Special Christmas Contest

Win The Nativity Story DVD 

Posted on December 14, 2009 12:00 AM MST by Sara Richardson

“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's not just in some of us; it's 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, A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Wow! Such a powerful quote. Do you believe these words? They’re based on truth. How much more proof do we need than God’s statements recorded in the Bible? “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life”  (Isaiah 43:4). “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing"( Zephaniah 3:17).

I know for a fact that if I really let these words convict me, I would live differently. How many times have I restrained myself from taking a risk because of fear? Fear that I don’t deserve success. Fear that I am not enough? Fear that I will mess things up. How many times have I played small? I was thinking about this quote in light of this season. Christmas. A time to let God’s light shine in us and through us. And I wondered what would have happened if Mary had played small. Can you imagine? “No, God. I’m sorry. I don’t deserve to be the Messiah’s mom. Choose someone else! Someone rich and beautiful and influential. Someone who’s at least married!” If it would’ve been me, I know I would have pushed back as I so often do. I would’ve begged God to come up with a new plan. “Come on, God. Let’s be realistic, here. I’m just a simple girl. There are smarter women. Stronger women. Women who would make you proud. Me? I’m not especially wise or important. I don’t deserve such a title, such an honor.”

But Mary didn’t say that. After the shock wore off, she simply said, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Every time I read it, that simple sentence wows me. No excuses. No arguments. Just obedience. And look at the result. She went from being an unknown simple girl to the best-known and most revered mom of all time. Amazing. I could learn a thing or two from Mary.

What about you? What does Marianne Williamson's quote mean to you? Leave your name and a response and I’ll choose one person to win The Nativity Story DVD.

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