by Sam DeCosmo

Finding Light in the Darkness: A Lesson from Chiaroscuro

by Sam DeCosmo

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5

In the visual arts, there is a concept called chiaroscuro. It refers to the effect of the contrast between light and dark to define shapes and objects. If you can, visualize with me a painting of a singular vase near an open evening window with the light and shadows falling on and around the vase to give it form and substance. Chiaroscuro creates both drama and depth in the artwork.

The famous Italian Baroque artist, Caravaggio, was well-known for using chiaroscuro in his later works, using shadows and beams of light to enhance the storyline of his paintings, like The Calling of Saint Matthew. In chiaroscuro, the dark gives dimension and definition to the light while the light brings depth and clarity to the dark, as seen in Caravaggio’s masterpiece. These bold contrasts affect the entire composition.

The same is true in life. We all go through dark and challenging times, be it the death of a loved one, an illness, or the ending of a relationship. We may feel angry, frustrated, anxious, and sad as we process these experiences. We’re emotional beings, and it's natural to feel this way. Life can feel unfair and difficult when we go through the valleys.

*The Calling of Saint Matthew*, Caravaggio, 1600

But it’s important to remember that just as we don’t view the dark places in a painting or drawing as bad, these times in life are also not solely negative. Just as the dark in chiaroscuro helps to give definition and perspective to the light, these dark times can bring wisdom and perspective that we wouldn’t otherwise have without them. And just as the contrast affects the entire composition in art, our suffering can change our perspective on life as a whole. They are the experiences that enable us to really and truly appreciate the joyful and happy times in our lives when they finally appear. If we never knew heartache, loss, or pain, would we really be able to truly know and appreciate love, joy, and hope?

It is the contrast that wakes our sleeping souls.

Pain is a wise teacher, and we can learn a great deal about ourselves, others, and life from its refining hand. C.S. Lewis wrote in The Problem of Pain that “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world…” Sometimes, it’s the dark contrasts of life that behave as the megaphone, rousing us so that we might listen a little closer to the still, small voice of God.

So, there are gifts that come from these experiences; we just have to learn to look for them. I’ve had to endure pain almost daily for over twenty years, and it has molded and shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve learned how strong I am, and I’ve developed empathy and an understanding for others as they go through their own pain and struggles. I see this as a beautiful gift.

Going through my own darkness allows me to acknowledge the darkness others must face. My pain has helped me build some of the deepest, most meaningful friendships in my life because it’s built a bridge connecting me to others, rooted in my ability to relate to and understand their pain. These are the relationships that I cherish most in my life, and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to build such deep connections with these people if it weren’t for my pain. Without the difficult experiences I’ve had to endure, these relationships would be more superficial and much less meaningful.

Somehow, the darkness helped to define the light.

My darkest days have contributed greatly to the story of my life, a story that I honor and cherish. By sharing my story through my writing, I’ve also been able to connect with and help so many others and relate to them in a way that I wouldn’t be able to have if I hadn’t been through what I have. I’ve learned that there are so many other people out there who are hurting, who need to hear somebody say, “Me too. I can relate. You’re not alone.” Pain gives us perspective on life that we wouldn’t otherwise have.

Because I’ve had so many bad, painful days, I’m able to appreciate the joyful times in my life that much more. I think back on the time that I spent in the psych ward five years ago, a time when I was so lost and hurting so badly that I had lost the will to live. It was the darkest time of my life. But today, I have a deep appreciation for life and the fact that I am still here on this earth. I see beauty everywhere now—in nature, in words, in the people around me. I am so grateful to be here, and I don’t want to waste a second of this precious life. I don’t know that I would have that perspective and appreciation for life had I not been through such a dark and trying time.

Dear reader, are you going through a difficult time in your life? I urge you to remember the concept of chiaroscuro. Like the vase we visualized in the opening scene, light and darkness have fallen on me, and both of them have enriched my life. I believe the same is true for you.

Is there some gift that you can pull from the difficulty while still honoring that this time in your life is hard? I know it can be so difficult to see the good when you’re really in the trenches, hurting so badly. I’ve been there, and I know how painful life can be. But if you look hard enough, you can always find a glimmer of light in the darkness. Ask yourself what you have learned during this time. How have you grown as a person? How has this time caused your perspective to shift? What have you learned to appreciate more fully because of this experience? Remember, shadows can only exist because there is light.

It’s human nature to want to avoid pain and heartache. Many of us are afraid of pain; we want to numb it, deny it, avoid it at all costs. Sometimes it leads us to ask why. Why do we have to experience this pain? Why would a good God let us suffer in such a way? But pain and suffering are not all negative. Timothy Keller said, “Suffering is at the very heart of the Christian faith. It is not only the way Christ became like and redeemed us, but it is one of the main ways we become like him and experience his redemption. And that means that our suffering, despite its painfulness, is also filled with purpose and usefulness.”

I urge you to try to shift your view of pain and the difficult times in your life. Instead of trying to run from them, instead of viewing them as solely negative, invite them in like an old friend, sit with them, and ask them what they’re trying to teach you.

Remember chiaroscuro.

The dark provides the perspective that we need to live life fully, with our whole hearts. You are strong enough to get through the dark times. And when the light finally comes, as it always does, you will be able to appreciate it that much more. Our pain serves a great purpose. We are the vase in the window, and both light and shadows fall on us. We just have to learn how to find the purpose in both and not waste our pain because the pain has come to shape us, too.

Finding Light in the Darkness: A Lesson from Chiaroscuro

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