Going to the dark places

"You have to roll up your sleeves and look into the dark places in our community where our self-esteem has been lost," said Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first woman member of the council of bishops in the 213-year history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

"I challenge you to go out of your way and help someone else. If we can't live together, we will certainly die together."

Where are the dark places and what can we do to help? How can you open your heart to those around you to help them see some glimmer of hope shinning at what seems like a long, dark tunnel ahead?

McKenzie's challenge is all about opening our heart and not being afraid to go to the dark recesses of our microcosms. It may not even be about the community, so much as about your own heart...