“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 frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' 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 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 all of us. And when 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.
- Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
This is one of the first songs I learned in Sunday School. It's a favorite of mine even now. Not too many years ago, I was involved with a spiritual group of women, we called ourselves The Lights, and yes, we sang the song. I love each of these women; they are strong, intelligent, faithful, and show love to others. Although we no longer meet as a group, I keep in touch with them, and I know that I can rely on any one of them for anything. I don't much like this phrase, but it is descriptive of their lives, They walk the talk - and let their lights shine. I believe this is what life is about, no matter what your religious views are. This kind of life will bring peace to you and the world.
It is our responsibility to let our lights shine. In the book of Micah in the Old Testament, we are told, He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require
of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your
God. (Micah 6:8, NIV) What does this mean? Basically, do what is morally right; show compassion and love to all (even those who annoy you); practice acts of pardon, forgiveness, and kindness; and know that you do this because you are a child of God - she does these things for you so that you can do them for others - she's in charge!
It's the time of year when we remember the birth of one who modeled this life we're required to live. His light shown with kindheartedness, empathy, sincerity, gentleness, love, tolerance, patience, courage, joyfulness, forgiveness, truthfulness, generosity, compassion, boldness, endurance, enthusiasm, discernment, gratefulness, hospitality, and more. It is this life that I entreat you to live. Let your light shine.
Hide it under a barrel, no!
I'm gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a barrel, no!
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Don't honk your car horn at others unless it is a safety issue. Smile and greet the person checking you out at the grocery. Give each person you interact with your undivided attention, acknowledging his/her worth as a person. Be grateful and content with what you have. Be enthusiastic. Forgive - it is the most freeing thing you can do for yourself. Show your courage by standing up for those without a voice. Share your food with someone who is hungry. Recognize what needs to be done before you're asked to do it. See others and respond to them as the children of God that they are. Let your light shine.
Let it shine over the whole wide world,
I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine over the whole wide world,
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
With all my love,
Mimi
(Happy 1st birthday, Taylor and Tyler.)
No comments:
Post a Comment