Everyday Grace

Marianne Williamson

“It takes courage to endure the sharp pains of self discovery rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives."

 

Last night when I finished hanging up some laundry,  I intuitively picked up Marianne's book “Everyday Grace” from my closet shelf. I did what I often do with spiritual books like hers, held it between my two hands, took a few deep breaths, said a short prayer and opened to a arbitrary page. This is what I read:

If you have lost your job, then another situation, just as good or better, already exists in the Mind of God. It can be difficult to feel this way when stress is high, but out feelings are not always perfect indicators of reality. The infinite, unalterable power of God is such that whenever something contrary to His love is introduced into the universe, a miraculous alternative automatically develops.

We pray that our eyes might be open, that we might see what has already happened. When we pray for God to illumine our path, we are saying, "Dear God, please show me the way. What thoughts do I need to think, to be able to navigate my life at this point?      
What perceptions do I need; what insights will guide me? Who do I need to forgive? What parts of my personality do I need to look at; 

what changes do I need to make? Please come upon me and heal my life. 

Amen."

In God's world, there is only abundance, regardless of what we are experiencing within our human drama. The remembrance of 

our mystical identity will restore our confidence, reminding us that we're part of that abundance. Lack is a temporary condition, often reflecting a fractured sense of self.  Thinking we were small, we acted in a small way and now reap the effects of our self-limiting thoughts or behaviour. Material abundance will not restore a broken sense of self, but a restored sense of self will attract whatever abundance we need.

I have had this book since November 2009 and had not really looked at it until now.  Although I am not surprised, I am always delighted when Angels give me the signs I have asked them for and I intuitively welcome God’s answer(s) to my prayers. 

What I read was exactly what I needed to at this precise time. Any other time I would have enjoyed the reading and not acted upon it as I am ready to right here and now. 

Although I haven't lost my job, I am in transition and have left the job emotionally and spiritually, just not physically yet.

I was immediately reminded of the last, and first, time Marianne Williamson's work had a profound and lasting effect in my life.

Some years ago I was doing a 180º shift in my lifestyle in order to be the mother my daughters, then 5 and 3, deserved and needed to have in their lives. 

I had Marianne's book “A Return to Love” on audio cassette tapes and listened to it over and over again for months.

1992 was the year I finally quit smoking permanently and got in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

The things I learned during that year from Marianne's beautiful teachings sent me in the direction that changed my life and way of thinking forever.  

Resulting in a commitment to courageous self-examination with attention on dynamic growth, accountability and integrity.  

There were some incredibly difficult yet ultimately enlightening detours along the way, but always ending in re-aligning with my right path.

excerpts from
"A Return to Love"
by Marianne Williamson

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 is 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 are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

"It takes courage to endure the sharp pains of self discovery rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives."

excerpt from
"Everyday Grace"
by Marianne Williamson 

STARTING THE DAY

"Our greatest weakness is the weakness of an undisciplined mind. We need not let fear steal the morning; we can consciously choose not to allow our minds to be programmed by the worldly viewpoint that dominates the earth. We can set our day upon another course. Each of us has an inner room where we can visit to be cleansed of fear-based thoughts and feelings. This room, the holy of holies, is a sanctuary of spiritual light. The light is not a metaphor, but rather an actual energy of mystical vibration. When we begin our morning within it, the mind receives a radiance that illumines our thinking as we go through our day. "

“In every community, there is work to be done.
In every nation, there are wounds to heal.
In every heart, there is the power to do it.”

So here I am 20 years later at another major crossroads in my life, and here she is with exactly what I need to read and learn in order to powerfully move into the joyful work of my divine purpose.
I have been working towards this moment in consciousness for many centuries, along with many of you, my ancient companions. 

Our Deepest Fear (as a poem) (Marianne Williamson) 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, handsome, talented and 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 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 within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.