Let Your Light Shine

Nothing on Earth could survive without the heat and energy the sun constantly gives. Not the tiny plankton nor the mammoth humpback whale, not the bouncing flea or the swaying tree. We are all here and coexist due to the gifts of the bright, burning star that is 93 million miles away, light and heat sustaining every living thing around us. These life-essential gifts are freely and automatically given constantly and without fail. Do you know any people like the sun? People who are freely and without fail giving of their warmth and light? While we are all too aware that there are no perfect people, one man seems to have been born with a “happy gene.” He was born with a natural predisposition to share his smile, joy, and zest for life with every person he meets. So it is no surprise that bright light, Brian Gray, has a hardwired need to spend as much time as he can enjoying the sun's warmth.

Brian has been soaking up the Tuscaloosa sun all his life. When you first meet him, you can’t help but notice the warmth in his smile. He exudes a sense of calm and contentment that instantly puts you at ease, like chatting with an old friend, even if you just met. Perhaps it’s the way his face lights up when he talks about his time growing up in Tuscaloosa. Ever since he was a boy, his innate love of nature had him exploring the outdoors, climbing trees, and making friends. His mother always encouraged his quest for adventure, and that encouragement shaped him into an avid hiker, runner, biker, kayaker, boater, and stargazer ever since.

One place especially dear to his wild and adventurous heart is Lake Nicol. This hidden gem, nestled just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the city, has been a favorite retreat since childhood. He fondly recalls picknicking on the shore, playing games under the tall pines, and simply soaking up the sunshine. As an adult, he still finds time to visit Lake Nicol to clear his mind and breathe in the fresh air. “It’s like hitting the reset button,” he says, describing how the sound of the water lapping against the rocks brings him back to simpler days.

Even as life got busier, Brian never lost sight of the natural world’s healing power. It is, after all, free therapy. “You can just step outside, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, take a deep breath, and instantly feel better,” he shares. Spending time outdoors, whether it’s at Lake Nicol, a city park, or simply on the front porch, can lower stress levels and boost mood in a way that few other activities can. Many experts agree that being in nature increases physical activity and offers an escape from the demands of digital screens and daily responsibilities, it’s the perfect way to find a balance between a busy work schedule and the need for personal well-being.

Over the years, he’s managed responsibilities, faced challenges, and celebrated milestones that have shaped who he is today. Yet despite the pressures of life, Brian has always managed to maintain his sunny disposition. He credits this to a simple daily decision: he chooses to share happiness. It might sound too easy at first, but he believes there is incredible power in making up your mind to have a good day. “Once you decide you’re going to smile and treat folks kindly, your day changes,” he says, “and people around you feel it, too.”

Brian’s sense of adventure has taken him all over the world. From standing atop the Great Wall of China to floating down the Nile River, his travels have helped shape his values regarding how others should be treated. He often says, “We’re all under the same sun,” reminding us that, at our core, we all share basic needs and desires. Although people may come from different backgrounds, hold varied beliefs, or speak different languages, we’re ultimately connected by our humanity. Spending even a few minutes in his presence is enough to make you want to smile a little more at strangers, treat others with kindness, and make the choice to adopt a happier mindset every day.

His values have also led him to use his spare time to improve his beloved hometown. Brian has volunteered for Reading Allies, a literacy initiative that supports children in developing strong reading skills and a love of books. He believes it’s crucial to invest in the next generation, giving them the confidence to explore the world through stories and written words. He also donates his strength and energy to Habitat for Humanity, an organization that helps families achieve the stability of homeownership by building affordable houses. In these roles, he is able to live out his principle of spreading joy, one smile at a time, while tangibly improving the lives of those around him. By participating in these groups, he contributes to the city’s long-term vision, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the resources and natural beauty of our beloved region. “Tuscaloosa is a wonderful place,” he says, “and I want to see it thrive for years to come.”

One of Brian’s greatest passions is reminding people of the value of nature. He firmly believes that we don’t need fancy gadgets or expensive vacations to find peace and relaxation. A simple walk under the sun can be surprisingly powerful when it comes to helping us unwind. The soft rustle of leaves in a nearby tree or the chirping of birds on a cool morning can feel like a gentle reminder that we are part of something bigger. In a world that can be loud and stressful, these quiet moments can revitalize us physically, mentally, and even spiritually, it’s about being present—setting aside worries about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow. “The sun is shining right now,” he likes to say, “so why not make the most of it?”

In the end, his message is simple: choose happiness and share kindness. Whether it’s offering a warm smile to a stranger, volunteering for a community project, or just pausing to listen to the rain, each act can brighten your own day as well as someone else’s. “I’ve seen how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect,” he says. “Sometimes all it takes is a friendly nod or a helping hand to lift someone’s spirits.” He can often be found on a run or biking through or near his Highgrove home. Friends and neighbors often honk and wave when they spot this bright light on their daily commute, and the small act of encouragement and greeting keeps him moving and smiling.