The Light

Best of Jamie's Column: The Light

Writing this column each month has become something that I truly look forward to. It is an outlet for me to
share my thoughts and experiences with people that I may never have the pleasure of meeting. The emails
and phone calls have meant a great deal to me and I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to
share your stories and thoughts.

Someone asked me one afternoon if I get compensated for the column and I had to laugh. I told them that I
do not get money for the articles, but I get something far greater. The fulfillment is knowing that someone,
maybe just one person, got something from my sharing that made them feel some emotion in the few
moments it took to read my words. "All that time and energy spent and you don't get paid? Why bother?"
replied the person. My answer is, "it's therapy." I can sit and put into words the pains, joys and lessons I am
experiencing in life, and no one can interrupt me. It is the freedom of speaking my mind through the written
word that gives me the added joy of doing the task. A person can choose to read my article or not, but they
cannot stifle my feelings or opinions that I so need to express.

What I find interesting is whether in speaking or writing, someone will tell me that I was talking directly to
him or her, that I must have seen inside them to know exactly how they were feeling. This always makes me
smile. It is a validation to me that we truly are connected far deeper than what most of us will ever come to
understand. With each issue, I look forward to reading the articles by such wonderful people as Sharon
Renae, Ken Chance, Carolyn Reynolds and Toni Wood. I have been fortunate enough to spend time with
some of them and have come to find their presence a blessing in my life.
My time with Sharon Renae has proven to be a beacon in troubled times when I've needed reassurance and
guidance. I am in awe as I watch her allow Spirit to work through her as she does each reading with an open
heart. For those of you who have wondered if she is for real, trust me, she is. Her energy is peaceful and
joyful. She is a woman of integrity and I am truly honored to say I know her.

"The Light" is a teacher for me. It allows me not only to be creative, but to learn even more about the many
facets of who I am. We never stop learning and growing in this life and if we come to a place where we think
we have grasped it all, it's time to go within and regroup and understand that life is a continuing process of
growth and unfoldment. I am always thankful for Julie Eckelman's vision of creating this publication. I have
watched it grow from a dream to a reality. With each birthing comes some pain and discomfort as a new
creation comes into being. I have watched Julie keep persevering when it would have been easier to just
give up. Being associated with "The Light" and the group of outstanding teachers and spirited individuals is a
privilege and joy for me. I am thankful for their wisdom and their willingness to openly share their truth and
inner light. It is my sincere hope that you find as much comfort and direction from each issue as I do, and that
you will share with friends and co-workers the information found within these pages. Together we will be of
greater service to the world around us and just as importantly, to ourselves. Until next month, be good to
yourself, be good to others and keep spreading "The Light."

Jamie Sanders is an ordained New Thought Minister, ordained through The Barbara King School of Ministry in
Atlanta, Georgia and The World Federation of Unity Churches. He has been the producer and host of his own
weekly television program, "Positive Living" and is an active speaker, workshop facilitator and performer for
Unity Churches, retreats and other New Thought organizations. He is a featured columnist for "The Light",
"Kaleidoscope" and "Alternatives" magazine and currently resides in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. For more
information on available dates for speaking or for correspondence you can email him at Jamie1118@aol.com
or visit his official web site and join his online mailing list at www.jamiesanders.com