Our deepest fear

I hit a bit of a rough patch earlier in the week (I won't go into details here....just suffice it to say many tears were shed and I'm on the other side of it now). Some encouraging words from my Mom helped steer me back on track...that I'm a child of God, that I am acting in obedience to His will for my life and He will use this seemingly not so good thing to further His purpose for me and my art.

Then today while researching a weekly discussion topic for my online backgrounds class (something new I'm trying out for this class), I came across this from Marianne Williamson. It seemed to reiterate what my Mom had said to me. I was moved to post this because I felt that there is that someone out there that needed to hear this like I did today.

Our Deepest Fear

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's 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're liberated from our own fear, 
Our presence automatically liberates others. 

Comments

[Linda]

Thank you so much Paulette. It is exactly what I needed to hear. I just bought a new book by Kelly Rae Roberts called Taking Flight: Inspiration to give your creative spirit wings and she talks about fear and other things that hold us back from trying new things. I very much want to draw. You are an inspiration as your art reflects the kind of drawing I'd like to do. Thanks again!

[trish]

thank you, I also needed that today. your work is always an inspiration to me, and I always leave here feeling a bit better, take care and I wish you all the best:)

[Marci Glenn]

Thank you - I needed to read that today. I too have been struggling this past week and but for the grace of God I am here today and created some wonderful art. My prayers are with you in what ever struggle comes your way. Hugs from a soul sister.

[Karla Dornacher]

Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. I did enjoy taking the workshop with Ann and learned some great texture techniques... hope to post something about it in the next day or two! I also want you to know I LOVE your work and your class... I'm learning so much! And having never worked with acrylics, I'm starting to become more comfortable with them every week and having fun doing it. Thank you!

[Melanie]

Hey, Paulette, my thoughts are with you ... and thanks for posting that beautiful poem. I think everyone needs to read that. And believe it is meant for THEM. Hugs, sweetie, and I hope the rough patch gets smooth quickly.

[jennifer float]

paulette, this is the second time I have read that m.williamson quote in the last few days. Totally random! I see that the powers that be, are trying to tell me something too, and dear girl, I have had tears this week as well over art and struggles that go along with being a professional artist.
Thank you, with all my heart, thank you!

[cheryl brown]

Dear Paulette, I am so glad that at times we have to share what is really happening inside of us as it really helps each of us...it has been such a hard week for me as I have not been able to use my arms hardly now for over a month and my husband who is disabled and does not drive is going in for fusion of his neck on Tuesday and this is his 10th surgery on his spine..we have endured 10 years of pain and hardship and now I can hardly do anything and the doctors still do not know what is wrong so I really needed to hear this today...thank you for sharing and from your heart...tears and hugs, cheryl

[cheryl brown]

Dear Paulette, I am so glad that at times we have to share what is really happening inside of us as it really helps each of us...it has been such a hard week for me as I have not been able to use my arms hardly now for over a month and my husband who is disabled and does not drive is going in for fusion of his neck on Tuesday and this is his 10th surgery on his spine..we have endured 10 years of pain and hardship and now I can hardly do anything and the doctors still do not know what is wrong so I really needed to hear this today...thank you for sharing and from your heart...tears and hugs, cheryl

[Cheralyn]

Hi Paulette... thankyou for your beautiful post. I hope you are doing better now. You are a light that deserves to shine sweetheart.
Your post helped me too. I was selected for one of those 'makeover' things in a national magazine here. I've had a weird time this week with the whole process and peoples' negative reactions and the magazine hasn't even come out yet and they haven't even seen me yet either!
My hair has been chopped off (first time in my life) my makeup, hair and clothing revamped. The experience was so amazing because I was someone who hid behind my alternate shock-value clothing and my mane of hair. Now I feel so free and light and just simple me. But the negativity around it all... :( SO THANKYOU! Your post was just what I needed.

[Bevie]

I believe we all have reservations as to whether we are good enough not only at our passion, but in many things. As I began my personal relationship with God I realized the same truth that's in the poem...we are all special to God therefore we should shine with that same spirit!! Since I've only been painting on canvas for about 2 mos I know I'm not where I'd like to be, but comments made by those I look up to (you for one) have kindly encouraged me to continue by complimenting me on that work! You have such a sweet spirit one that shines from the very core of you...God has truly blessed us with you!

[Charisse]

I most definitely needed that this morning. Thank you Paulette. Also, I love the new paintings. I can't wait to see the floral one! I would love to see more videos from you in process.

[Charlie]

I love this poem. I'm going to copy it and put on my blog if it is ok with you. I totally agree that we are much more frightened to succeed then to fail. It is easier to fail. I love the topics of discussion in our class too. Keep up the good work..love your latest canvas.

[Kimberly Burgess]

So true! Hang in there Paulette, you know as well as I, that trials come to make us strong and that we can use those experiences to be able to testify that God brought us through.

Kimberly

[Lani Kent]

HI Paulette...I have had that quote on my blog for about a year and its one of my absolute favorites! Keep holding onto what you know to be true and that God has revealed to you about the path He is taking you with all your creative endeavors! I am so looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and seeing what God has in store for us all in the coming months!
Take Care
Lani

[noodle and lou studio]

what a beautiful post paulette.
thank you so much for sharing!!
my thoughts are with you:):):)

xoxoxox...jenn

[Sandy]

You are absolutly right! Someone else needed to hear this today. I am one of those along with the several before me.
I just discovered your blog through purplecats corner and do not believe it was an accident. I don't believe things happen as "fate". I believe they are God's very specific intentions, as he works in our lives.....to give us hope.
Thanks for sharing and I'm happy to hear your uncontroable crying moments tainted with balck smeared eye liner, are over. :)

[vicki cook]

You are in my prayers today and I am so glad that you are feeling uplifted. Thank you so much for posting this, paulette! I am such a big fan of marianne's and this quote has helped me as well!

love,
- vicki xo

[audrey hayes]

nicely said.