Our daughter, Caroline said, "Mom, are you afraid you are going to fail?" I thought about that a long time - - yet another one of my procrastination measures. tee hee.
As I thought about it, I realized I wasn't afraid I was going to fail. I was afraid I might succeed.
A new friend shared with me a Nelson Mandela quote today that really spoke to me.
"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, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. You were born to manifest the glory of God that is within you. It's 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.
As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Wow. As I've reflected on this and other thoughts I've come to realize that not working to excel in what are God given gifts is in fact a big way to dishonor God.
I've been very drawn to birds and nests all my life, but even more so lately. I've been drawn to bird's cages and free birds. We are born free birds. But in the midst of life, we quietly, complacently allow ourselves to be locked in a little cage. Oh, sure, we have to follow rules, laws, etc. But sometimes we lose our true self in the cage.
Today I was at It's About Time, my favorite store in Abilene, and got this pretty little necklace by Jo Carol Spurlock. She does such a fantastic job on these little nests. I love what the medallion says, too..."fly."
Well, okay, then.
I will.
How about you?
Lila
4 comments:
Excellent Post, Susan. Your words are a good reminder. Thanks.
Beautifully said. Go for it! I'm a fan of your work, and I know others will be too. So...FLY, Lila!
Thanks, Trish and Lisa for your encouragement. This feels like a path God has me on. It's exciting to see where the adventure will go!
My friend Tiffany sent me a link to your post. Wow! If only you knew how this connected with what God is doing with us. I'm a turtle girl and I must declare...Turtles can Fly! Thank you for this post. I love your blog art. I must see more of what you do. B His Girl
Post a Comment