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, fabulous? Actually, who are you not
to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not 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.

(A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles",
Harper Collins, 1992. From Chapter 7, Section 3])

Marianne Williamson

I heard this spoken in the movie "Coach Carter" and was drawn to the inspiration it invoked. For when we are down, or dispirited, or depressed, these words send a message that we are not alone, that there is something we can hold onto, there is hope and light beyond the tunnel.

It is something we should try and remember, something to live by in our normal, daily lives.