Episode 12: Be A Light: Contributing In A Positive Way
Welcome back to the Vision to Victory blog—where we talk about practical ways to turn your dreams into reality.
Over the last few weeks, we've been diving into the idea of being a contributor versus a consumer, and how the most meaningful and fulfilling lives are built not on what we take, but on what we give.
Contributors ask, “How can I help?”
Consumers ask, “What’s in it for me?”
As we’ve explored this concept, something kept coming up—not just in personal conversations, but in the culture around us: We’re living in an increasingly divided world.
And I believe we need more people willing to be unifiers—people who lead with truth, kindness, and humility. People who choose to be a light.
Division Is Everywhere—But We Don’t Have to Add to It
Whether it’s social media, the news, or even casual conversations, it seems like division is always just one comment away. Everyone has an opinion, and often, they’re held with a tight, closed-fist grip.
We all know this.
We’ve all felt this.
But as contributors, we’re called to something higher.
A Better Question: Who Do You Want to Be?
Before diving into tactics, ask yourself this:
How do I want to show up in the world?
What do I want to be known for?
Personally, I’d rather be remembered as someone who was kind, truthful, and helpful—not as someone who always had a strong opinion or “won” an argument.
If you're reading this, I bet you feel the same.
Practical Ways to Be a Light in a Divisive World
Here are three simple (but powerful) practices that help you contribute in a unifying way:
1. Hold Opinions Lightly
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have opinions. It means you don’t grip them so tightly that they become more important than relationships.
We rarely have the full story.
And even if we are right, the way we express our views matters. The question is:
Do I care more about being right—or being relational?
You don’t have to compromise your values to lead with humility.
2. Ask: Why Am I Saying This?
The next time you feel the urge to correct, debate, or “educate” someone—pause and ask:
Am I trying to build a bridge or win a battle?
Am I speaking to be understood or to feel superior?
If your goal is to love and connect with others, your words and actions will naturally reflect that.
3. Let Your Identity Guide Your Actions
What kind of person do you want to be when others talk about you behind closed doors?
For me, I want to be:
A light
A safe place
Someone who contributes positively
Someone who makes people feel seen and heard
That matters more to me than being viewed as “informed” or “opinionated.” And I’ve learned the hard way that holding opinions too tightly often leads to strained relationships—and regret.
Convictions vs. Opinions
Just to be clear:
This isn’t about compromising your values.
There’s a difference between a conviction and an opinion.
Convictions—deep personal beliefs tied to your faith, integrity, or character—should be honored. But they are yours. They aren’t weapons to be used against others.
Opinions—especially about fleeting issues or world events—are subjective. And more often than not, they don't matter nearly as much as we think they do.
Final Thought: Be a Light Before You’re Right
That might sound like a catchy phrase (and it is)—but it’s also a powerful filter for how we show up in the world.
Be a light before you’re right.
Lead with empathy.
Listen more than you speak.
Hold space, not grudges.
Because at the end of the day, kindness is louder than noise, and humility leaves a longer legacy than pride.
Let’s be contributors to unity.
Let’s be lights in our relationships, our communities, and our conversations.
If this resonated with you, please like, share, or pass it on to someone who might need it.
Thanks for tuning into Vision 2 Victory, watch the full episode here.