During our offertory on Sunday, July 3, we showed pop sensation Katy Perry’s music video, “Firework.” Later that day, I wondered if there were other churches across the country that might have done the same, given its Fourth of July theme. I love to push the boundaries of life, of church, of who I am. But truthfully, the music video, “Firework,” is a modern day version of Jesus’ empowering statement, “You are the Light of the world.”

Do you know that there’s still a chance for you?
‘Cause there’s a spark in you
You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July
‘Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on let your colors burst

The video shows a number of young people despairing their circumstances – an overweight teenage girl at a swim party, a child with cancer in a hospital, a young man being bullied on the street, a teenage boy longing for love but not feeling comfortable.

You don’t have to feel like a waste of space
You’re original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe you’re reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads to the perfect road

Within us is the spark of divinity. We are made in the Image and Likeness of the Divine Itself! We hold that as a core understanding in Unity. How would it be if we lived it? What would happen if we unblocked ourselves and fully expressed our divinity? What would we look like if we truly let our lights shine?

Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it’s time, you’ll know
It’s always been inside of you
And now it’s time to let it through

As each character in the music video awakens to their inner light, we see them come to life, moving boldly to express themselves authentically. The teenage girl decides to jump in the pool along with the other girls despite her bikini clad body revealing some natural bulges; the child with cancer sees the spark of life in a baby being born and recognizes that light is also in her; the bullied young man finds a way out of his predicament; the gay teenager finds a partner. Sparks begin to burst from each of their hearts. A bit reminiscent of ET’s adorable glow, but with much more color and gusto!

In the final scene we see a crowd of people dancing in a town square, each person letting their colors burst, creating a collective Fourth-of-July-like fireworks display. What fun. What Beauty. What Truth.

Ignite your light and let it shine!

Thank you, Katy Perry for gracing us with your light.

“You are the Light of the world.” Matthew 5:14

To watch the music video, here’s the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw