“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 doesn’t 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, A Return to Love
I remember hearing this quote while watching the movie, Coach Carter. Although truncated, I was so moved. However, that’s where it ended—a good feeling and an idea I desired yet after many years, I realized that it was not true in my life.
I feared my darkness more than my light. I was ashamed at what kind of thoughts and feelings my mind and heart harbored and there was a constant war within myself. Sometimes I identified with past shames and regrets and questioned a lot of things about my life.
Probably like most individuals, I masked this darkness with trying harder, achieving more, and though I did build up a decent life resume of accomplishments, I knew deep in my heart that I was not truly free.
As the years passed and my initial exploration for a greater meaning of life led to a genuine relationship with a living God, I found myself being liberated of past guilts and others began to testify to these changes. And as I continue to grow and mature in this relationship, building a foundation based on what Jesus Christ taught his disciples, I am now beginning to see clearly.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:14-16
For much of my early journey, I was tossed in a wave of emotions, teachings, and doubts. I regressed back into old habits, I occasionally would linger in past memories and lived in defeat, although it may not have seemed like it on the surface.
But now, I am beginning to proclaim, that yes, I am the light of the world. And I am finally beginning to understand this greater fear of how powerful I can be. It’s such a new development, but I’m excited to be free, to really begin living my life to the fullest.
I know that this was not due to my own accomplishments or disciplines, but rather, it is truly because of my Father in Heaven, my living God, who continues to demonstrate such a great love, a mystery beyond understanding.
As I am liberated, as I let my own light shine, I am excited to unconsciously allow others to do the same, and I hope my presence automatically liberates others to be free and ultimately give glory to our Father in heaven!