ODE TO HUMANITY

 

There is a famous passage quoted by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech, written by Marianne Williamson in her book “A Return to Love”, which argues that we fear our own light and potential more than our darkness, afraid that if we let our light shine it will make others feel insecure. The author’s intention was, however, to encourage us to embrace our own greatness in order to liberate others. It goes like this:

“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, which most frightens us. You may ask yourself, “Who am I to be brilliant, talented and fabulous?”. Actually, who are you NOT to be? You were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within you. It is not just some of us…..it is all of us. And as we let our light shine, we un unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As you become liberated from your own fear, your presence automatically liberates others.” (Marianne Williamson, “A Return to Love – Reflections On the Principles of A Course in Miracles”)

A bit of history honouring parenthood…..The modern Mother’s Day was first celebrated on May 10, 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial service for her mother at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Following her campaign, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in 1914. The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, spearheaded by Sonora Smart Dodd to honour her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent. A recognition of her valiant father by a grateful daughter, and well earned. Being a single parent is not for faint hearted.

I first understood how equally important men and women are when I was a single mother. I noticed how crucial is the balance that fathers bring into the family. Mothers tend to be subjective and self-sacrificing while fathers are pragmatic and objective not allowing their feelings to cloud their judgment and course of action. I was a typical self-sacrificing single mother intent on sparing my children any pain and discomfort. I realized my mistake when I saw my daughters ill equipped to deal with harshness of life. The balance that each gender brings to a child is crucial, therefore we are all equally important in the grand scheme of things. We compliment each other in every way.

Recognising the power within us is recognizing the origin of that power. We are made in the image of God in every way. An exalted God is not without a wife. Creation would have to have been a dual process, spiritually and physically. We will know this process when the Saviour comes and reveals all things (D&C 101:23-35). Until then, may we appreciate each other whether it is Mother’s Day or Father’s Day….here’s a shout out to all humanity!!!

Among valiant sons of God

Who were chosen rulers to be

Stood the daughters so fair

They echoed through eternity.

 - CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: First Blossom by Annie Henrie Nader)