Have you ever stopped to think about how many different ways you have been gifted? No matter the circumstances, we have all been gifted with this life. We have each been gifted with intelligence. We are each gifted with unique talents and opportunities to make a difference.
Aside from the strife, struggles, and constant barrage of media sensationalism, there is a spirit of greatness in us that life’s circumstances have quieted! It lies beyond today’s circumstances and is a marvelous gift born to us. A greatness within each of us is quietly waiting to be expressed to the world.
The person God created in you is more incredible than most of us can ever imagine. Most of us dwell within only a tiny portion of the magnitude of the superb being we were each created to be.
Fully claiming our God-given gifts and talents is to live wholeheartedly as uniquely beautiful and beloved individuals. Opening our minds to our magnificence enables us to step into a new world of possibility.
I am heartened by St. Paul the Apostle’s writing to the Romans. Romans 12, NIV:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters….do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
Our greatest challenge is getting out of our own way and disallowing our inner referee. That referee has been molded by criticism, abuse, and early messages of inadequacy. That inner referee who has been trained by our learned sense of what is proper, safe, or politically correct. Quieting that internal referee, who took on fear as a means of protection, will permit us to show up in the world with the fullness of our unique greatness.
Marianne Williamson’s famous quote speaks to this often hidden inner greatness:
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. Playing small doesn’t serve (you or) the world.”
Stepping through that fear and reclaiming our greatness, our true self, our light, is more than an opportunity, it is the calling to reclaim our essential nature.
It’s about sharing our gifts. It’s about contributing to the greater good. It is about moving out of self-imposed ‘comfort zone' isolation. It is about stepping through fear.
And yes, I, too, have learned over many years that stepping through my fears carries the weight of the unknown: being viewed as wrong, criticism and even condemnation.
What I have learned is while staying in my comfort zone is stress-free and easy, there is no room for growth, learning, or making a difference. And, while staying in the comfort zone is mistake-free, “playing small doesn’t serve (you, me or) the world.”
Because I aspire to make a positive difference, I choose to continue sharing my thoughts of encouragement in the hope that even in a small way, my words make a difference for you! In doing so, I choose to quiet my inner referee, step out of my comfort zone, see the possibility for good and continue to show up.
Give yourself and others the gift of your fullness.
It’s about showing up.
It’s about stepping out of our fear and comfort zone!
It’s about sharing our gifts with compassion, understanding, and empathy.
It’s about our growth, learning, and finding meaning, a greater sense of purpose.
It’s about seeking an even greater good and making a positive difference in your community and the world.
It’s about fully sharing your gifts and love!
Ron Roesler
