A Child of God

 

My blessed Aunt Gini sent me this recently. An excerpt from Nelson Mandela's inauguration speech - it really struck a chord with me. I am not a brave person, yet I know I am Strong. It is due to my Faith. But as strong as I am, I have at times suffered from a debilitating fear of inadequacy and not being as outstanding as I was raised to be... One thing I know, though... I am a Child of God. And I must always give thanks and be aware of my Faith, for I know it will help me confront all my fears.


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 YOU NOT TO BE?

YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD.
YOUR PLAYING SMALL DOES NOT SERVE THE WORLD.
THERE IS NOTHING ENLIGHTENED ABOUT SHRIVELING
SO THAT OTHER PEOPLE WONT FEEL INSECURE AROUND YOU.

WE WERE BORN TO MAKE MANIFEST
THE GLORY OF GOD WITHIN US.
IT IS NOT JUST IN SOME OF US. IT IS IN EVERYONE.

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.

-NELSON MANDELA