Our Divine Potential

Lately I've been pondering a lot about our divine potential. As the literal spirit children of God, each of us has a portion of His divinity within us.

Recently I received a copy of the following powerful quote by Marianne Williamson, which I feel is far more true than we know:

"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. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. 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." (A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles", Harper Collins, 1992. From Chapter 7, Section 3)

This quote has often been misattributed to Nelson Mandela (see the Wikiquote for Marianne Williamson) and was in the film, Akeela and the Bee.

In a regional Stake Conference broadcast for all the stakes in western Idaho, Elder Glenn L. Pace of the Quorum of the Seventy gave a wonderful talk about personal revelation during the general Sunday session on November 11, 2007. After sharing some touching experiences, Elder Pace said something that struck me, he said, "What is it you don't think you can do? You can do it."

With Satan constantly trying to tear us down and feel that we are of little or no value it is often hard to believe in ourselves. But take some time to ponder on your individual worth and the divine potential within you. Truly visualize God as your Father and you as his son or daughter. He loves you. He believes in you. He values you enough to sacrifice His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for you. Now believe in yourself. What do you think you can't do? "You can do it."

We are all of equal worth to our Father and He wants each and everyone of us to forsake sin and turn to Him. Do you believe that God is your Father? How do you know? What experiences have you had? Please share them with us in the comments below or in the LDS Community Forum.