Powerful beyond measure!

There are a few quotes that tend to run through my mind in times of trial and reflection. One of my favorites, comes from Nelson Mandela's Inaugural Address in 1994, it reads:

“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, or 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 enlightening about shrinking

So that other people won’t feel insecure

Around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God

That is within us.

It is not just in some of us;

It is 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.

I have been the recipient of many of you responding to this call. You have made the decision to be “powerful beyond measure” and how did you do it? You choose to serve and to listen.

We have received countless cards, goodies, and well-wishes. Many of you have offered your homes and hearts to my boys and even felt prompted to scrub my toilet and fill my fridge and freezer with food. I am so grateful and humbled.

I have been touched by the youth in my life, who, in their own realms have decided to make a difference in some “old lady’s” life, the Young Men and Young Women in the Ward wore pink in their basketball games, other’s have placed a pink wrist band on to reflect their support, and still others have written unbelievably heartfelt thoughts and testimonies. I have loved and appreciated you all.

Just today, my niece Maddie (Bren’s baby) rallied her Junior High Basketball team to play in my honor with pink bows in their hair. I know to some it may seem small, but to someone feeling humbled by life’s circumstances, it could not have meant more.

Brenda was also at Maddie’s game, displaying a sign proudly:

I am doing really well. Most days are passing without a hitch and I know that is because of the love and support of all of you.

Thank you for sharing your light and not shrinking to the inadequacies around you. I am proud to say that I share this planet with you…you know who you are! This life would be really long if we had to do it alone and I have felt so blessed to feel your love and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.