Last week, Gabe (my husband) and I had the honor of hearing internationally acclaimed author and lecturer, Marianne Williamson, speak on “how a revolution in consciousness paves the way to both personal and political renewal.” Marianne’s teachings have had a big impact on my life over the past 20 years. She has taken a stand for love and taught me that the great antidote to fear is to bless all.
In her new book, Healing the Soul of America, Marianne writes “America’s real problem is our fear to express ourselves. Fear to be who we were born to be, and fear to do what we most long to do. We do not break through that fear by further disengagement. We break through fear by embracing love. What we longed for before, and what we long for now, is to love each other.”
Fear is my four letter word. It seems to be at the root of all suffering. On a daily basis I speak to mothers and fathers who are living in constant fear for their children’s lives due to epilepsy 一and rightfully so. I encourage them to harness their love and blast their fear with correct medical action for their child. I believe their child is OUR child to protect and love. An all-hands-on-deck mentality is our only way forward! I see people everywhere making a difference by answering their call to duty. I feel grateful I know my “assignment” here on earth but sometimes (most likely when I am not centered through meditation or prayer) fear envelops me. I start to feel the weight of pediatric epilepsy and worry for the babies we are helping and my desire to do more.
After the lecture I had the opportunity to speak with Marianne and ask her about these experiences. I told her about these feelings and that I wanted more support to further our mission. “When that happens, you are making it too much about you,” Marianne stated matter of factly. She continued, “You do not have the power to effect the change you seek, but God does. Be the vessel. You get to start by asking: God, where would you have me go? What would you have me do? What would you have me say and to whom? The support will come when you open yourself up.”
We all have our part to play in life. By expanding our level of compassion we disown the illusions of separateness. When I feel overwhelmed I get to remember love is the only answer. When I judge myself or others, I get to recognize, apologize, bless and choose again. When my focus is on being the woman who God would have me be and not the never ending to do list I need to accomplish, everything else falls into place. I will meet the people I am supposed to, receive the answers to problems that arise and let love flow through my open heart.
Marianne says it best, “The only way to gain power in a world that is moving too fast is to learn to slow down. And the only way to spread one’s influence wide is to learn how to go deep. The world we want for ourselves and our children will not emerge from electronic speed but rather from a spiritual stillness that takes root in our souls. Then, and only then, will we create a world that reflects the heart instead of shattering it.” So here’s to slowing down, for the babies and the world.
Blessings,
Kristie Griess
If anything in mine or Marianne’s words spoke to you, let us know down in the comments! We LOVE to hear from our readers. Do you have a story to tell? Contact us!
Mickie’s Miracles is a non-profit foundation for the education and awareness of pediatric epilepsy. We run on the donations and support of others, so if you have some time, please consider donating to your cause. Thank you.
