The only thing that seems to be true is that shadows pass and light breaks through the clouds. But only if one believes that it is possible for the clouds to part. A life without faith and hope in one's potential to overcome anything is a life that will not see much light. Speaking from my own experiences with darkness, I can say that it is important to remember that the sun goes on shining every day whether we want it to or not. In other words, when looking at the relationship between shadow and light, it is important not to forget the element of light in the formula that equals our lives in this world.
Light is necessary for survival.
If you can't find it all by yourself, ask for help. Just like the stereotypical man who never asks for directions, so is a person overcome by darkness - they do not know how to ask for directions. The best thing about being a student at EMU, and perhaps at most universities, is that help is available for people struggling to find their way out of the shadows and into the light. If it weren't for my faith in the ability of the community of caring people at EMU to help me, I'd be just another statistic. But instead, I didn't see my shadow this morning, which indicates that spring is just around the corner.