By the Way: Light a candle

By Scott Raible on February 14, 2026.

When we ask why bad things happen to the innocent, we are often asking through tears. Questions like these don’t come from philosophy; they come from pain. Scripture meets us in these moments, not with cold answers, but with His living presence. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that when hearts are broken, and our spirits are crushed, God draws closer, not further away.

In moments of tragedy, like what has touched the community of Tumbler Ridge, BC, we are reminded how fragile life can feel. We see loss that makes no sense. We feel grief that words cannot fix. And yet, God does not stand at a distance from suffering. He walks into it with us.

Think of grief like a dark room. When we lose someone, when innocence suffers, it can feel like the light has gone out completely. It is here in the midst of tragedy and trauma that faith invites us to light a candle. One small flame does not remove all darkness, but it pushes it back. It says darkness will not have the final word.

Every prayer is a candle.

Every act of kindness is a candle.

Every meal shared, every shoulder offered, every tear cried together, these are all candles.

As believers, we are called to light candles for others when they cannot light one for themselves. We sit with the grieving. We speak hope gently. We serve quietly. We trust that God is working even when we cannot see how.

The innocent are never forgotten by God. He holds every life, every story, every tear. When we light candles in dark places, we become living reminders that God’s love is still here, still present, still shining brightly; and that the darkness has not, and will not, overcome it.

Scott Raible is a licensed lay minister serving at St Ambrose in Redcliff and at St Barnabas Church in Medicine Hat. Scott started Christian radio in Medicine Hat with Alive 99.5 and was an announcer and music director with 93.7 Praise FM. Scott can be reached at scottraible@gmail.com

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