Before a caterpillar morphs into a butterfly, they're submerged into darkness during the chrysalis stage. In this stage the caterpillar digests itself. This stage is painful and messy, and if the chrysalis is opened too soon, the caterpillar itself would pour out in a liquid form because it has not finished going through the necessary process. 

Before hatching, the caterpillar has cells that survive the digestive process, and those cells help grow each adult body part that will then develop into a butterfly. After the butterfly is fully formed and finally hatches, you will notice blood droppings on the shed chrysalis. Blood represents life, and the color itself (red) represents the end of a series. The old body (life) had to fall apart (literally), in order for the new life to begin.

Sound familiar? In life, there are moments we will be in complete darkness. Unsure of why we had to go through certain experiences. Unsure of the purpose of the pain, disappointments, and discomforts. When darkness falls, breaking down is inevitable. It's hard to hold on to hope... no light in sight. But because we have survived some of the most challenging times yet, we have to trust that those difficult times, times of suffering and uncertainty, will help mold us to become who we are meant to be. Helen Keller once said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

Darkness may fall... you may have to shed some things...but it does not last forever. And when you come out... you will be transformed into something stronger, more powerful, and more beautiful. 

So the next time darkness falls upon you....

Ask yourself

What will you become?