This Little Light of Mine

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? 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 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 are liberated from our own fear, 
our presence automatically liberates others.

 --Marianne Williamson

I read this quote for the first time about 13 years ago.  It is one of my all-time favorites and has spoken to me in different ways over the years.  I read and reflected on it again over the weekend as I was having some strange feelings about myself (and even this blog).  First let me say that I am so overwhelmed by love, support and encouragement by all of you.  Your comments, emails and messages mean so much to me.  It is a constant affirmation that living this season of my life out loud is exactly what I need to be doing.  Yet, sometimes I wonder if I'm giving the wrong impression, if you think I'm stronger than I really am.  When you say I inspire you, a part of me wants to remind you how weak I am, how much I rely on a gracious God, a loving family, wonderful friends.  But then again, I think you already know.  

So after some thought, here's where I stand.  I'm going to let my light shine - however dim or bright.  I'm going to let it shine because playing small really doesn't serve the world.   And it's not just for me to do, it's for all of us.  I pray that today you would live your life boldly, unafraid to shine, unafraid to love, unafraid to play your part in this world.  Thank you for letting me play mine.

With Gratitude and Love, 

Kim