I’m preparing a message for a young ladies conference happening this weekend. As I was sorting through papers tucked away for future reading, I discovered a piece that has sat quietly waiting to shine like a fine piece of silver covered in tarnish. This piece has reminded me and inspired me in different seasons of life and work–I believe it’s words have the power to speak to us all.
Marianne Williamson from her book “Return to Love”
Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t fee insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.
And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
