I received a special gift from a friend a few years ago. It was a framed speech delivered by Nelson Mandela at his Inauguration in 1994. Ive learned since that Mary Ann Williamson originally wrote it, but evidently Mandela like the piece so well he used it too. As with other unique sayings, I have it displayed in prominently my home where I can read it often. I would like to quote the entire speech because it is a wonderful expression of a life philosophy. 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 doesnt serve the world. Theres nothing enlightened about shrinking so other people wont feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. Its not just in some of us; its 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. As I have read this quotation over and over in years past, one phrase seems to stand out for me: Your are a child of God, your playing small doesnt serve the world. Theres nothing enlightened about shrinking so others wont feel insecure around you. Many people keep themselves small on purpose. I can look back on my life and see times when I did this; it never served me well. I acted this way, as the quote stipulates, so that others wouldnt feel insecure around me. But in the long run, I found it was me getting the short end of the stick, because I wasnt being true to my own ultimate goals. To live a life without limits is more than most of us can imagine. And frankly, it scares us to be powerful beyond measure. But, what would your life be like if you stepped out of the crowd and did it your way, to allow yourself to see your own true potential and reach for it without fear? So few of us do it, but we all dream about, dont we? The U. S. Army had the perfect advertising campaign slogan a few years ago: Be All You Can Be. Until recently, I dont know if I truly understood this statement clearly. And if asked, I dont think most people would say they do either. To take a chance, to see if you can really make a mark and accomplish something spectacular is out of the realm of possibility for a lot of people. I dont know if its because we have so many choices in America that we never become the masters of something, or, if time passes, suddenly youre older, mid-thirties say, and still searching for what are you gonna be when you grow up? It is truly lamentable that we set so low of a standard for ourselves. Granted, there are those who have circumstances that dont allow them to excel, but outside of those individuals how many us take up the challenge to be in some way brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? We never know what we are capable of until we try. If you never give into the fear you might just find out. When you look at the man giving this speech, Nelson Mandela, the words become even more enlightening. The triumphs of this man are legendary and admirable to say the least. But, his words speak to all people everywhere. He lived the line: And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. What a role model he has become. To live your convictions, to speak your mind and take a responsible stand for greatness is conceivable and he proved it. Mediocrity has risen to new heights because there is no high standard to shoot for. Quality in the work place and in schools is at an all time low, because such low standards have become acceptable. Sorry, but to me thats unacceptable. Dont agree to it anymore, liberate yourself from your fears and make your presence known. Show others how well something can be done, and find satisfaction in it. You will walk a little taller, youll smile more often because you took pride in what youve accomplished, and because of it, you will continue to grow. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. Its not just in some of us, its in everyone. Its hard to read that line and not feel the down deep growling of desire to be what you are capable of; to fight the good fight and struggle to actually become one of those dreams you had as a child when everything seemed possible. We hear you cant do that so much in our lifetimes that sadly, we come to believe it. Re-capture that lost childhood incentive to be somebody and dont let go of it. Life really is too short not to try at any age to accomplish a personal goal. Maybe its just learning to play the piano, flyfishing, writing a book, photography, painting in watercolors, or being the best father or mother that you can be. You dont have to be a Nelson Mandela or a Mary Anne Williamson to effect change, just pick something small to start with and do it. In the end, its just one mans opinion, mine. |
