Amanda Gorman, in her powerful poem “The Hill We Climb,” captures the essence of hope, courage, and resilience. One of the most memorable lines in her piece is:
“For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
These words resonate deeply in times of struggle, uncertainty, and division, offering a gentle yet urgent reminder that light exists even in the darkest of moments. But the true power of these lines lies not just in the acknowledgment of light, but in the call to action—encouraging us to be brave enough to recognize it, and brave enough to become it.
The Light Exists, Even in Darkness
Gorman’s declaration that “there is always light” is not just an observation; it’s a belief. It suggests that hope, beauty, and goodness are inherent parts of our world, even when circumstances seem bleak. This light can take many forms—whether in small acts of kindness, moments of personal growth, or collective efforts for justice and equality. The light is there, waiting for us to acknowledge it.
In times of hardship, when it feels as though the world is overwhelmed by darkness, it’s easy to overlook these glimmers of light. It’s natural to focus on the shadows and the challenges ahead. But Gorman’s words challenge us to shift our gaze, to see beyond the immediate and the difficult, and to seek out those moments of light that remind us of our shared humanity.
The Courage to See the Light
The line “If only we’re brave enough to see it” invites us to consider the courage required to find the light in our lives and in the world. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or cynical when faced with problems, whether personal or societal. But Gorman encourages us to be brave enough to look for hope, even when it feels out of reach.
Bravery doesn’t always mean grand gestures or heroic acts. Sometimes, bravery is simply the act of choosing to focus on what’s good, to seek the positive even when it feels like negativity surrounds us. It’s about having the strength to believe in a better tomorrow, even if we don’t know exactly what it will look like. The bravery to see light can be as simple as choosing to stand up for what’s right, to lend a hand to someone in need, or to offer a word of encouragement to someone who is struggling.
The Call to Be the Light
But Gorman’s message doesn’t stop with seeing the light; it extends into the realm of action: “If only we’re brave enough to be it.” Here, she urges us to not only recognize the light in the world but to embody it ourselves.
This line challenges us to take responsibility for the energy we bring into the world. It’s a call to act with compassion, to speak with honesty, and to stand with integrity. We all have the potential to be that light, to make a difference in the lives of those around us through our actions, words, and choices.
Being the light doesn’t mean we have to be perfect or always have the answers. It simply means showing up, being present, and offering something positive—whether that’s kindness, understanding, or a willingness to listen. Sometimes the light we need to shine is just our willingness to be vulnerable, to share our stories, and to encourage others to do the same.
Bravery in the Face of Adversity
The beauty of Gorman’s lines is that they acknowledge the challenges that come with being brave. It’s not always easy to see the light, especially when we are bogged down by fear, doubt, or fatigue. And it’s even harder to be that light when the world seems to be full of darkness. But Gorman suggests that it is precisely in these moments of adversity that we must be brave enough to see the light and brave enough to be it.
In a world that can sometimes feel divisive or discouraging, her words remind us that we have the power to create change through our choices. Each small act of courage—whether it’s standing up for someone, pursuing a dream, or offering a smile—contributes to the collective light that can guide us through even the toughest of times.
A Call to Action
Amanda Gorman’s line, “For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it,” is both an invitation and a challenge. It calls us to recognize that light is always within reach, even when it’s hard to see. But it also compels us to be that light, to embody hope, love, and courage in everything we do.
In a world that often feels heavy, we have the power to choose bravery, to see the light in ourselves and others, and to become the light that guides us forward. The only question is: will we have the courage to do so?
Kenrick Vaz 