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)
