Dana Reeve once said, “Look for ways to let your light shine, but don’t be afraid to occasionally be in the dark.”

Dana Reeve knew light and dark well. Her husband, Christopher Reeve, grew up in the spotlight of theatre. He attended Julliard and made his debut on Broadway. Then, in 1978, this dashing 6’4” actor swept the world off its feet as Superman.

Christopher starred in four Superman films and went on to act in television and film. Then, weeks before directing his first big screen feature, his days of darkness began. At an equestrian competition he was thrown from his horse. America’s superhero was paralyzed.

Christopher didn’t stay in the dark long. He and Dana began a foundation to raise money for paralysis research. Then he flew back into film, earning numerous awards.

Christopher said, “Who knows why an accident happens? The key is… to mobilize and use all your resources, whatever they may be, to do something positive. That is the road I have taken.”

That’s God’s way! He can rescue us from our dark times and make us shine even brighter because of them.

On your birthday, though you may have experienced many days of darkness, rejoice in God’s light. Let it shine through you, illuminating your life.