Success is often viewed as a shining moment, the peak of our hard work and perseverance. We celebrate it as a flawless victory, the end result of focused effort and determination. But beneath this bright surface lies a more complex reality. As the quote goes, “In every success, there is always shame and failures. In all light, there is always darkness.” This paradox invites us to reflect on the truth that success is rarely as simple as it seems. In fact, it is often shaped by moments of struggle, failure, and vulnerability.
In modern society, success is often framed as something perfect—a polished achievement free from flaws. We see it in social media posts, public accolades, and inspirational stories, where the hard work behind the victory is often left untold. The truth, however, is that real success is never one-dimensional. Every meaningful achievement we experience is built on a foundation of challenges, setbacks, and even moments of shame. These struggles are what ultimately make success more meaningful and rich. They teach us resilience, perseverance, and humility, making the victory even sweeter.
One way we can understand this is through our faith in Christ. For Christians, we recognize that Christ’s ultimate victory—the Resurrection—was preceded by profound darkness. The Cross, a symbol of the deepest pain and suffering, was the very path that led to the brightest light. Christ’s victory wasn’t born out of an easy or flawless journey. It was the result of His willingness to endure suffering, death, and the depths of darkness itself. And it is in His example that we find a powerful reminder that light often comes through darkness.
In our own lives, we too face challenges and struggles. We encounter moments of doubt, suffering, and failure. But these experiences are not without purpose. Just as Christ’s suffering was part of His victory, our struggles often shape us and prepare us for the successes ahead. In embracing the darkness, we can find the light that follows.
This is reflected in Karl Abad’s book Deep in the Shallow, Profound in the Superficial. In this work, Abad explores the idea that true meaning can be found in what appears simple or superficial. He challenges us to look beyond the surface and recognize that success is not just about the achievements we attain, but also about the journey it takes to get there. The missteps, the doubts, and the moments of shame we experience are all part of the story. They give depth and context to our triumphs.
Looking back on our own experiences, we often find that the most significant achievements are those that were preceded by great challenges. Perhaps there was a time when we took a risk that didn’t pay off, or we struggled with feelings of self-doubt. These moments may have been painful, but they were also essential in shaping us. They taught us valuable lessons about resilience, growth, and the strength to keep moving forward. It’s these lessons that make success more meaningful when it comes.
Abad’s Deep in the Shallow invites us to embrace the full story of success, recognizing that it is not just about the high points, but also about the low moments that make those successes possible. By accepting both the light and the darkness in our journey, we come to appreciate our achievements more fully. Success is not about reaching a perfect destination; it’s about the process, the growth, and the lessons learned along the way.
In embracing both the light and the darkness, we can find a deeper sense of fulfillment in our achievements. We no longer need to strive for an idealized, flawless version of success. Instead, we learn to value the process—the ups and downs, the victories and failures, the light and the darkness. It’s through this lens that we can understand the true nature of success.
This perspective is also reflected in the teachings of Christ. His life is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is the potential for something greater. Christ’s resurrection was made all the more powerful because of the darkness He endured. In our own struggles, we can trust that God is at work, even when we can’t see the way forward. Like Christ, we are called to find hope and light in the midst of our struggles.