It’s Halloween, and the world is playing dress-up with shadows. The lights on the porch do their little dance—on, off, on, off. Kids are out there, pretending to be pirates or cute tiny pumpkins going door to door. It makes you think, while you’re juggling candy: How should we handle the not-so-bright stuff in life?

For many, Halloween is all fun and games, It’s about getting creative and hanging out with friends. But for some of us, it brings up other feelings. Skeletons and graveyards aren’t always easy to look at. Sometimes, they remind us of losing someone, feeling scared, or just wondering what’s actually true in the world.

I write about faith, and I’ve picked up that it’s okay to sit with those uncomfortable feelings. The Bible does it, too. It meets us where we are, even when things are dark, and whispers some truth:

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

This isn’t saying the darkness isn’t there. It’s saying light, especially the kind of light that Jesus brought, is stronger. It’s not a show or pretending to be happy, but a real presence that sits with us when things are hazy and says, I’m here with you.

Halloween can remind us that real faith isn’t scared of the shadows. Jesus went right into the places of death, He helped people who were seen as unclean and He cried. And then, he showed us that there’s more after the dark times.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”-Psalm 23:4

If you’re feeling a bit fragile right now, maybe sad, worried, or just unsure, it’s okay. You don’t have to fake it. You can light a candle if you want. You can say a prayer. You can laugh with those costumed kids and still remember it’s okay to feel a little down.

Here’s a simple thing you can try tonight:

• Light a small candle and quietly say, The light shines in the darkness.
• Think about one thing that’s making you afraid, sad, or just feeling down.
• Ask Jesus to be there with you in that feeling. Not to make it disappear right away, but just to be present.

And if you’re having a blast celebrating, let that joy be real and good. Let your laughter show that there’s hope after the hard times. That costumes can be fun and that being together as a community matters.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”-Romans 12:21

Tonight, no matter if you’re giving out candy or hiding away, remember this: You’re not on your own. The light is still shining. And it’s there for you.