For many years, I have been sending out a short, memorable impulse on the Gospel of the day every morning. It stays with many people. I received a letter from an elderly woman who lives in connection with me through the motto of the day. In her words I read: ‘When I woke up quite early this morning, I was overwhelmed by a violent wave of fear, powerlessness and helplessness. It's november, I know such moods. My head quickly realised that I shouldn't be afraid, but my heart felt differently. Then I read your impulse: ‘Darkness is the place of birth’. That was a personal answer. I was able to accept it. The song line came to me: ‘God's word is like light in the night ...’