Tuesday, May 02, 2006

This Little Light of Mine...

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not be be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Marianne Williamson (Sometimes attributed to Nelson Mandela as he quoted Marianne Williamson in one of his speeches.)

A friend sent me this graphic, an alteration of my photo.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Strangers routinely ask me "How are you today?"

Several years ago, I began answering this non-question by answering in a confident, friendly voice, "TERRIFIC!" I immediately received eye contact, a hesitant smile, and a look of recognition that we are all in the same boat. All of us.

Now each questioner and I experience a small jolt of joy for the experience.

So...Amen. To shine whatever feeble light one has is better than to reflect in darkness, alone.

ex LA guy
3/13/08