The Christmas season is here. For many it is a time of joy and celebration, for others it is a time of sadness and loss. Each year substance abuse, depression, and isolation increase during the Christmas season. As you navigate this time, I want to encourage you with the words of Leo Lambert, the founder of Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN.

“Discovering Ruby Falls was like discovering God. At first it is very dark, scary and uncertain. You don’t know what lies ahead. You bump into things you didn’t even realize were there and you suffer injuries bumps and bruises. You fall down into the sticky, sticky mud and mire and feel like you cannot go on. But you get up with a feeling that somewhere ahead lies something more wonderful than you could ever imagine. As you add light to what you discovered you find that the things that caused you suffering and injury were wonderful, God-made things, put there for you to witness and to give you joy. It is all more than you ever imagined you could witness. It is God, and Ruby Mountain Falls and the Lookout Mountain Cave are God’s Creations, made for man to enjoy.”

As you navigate the dark and uncertain times of life, remember that there is beauty to be found. Like Leo, I have a feeling that just ahead are things more wonderful than you could ever imagine. Keep digging and each day add a little light. 

Brandon Matthews
For Tomorrow
Program Director