My friend Lucy who flew in from the East Coast to attend our wedding, also attended church w/us the day before. During the service one of our members Nadine, gave a captivating speech where she talked about overcoming obstacles, conquering one’s fears and the like. She quoted Nelson Mandela…however my friend Lucy wrote to me just the other day, still enveloped by Nadine’s talk, to let me know that Nadine was actually quoting a poem by Marrianne Williamson…often referenced by Mandela. Lucy included the actual poem for me & I am including it here for you as well. I had the pleasure of seeing Marrianne Williamson speak this past year at Agape. (www.AgapeLive.com). As we embark upon a new year, her words inspire light, hope, inspiration in me. I hope for you, they do the same thing. If you are planning a wedding in 2010, this is such a joyous time & my heart dances with you as you walk through this fantastic & life-changing event! If you are simply planning a great life in 2010 & beyond, (& I actually think a great life must be planned for) then hop on board…hopefully here’s some inspiration to start you on your way…

Courtesy of www.Marianne.com:

Our Greatest 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 and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened 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’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.

—Marianne Williamson

W/love, light & anticipation, Yours truly, VB.