OUR DEEPEST FEAR

If we have any fear at all, let it be this one. Then let us quickly get over it and shine.

"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 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 feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God 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 are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

The above quote is often credited to Nelson Mandela from his Inauguration Speech in 1994, but I'm told it was actually written by Marianne Williamson from her book, A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles, Harper Collins, 1992. From Chapter 7, Section 3 (Pg. 190-191). Whether or not Mr. Mandela is known for having quoted it himself, I'm not sure, so don't anyone yell at me that I got it wrong. I just know that no matter who said it, or when, its message is one I needed to hear and to pass on. So, to whomever authored it, I thank you.