"Our presence automatically liberates others."

Our Greatest Fear —Marianne Williamson

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us

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's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

people won't feel insecure around you.

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

We live in a world that much to often judges us, or teaches us to judge ourselves by our looks, our material possessions, our work.  For many young people the experience of growing up and coming into their own is one that seems impossible.  For others it may seem to us like they have it all, and yet, to them the treadmill never stops, it is never enough, they are never enough.  

As people of faith we hear the words that Jesus taught us; "Love your neighbor as yourself." In the Episcopal Church, the faith community that I live in, we are taught that if we are able to love God with our whole hearts, minds and soul, that will lead and hopefully enable us, to love ourselves and then loving our neighbors will be intrinsic in that process.  

One of the wonderful things about a life of faith is that we are constantly growing and learning, hopefully.  I think there was a time in my younger years when I believed that if I lived into this discipline, or did my very best, that this would be a finite exercise.  Ah, the naiveté of youth.  Maybe it is only with age that we come to see the grace and blessing in loving God as never ending, never stagnate and  always growing.  

On this beautiful summer afternoon, know that you are loved beyond your wildest imaginings.  Know that living into the fullness of your light is a life time journey, and one that is never fully complete.  Know that there are those in your life that mirror back all the joy and light that is within you.  Recognize those in your midst that mirror back the darkness, and expose it to the light.  

You are the only 'You' out there.  Give God the most wonderful gift of all, rejoice and be very glad in it!!!