The Nature of Light

In this lesson from the second book of The Island Gang series, Legend of the Masks, Larry draws a powerful parallel. In the opening scene of Legend of the Masks Gary is up early and on deck watching the sun come up. As the sun makes its way over the horizon, every ounce of darkness is chased into hiding. Sunlight penetrates into every ounce of the scene in front of him, exposing everything to his view. He is instantly reminded of the inscription left behind by the Skyanabo people, as recorded in Legend of Crystal Cove.

The Skyanabo were a light worshipping people that had once lived in the Pacific Northwest. The brightness in the shine of the crystals they left behind was a constant reminder of he who is the giver of light.

Witnessing this scene reminds Gary of the feelings he had when he first heard the translated message from the inscription. He knew at the moment the words were read that every individual could play a role in changing the world and making it a better place, even him. All he needed to do was to look for light, for in light all truth could be found.

To the contrary evil works were a product of darkness, but withered away when exposed to light. Knowing that evil works were taking place in the secluded mine, he felt an obligation to bring things to light so that the operation would be exposed and could be dealt with.

This principle holds true in our lives. If we will stand up for what is right, and do our part in exposing evil, we too can play an important part in fighting the flood of evil that is all around us. There is often risk in taking a stand for that which is good. Gary took a big risk to expose the drug traffickers, and in the shortfall the consequences appeared grim at best. However, in the long run good prevailed and bad was chased into hiding, just like light will prevail and darkness will be chased into hiding each time those in a position to do so stand up for right.