Freedom is something that I have enjoyed all of my life. Much of the world has not had that experience. It is important to not take it for granted.
Nelson Mandela is one of my heroes who symbolizes from for me. Here is a portion of his inagural address when he was installed as the first African president of South Africa in 1993. It is my favorite sentiments about what to do with the gift of freedom. As I celebrate another 4th of July celebration I wanted to share President Mandela’s thoughts about what freedom means to him and his country.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Each of us have “baggage” that slows us down. Our job is to discover that baggage and get rid of it so we can discover the person our creator meant us to be – magnificent.
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 and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your “playing small” doesn’t serve the world at all.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of the God that is within each of 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 – to be great! We will provide the tools and the atmosphere for you to be GREAT, but it is your choice if that is what you become! As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others.
As we celebrate a day of FREEDOM let’s keep the citizens in Iraq in our thoughts and prayers as they are seeing a path that will take them to an experience of freedom in their country. Freedom is something that is hard fought and won. And, it comes from citizens as opposed to those in power. It is a gift that everyone should enjoy. Please share with me your thoughts about what freedom means to you. Until next time…fair winds!
