By Tanya Jolliffe
Recently, I came across a post that underscored the importance of sunlight. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I am well-versed in the benefits of the sun, such as its role in Vitamin D production, immune system function, and cardiovascular health. Similarly, as a certified integrative mental health professional, I understand the significance of sunlight in maintaining our mental health and circadian rhythm. Delving into the research that supports sunlight as a vital nutrient for the human body, I was compelled to further explore and contemplate these points. This journey of understanding empowers us with the knowledge that ‘sunlight is the best disinfectant.’
As I researched the origin of this statement, I found that the actual statement was, “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants,” by Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis. He made this statement in a 1913 Harper’s Weekly article. He then included it in his 1914 collection of essays published in a book entitled, “Other People’s Money and How the Bankers Use It.” According to Wikipedia, “The book attacked the use of investment funds to promote the consolidation of various industries under the control of a small number of corporations, which Brandeis alleged were working in concert to prevent competition.” Justice Brandeis’s use of the words “is said to be,” is thought to be because he was referencing a statement by James Bryce in his 1888 book, “The American Commonwealth.”
I returned to the Sunlight article stating, “One of the oldest ‘proven’ therapies in medicine was having people bathe in the sunlight to successfully treat the 1918 influenza, tuberculosis, and a wide variety of other diseases.” My memories quickly transported me back to the city pool in the late 1970s and the smell of suntan oil, laughter, and joy we experienced as we soaked up the sun. Sunbathing was a verb that many people enjoyed. I then thought about the 1990s and wrestling my children to lather them with sunscreen because it was “supposed” to be better for them due to skin cancer risks. I remember how my trips to the pool could have been more carefree. For all the hassle, I may have even been limiting my children’s health by limiting their sunbathing.
Scripture teaches of the disinfecting power of the light of Jesus in the book of John. John 3:19-21 states, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” He continues to teach, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 NIV). “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46 NIV).
We live in a world of darkness where light is getting brighter and brighter as truth disinfects. We are learning of dishonesties that have been told to us as truth. Things are being exposed and brought into the light. The sunlight is disinfecting the darkness. As that light spreads, hang on to the fact that the light WILL overtake the darkness. Repeat these verses to yourself, your family, and your friends, and let your light shine to serve as a disinfectant in the world.
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5:20 NIV).
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8 NIV).
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105 NIV).
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV).
“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:17-18 NIV).
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