As we center ourselves in God’s presence, let us pray that we may not be overcome by our fears; rather, that we may live with confidence into our ever-evolving potential for greatness and goodness, for as Marianne Williams says:
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 is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not 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 is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously [inspire] others to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
(Adapted from Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles.)
