Wk 4 Comment Abbie Swartzentruber

Image from Abbie's Blog
Wk 4 Reading- 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, and fabulous-
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us: it is in everyone,
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."
-Marianne Williamson

I found this quote in Ch. 11 (Frameworks for Possibility) in our textbook, and it opened up a world of possibility for me! I have so much fear in my life (which I mentioned in the discussion boards for this week) and this quote identifies the fear, reminds me I am a child of God, and encourages me to be myself without fear!

I also enjoyed the story in Ch. 11 about a woman named Alice Kahana and the very last thing she ever said to her brother. She has lived the rest of her life vowing to "not say anything that could not stand as the last thing she ever said." What if we thought about each thing we say to another human being as being the last? What would you change about what you say to your friends, family, and even strangers? I would change a lot of conversations I have...I would think more before I speak. What a great lesson to learn!

kathykellen said...
Abbie,
I loved that quote by Marianne Williamson as well, and almost used it! (Again we are on the same wavelength!) :) Fear can limit us like nothing else (and I speak from experience)! "Cast your anxiety on Him, for He cares for YOU! " 1 Peter 5:7

I totally agree with your statement, "What if we thought about each thing we say to another human being as being the last? What would you change about what you say to your friends, family, and even strangers? I would change a lot of conversations I have...I would think more before I speak. What a great lesson to learn! "
It IS a great lesson to learn, and one that will enrich everyone's lives!!
I have no doubt, Abbie, that you are a "shining light" who has grown even brighter from all you have learned and experienced this year! May you continue to grow even bolder and brighter...... Your warmth and light have touched me in a significant way, and I cherish your friendship!

Source: http://abbiemacfullsail.blogspot.com/2010/08/wk-4-reading-deepest-fear.html