Your Light

"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 does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't 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 give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." (Marianne Williamson)

What does “to shine” mean to you? What about you shines? What is the purpose of shining? Just a few things to ponder and soak in. Are you insecure? Afraid? Holding back? Why? Does shiny have a negative connotation to you? Why? Can it be both? What distinguishes the two?

Do you live out of the truth of who you are in Christ? What is the truth of who you are in Christ? How does that align/not align with your view of yourself? Do others know the real you?

There is something about the real, the genuine, the transparent that is so undeniably bright and clear. It refreshes. It automatically causes people to let their guard down. People are drawn to it. Because they are hungry for it. People are seeking it.

How can the truth of you/the truth of God cause others to see light? Hope? Hospitality? Honesty? Acceptance? Forgiveness? Love? You are a child of God. That means you are His light. Sounds simple, right? I think we need to be reminded of the power that statement holds every once in awhile so we are encouraged and so that anything trying to dim that light or hide that light can be destroyed/cast off/prayed against/let go.

Our world needs light right now. You can be part of the solution. You are not inadequate. You are gloriously equipped. You just need to live that way.

Reflection:
Spend a moment pondering the quote from Marianne Williamson at the beginning of this reflection.
-What are some of your fears that dim your light?
-Do you believe that you are powerful beyond measure because of God? If so or if not, what does that mean for your life?
-Do you play small? If so, name some examples. How/why can you change that? If not, why?
-Name some ways that the Enemy speaks to you about your inadequacies. Lift them to God and ask Him to speak His truth in order for you to release them.
-Who in your everyday surroundings needs your light? How can you shine? How can your presence be a beacon of hope/truth?

Journeying Together,
C