Spirituality

Our Deepest Fear: Nelson Mandela

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear in 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 enlightening about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel unsure around you.
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.
As we let our own Light shine,
we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.”

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This beautiful poem, often credited to Marianne Williamson, is a part of Nelson Mandela’s brave, hopeful, and purposeful inaugural speech in May of 1994. In the beginning of this new year, there is an opportunity for new beginnings and an opportunity to remember the genuine beauty of your own human spirit and potential.

My wish for you, as you move forward into 2025, is that you will remember the inherent worthiness of you and the rightful place you hold. This does, as the poem suggests, allow others in your life to show up with that same knowing.

I am hopeful these written words, that hold volumes of wisdom, speak to you as they clearly did to their orator. It is not in “playing small” or in disbelieving your own rightful place that you make changes. It is in owning your own inherent worth, even in (or especially in) the face of challenge that allows you (and others) forward movement.

As always, Thank you for reading. I welcome your thoughts and comments and look forward to connecting with you through your writing and mine.

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Photo: Image found on Pixabay

Copyright Protected Material: © 2020 LaDonna Remy MSW, LICSW. All rights reserved. Written content on this blog (Perspective on Trauma) is the property of the author LaDonna Remy, MSW, LICSW. Any unauthorized use or duplication without written permission of the author/ owner of this web log is prohibited. Excerpts or quotes may be shared in the event the author is fully cited with reference and direction to this blog.

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National Hotlines: 

The National Domestic Violence Helpline: (1-800-799-SAFE 7233)

The National Domestic Violence Chatline. http://www.TheHotLine.org

Treatment Referral Helpline: (1-877-726-4727)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (1-800-273-8255)

Resources:

Kent, Emerson. (2016) Writing South African History. Nelson Mandela’s Oath of Office. https://www.emersonkent.com/speeches/inaugural_address_mandela.htm

Williamson, Marianne. (1992) A Return to Love. Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles. HarperOne Publishing,

15 thoughts on “Our Deepest Fear: Nelson Mandela”

  1. What a lovely message to read at the start of the new year, LaDonna! As someone who grew up in an Asian culture, modesty is always taught and preferred. But I agree with you that believing in yourself and worth is different and allows you to step forward with worth and do good with that inner light. May this lovely message from Mandela be read by more people needing that light at this moment. And wishing you a lovely new year full of light, happiness and good health ahead!

    PS. I am unable to comment on your blog – any of your posts – on the WordPress app. Only was able to do by reading this on a browser. Might be something you want to flag to the WP admin. Good luck!

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  2. What a lovely message to read at the start of the new year, LaDonna! As someone who grew up in an Asian culture, modesty is always taught and preferred. But I agree with you that believing in yourself and worth is different and allows you to step forward with worth and do good with that inner light. May this lovely message from Mandela be read by more people needing that light at this moment. And wishing you a lovely new year full of light, happiness and good health ahead!

    PS. I was not able to comment on your blog – any post – on the WordPress app and had to login and do so on a browser. You may want to get this looked at by the WP admin. Good luck!

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    Reply

  3. What a lovely message to read at the start of the new year, LaDonna! As someone who grew up in an Asian culture, modesty is always taught and preferred. But I agree with you that believing in yourself and worth is different and allows you to step forward with worth and do good with that inner light. May this lovely message from Mandela be read by more people needing that light at this moment. And wishing you a lovely new year full of light, happiness and good health ahead!

    PS. I am unable to comment on your blog – any of your posts – on the WordPress app. Only was able to do by reading this on a browser. Might be something you want to flag to the WP admin. Good luck!

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    Reply

    1. Thank you, Ab. I genuinely appreciate your perspective and well wishes. I always look forward to reading your work and thoughts.

      I will look into the issue with the app. I appreciate the heads up to this.

      I hope you and yours are having a beautiful start to the new year.

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  6. LaDonna my friend, this speaks volumes: “remember the inherent worthiness of you and the rightful place you hold.” Powerful! We need more powerful voices like Mandela’s to speak out on messages like this. Thanks for sharing LaDonna! 🥰💖🤗

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