About Robert "Keith" Cartwright
I am a friend of God, a dad, a writer, speaker, and an advocate for healing-centered relationships.
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RKC's Most Recent Article
When The Night Falls, Good Shepherds Remain
A good shepherd doesn't leave when the night falls.
Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd because He never runs from His flock. And if we follow Him, we’re called to stay, too—to be the ones who stand firm, who shine light, who protect, who love, even when it’s hardest.
When the sky darkens and the wolves creep near, the shepherd doesn’t abandon the flock to save himself. He doesn’t run to safety while the sheep scatter in fear. Instead, he stands his ground, staff in hand, eyes scanning the shadows. He listens for the sound of danger, ready to defend, to guide, to protect.
Because that’s what shepherds do.
In the daylight, it’s easy to lead. The path is clear, the dangers are few, and the sheep follow willingly. But the real test comes in the night—when uncertainty grows, when the predators close in, when fear makes the flock restless. It’s in those moments that the shepherd’s calling is proven.
And it’s the same with us.
It’s easy to show up when life is bright, when the culture is calm, when standing for truth and love comes without risk. But what about when darkness falls? What about when division prowls, when the world is restless, when the easy thing is to walk away?
That’s when the real shepherds stay.
The world needs people who don’t flee when the night comes. Who don’t give up when fear spreads. Who don’t retreat when the wolves of hatred, despair, and confusion circle.
Anyone can lead in the daylight.
Shepherds stick around when the night falls.
Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd because He never runs from His flock. And if we follow Him, we’re called to stay, too—to be the ones who stand firm, who shine light, who protect, who love, even when it’s hardest.
When the sky darkens and the wolves creep near, the shepherd doesn’t abandon the flock to save himself. He doesn’t run to safety while the sheep scatter in fear. Instead, he stands his ground, staff in hand, eyes scanning the shadows. He listens for the sound of danger, ready to defend, to guide, to protect.
Because that’s what shepherds do.
In the daylight, it’s easy to lead. The path is clear, the dangers are few, and the sheep follow willingly. But the real test comes in the night—when uncertainty grows, when the predators close in, when fear makes the flock restless. It’s in those moments that the shepherd’s calling is proven.
And it’s the same with us.
It’s easy to show up when life is bright, when the culture is calm, when standing for truth and love comes without risk. But what about when darkness falls? What about when division prowls, when the world is restless, when the easy thing is to walk away?
That’s when the real shepherds stay.
The world needs people who don’t flee when the night comes. Who don’t give up when fear spreads. Who don’t retreat when the wolves of hatred, despair, and confusion circle.
Anyone can lead in the daylight.
Shepherds stick around when the night falls.