From the Book "The Gift of Change"

I have recently picked up a book by the Author Marianne Williamson, titled The Gift of Change..and although, I just began to read this book, I wanted to copy/borrow several paragraphs from it..because, it touched me and my own Spiritual Journey/Experience and my feelings also..

"Below are pages 34 and 35 from this book, and all other pages are as great and thought provoking as well." Published by HarperSanFrancisco, copyright 2004.

"Supporting Each Other's Greatness"

"We live in a world where judgements are made quickly and easily.  Lies are told about people and printed by an irresponsible press; anyone can say whatever they want on their Web site and appear credible.  People can tear down other's reputations and assassinate people's character like it's a sport.

I've had a lot of judgement thrown my way since my public career began.  For whatever reason--my womanhood, my convictions, my basic brashness--some have seemed to feel it was their duty to rain on my parade.  Yet I've learned that you don't serve the world by taking on its judgments, hanging your head in shame and saying , "Yeah, you must be right.  I must be "bad".  Take responsibility for your part in your own disasters, yes--but take on every projection of guilt from every unhealed person?   No!  For whatever reason people may need to project their own anger and guilt on you, you don't have to accept it if it's not yours.

In some environments we receive basic support: "Go, girl!  Fly!  And in others we get, "Who the hell do you think you are trying to fly?  Get down here, or we will force you down!  When we recognize the vengeance of the Ego--how much it detests the spirit of life and love--we more easily avoid personalizing its vicious attacks.  And there's learning in anything we go through.  Both the challenge and the growth potential that comes from having had others judge you harshly is that it makes you have to decide for yourself what your self-esteem is based on : other people's estimation or God's. 

The thinking of God is a hundred and eighty degrees away from the thinking of the world, and one of the many areas where we have things completely upside down is in the area of arrogance and humility.  We never should apologize for seeking to actualize the greatness of God that lives in all of us.  And those who refuse to support others is manifesting their dreams are only withholding support from themselves.  Whatever I refuse to celebrate in your life, I will not be able to draw into mine. 

Today, living out our greatness takes on an urgency beyond fulfilling our Individual dreams.  Bringing forth our greatness is critical to the survival of the species; only if you get to live out your potential and I get to live out mine will the world be able to live out its own.  Since limited thinking produces limited results, supporting others in believing in themselves helps to move the entire world forward.  And becoming who we're capable of being--regardless of other people's opinions of us--is part of our responsibility both to ourselves and to God."

                                                                         *****

This truly touched a chord within me, as I sometimes feel afraid to share my experiences with people, due to being judged by them.  For there will be many people who will doubt my and all other's experiences with the Spirit world and with God ..However, I am so glad that I came across to this book at this time..and I am very grateful that this great lady writes such insightful books..