The Bible
Our Deepest Fear
Our Deepest Fear
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 and fabulous? Actually who are we not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinkingso that other peoplewon't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We were born to make manifestthe glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And when 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.
-Marianne Williamson
This is one of my favorite poems of all times. When I read this poem, it reminds me that I have permission to be myself. The fact that I have to remind myself that I have permission to be myself sounds almost rediculous, doesn't it? But it's true for me and it's true. I'm learning that I am who God says I am and I don't ever have to settle for less than that. It's not an heir of arrogance. It's the honor and privelege of knowing that I am God's workmanship and He is the Master Designer.
My 30's have been the decade of learning myself: the good, the bad and the ugly. I am finally at a point where I can embrace it all and then shift my focus to the good. It is when we focus on the good that the bad and the ugly become dim.
Think of a camera. There is one focal point. Everything else in the background is fuzzy. I believe it's the same for our lives. What we focus on (whether it be good or bad) is what will be crystal clear in our minds. The rest will become fuzzy.
What are you focusing on? In Isaiah 26:3, God promises that He will keep those whose mind is stayed upon Him in perfect peace. I challenge you today to claim that promise and watch God transform your life. Then you can be yourself and give others permission to do the same.
this is one of my favorites also, thanks for the reminder! I know what you mean about permission to be yourself. :o) thanks for stopping by my blog, come anytime! by the way, is there a pattern for that great apron on your sidebar??
ReplyDeleteCheck out my post
ReplyDeletehttp://mochamomentsmom.blogspot.com/2007/11/apron-pattern.html
It has the information for the patten.
-yolanda
This is so so true. Very personal to me, too because I am the one who is guilty of shrinking so that others dont feel inadequate. I have to learn this lesson continually. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteI saw your blog on Graphically Designing, and had to tell you that I read this post amidst tears, realizing that "shrinking" is exactly what I do! I wanted others to be comfortable, but I never thought about it not fulfulling the talents that God has given me to USE, and I'll have to answer to Him if I don't use my talents well. I think I'm going to print out that paragraph to keep on hand! Thanks for such a beautifully written post! And your blog looks lovely! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Stacey
Rosheeda, you're welcome. We have to keep in mind that we are NOT doing others a favor when we shrink, not to mention the damage we cause ourselves.
ReplyDeleteStacey, I was just chatting with a friend today about how when Christ came, He made others feel uncomfortable. Sure He ministered and met needs, but there are a lot of events in His life that could be used to call Him a trouble maker. He stood for truth and as a result sometimes He had to rock the boat.
Thanks for stopping by. :)
Very encouraging word, Yolanda! Thanks you so much. I needed that. :)
ReplyDeleteKysha,
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Thanks for stopping by. :)