Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

Well, it's a woman. - use of the word "gorgeous".

But I'll need hints.
The mention of god is a hint.
It' sounds relatively modern. Post 1960.

Hmmm let me read again.

Use of word liberated….
Uh, ketanji Jackson brown?

concordtom said:

---

Well, it's a woman. - use of the word "gorgeous".

But I'll need hints.
The mention of god is a hint.
It' sounds relatively modern. Post 1960.

Hmmm let me read again.

---

You're on the right track!

The poem was written in the early 1990s.

More often than not, it's attributed to someone who didn't actually write it.

Quote:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

The poem is a little off in some places if you reference scriptures.:

Quote:

---

It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.

---

We don't fear our light, we fear God's light.

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Quote:

---

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

---

"Brilliant, talented, and fabulous" are not adjectives used to describe "child of God". The words, "love" and "obedience" are most apt.

9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

Quote:

---

Your playing small
Does not serve the world.

---

The children of God do not serve the world, they serve God. The world hates the children of God.

18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Quote:

---

It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.

---

God loves all but only His children hear His voice.

3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

Quote:

---

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

---

As we let our own light shine before others, we bring others to closer to God.

14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Quote:

---

As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Sin enslaves. Only God can liberate people.

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

My guess is that it's a Democrat who wrote the poem.

I'm thinking Toni Morrison or Maya Angelou but it's just a guess

cbbass1 said:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

ChatGPT

Madonna

My guess too. It also uses screen name cbbass1 on BI and dispatched an AI assassin to Rossmoor which took out helltopay1.



Well, I just got into town about an hour ago
Took a look around, see which way the wind blow
Where the little girls in their Hollywood bungalows
Are you a lucky little lady in the City of Light?
Or just another lost angel?
City of Night, City of Night

~ bell hooks, Audre Lorde

cbbass1 said:

---

concordtom said:

---

Well, it's a woman. - use of the word "gorgeous".

But I'll need hints.
The mention of god is a hint.
It' sounds relatively modern. Post 1960.

Hmmm let me read again.

---

You're on the right track!

The poem was written in the early 1990s.

More often than not, it's attributed to someone who didn't actually write it.

---

Ah, so it's a two part.
Who wrote it, and who is it often attributed to?

Hmmm

BearHunter said:

---

Quote:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

The poem is a little off in some places if you reference scriptures.:

Quote:

---

It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.

---

We don't fear our light, we fear God's light.

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Quote:

---

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

---

"Brilliant, talented, and fabulous" are not adjectives used to describe "child of God". The words, "love" and "obedience" are most apt.

9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

Quote:

---

Your playing small
Does not serve the world.

---

The children of God do not serve the world, they serve God. The world hates the children of God.

18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Quote:

---

It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.

---

God loves all but only His children hear His voice.

3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

Quote:

---

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

---

As we let our own light shine before others, we bring others to closer to God.

14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Quote:

---

As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Sin enslaves. Only God can liberate people.

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

My guess is that it's a Democrat who wrote the poem.

---

You're correct. The author is a registered Democrat!

Other than that, the poem is what it is. All I can say is that you and the author have a very different interpretation of scripture, and the nature of God & sin. But I appreciate your self-revealing comments.

My guess is that if you read the book in which this poem was originally published, you'd probably blow a gasket. All the while, you and the author are singing praises to the same God. Two sides of the same elephant.

We'll have to save our interpretation of scripture for another time, though!

Let me guess: You're a Calvinist who identifies as a Christian. AmIRight?

concordtom said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

concordtom said:

---

Well, it's a woman. - use of the word "gorgeous".

But I'll need hints.
The mention of god is a hint.
It' sounds relatively modern. Post 1960.

Hmmm let me read again.

---

You're on the right track!

The poem was written in the early 1990s.

More often than not, it's attributed to someone who didn't actually write it.

---

Ah, so it's a two part.
Who wrote it, and who is it often attributed to?

Hmmm

---

The poem is most often attributed to Nelson Mandela -- anti-apartheid activist, political prisoner -> President of South Africa.

cbbass1 said:

---

BearHunter said:

---

Quote:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

The poem is a little off in some places if you reference scriptures.:

Quote:

---

It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.

---

We don't fear our light, we fear God's light.

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Quote:

---

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

---

"Brilliant, talented, and fabulous" are not adjectives used to describe "child of God". The words, "love" and "obedience" are most apt.

9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

Quote:

---

Your playing small
Does not serve the world.

---

The children of God do not serve the world, they serve God. The world hates the children of God.

18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Quote:

---

It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.

---

God loves all but only His children hear His voice.

3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

Quote:

---

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

---

As we let our own light shine before others, we bring others to closer to God.

14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Quote:

---

As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Sin enslaves. Only God can liberate people.

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

My guess is that it's a Democrat who wrote the poem.

---

You're correct. The author is a registered Democrat!

Other than that, the poem is what it is. All I can say is that you and the author have a very different interpretation of scripture, and the nature of God & sin.

My guess is that if you read the book in which this poem was originally published, you'd probably blow a gasket. All the while, you and the author are singing praises to the same God. Two sides of the same elephant.

We'll have to save our interpretation of scripture for another time, though!

Let me guess: You're a Calvinist who identifies as a Christian. AmIRight?

---

A Calvinist?
What the hell is a Calvinist???


(It must be a clue!!)

cbbass1 said:

---

concordtom said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

concordtom said:

---

Well, it's a woman. - use of the word "gorgeous".

But I'll need hints.
The mention of god is a hint.
It' sounds relatively modern. Post 1960.

Hmmm let me read again.

---

You're on the right track!

The poem was written in the early 1990s.

More often than not, it's attributed to someone who didn't actually write it.

---

Ah, so it's a two part.
Who wrote it, and who is it often attributed to?

Hmmm

---

The poem is most often attributed to Nelson Mandela -- anti-apartheid activist, political prisoner -> President of South Africa.

---

another clue!
But why are you ever asking us to solve this riddle?
There must be some connect to current news events??

Ruth Bader Ginsberg…. I met her (okay, she was NEAR me) about the same time I met Nelson Mandela.
It's a US woman, Democrat, 90's. She could have written that upon her promotion to the SC.

I thought her some time ago, but I'll guess her now.

If not, back to the drawing board.

cbbass1 said:

---

BearHunter said:

---

My guess is that it's a Democrat who wrote the poem.

---

You're correct. The author is a registered Democrat!

Other than that, the poem is what it is. All I can say is that you and the author have a very different interpretation of scripture, and the nature of God & sin. But I appreciate your self-revealing comments.

My guess is that if you read the book in which this poem was originally published, you'd probably blow a gasket. All the while, you and the author are singing praises to the same God. Two sides of the same elephant.

We'll have to save our interpretation of scripture for another time, though!

Let me guess: You're a Calvinist who identifies as a Christian. AmIRight?

---

What's a Calvinist?

From the Mandela wikipedia page:

Quote:

---

He was raised in the Methodist denomination of Christianity; the Methodist Church of Southern Africa claimed that he retained his allegiance to them throughout his life On analysing Mandela's writings, the theologian Dion Forster described him as a Christian humanist, although added that his thought relied to a greater extent on the Southern African concept of Ubuntu than on Christian theology.According to Sampson, Mandela never had "a strong religious faith" however, while Elleke Boehmer stated that Mandela's religious belief was "never robust".

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

I'm thinking Toni Morrison or Maya Angelou but it's just a guess

---

given the female and Democratic hints, I'm also guessing Angelou.

concordtom said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

BearHunter said:

---

Quote:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

The poem is a little off in some places if you reference scriptures.:

Quote:

---

It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.

---

We don't fear our light, we fear God's light.

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Quote:

---

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

---

"Brilliant, talented, and fabulous" are not adjectives used to describe "child of God". The words, "love" and "obedience" are most apt.

9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

Quote:

---

Your playing small
Does not serve the world.

---

The children of God do not serve the world, they serve God. The world hates the children of God.

18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Quote:

---

It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.

---

God loves all but only His children hear His voice.

3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

Quote:

---

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

---

As we let our own light shine before others, we bring others to closer to God.

14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Quote:

---

As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Sin enslaves. Only God can liberate people.

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

My guess is that it's a Democrat who wrote the poem.

---

You're correct. The author is a registered Democrat!

Other than that, the poem is what it is. All I can say is that you and the author have a very different interpretation of scripture, and the nature of God & sin.

My guess is that if you read the book in which this poem was originally published, you'd probably blow a gasket. All the while, you and the author are singing praises to the same God. Two sides of the same elephant.

We'll have to save our interpretation of scripture for another time, though!

Let me guess: You're a Calvinist who identifies as a Christian. AmIRight?

---

A Calvinist?
What the hell is a Calvinist???


(It must be a clue!!)

---

No, no, no!! I was hoping to avoid going down the theological rabbit hole.

It's NOT a clue. Anything but.

Getting colder... colder...

FYI -- Calvinism - A Protestant sect that separated from the Catholic Church in the 1500s, following the teachings of John Calvin.

concordtom said:

---

Ruth Bader Ginsberg…. I met her (okay, she was NEAR me) about the same time I met Nelson Mandela.
It's a US woman, Democrat, 90's. She could have written that upon her promotion to the SC.

I thought her some time ago, but I'll guess her now.

If not, back to the drawing board.

---

Cool. And that's a very good guess.

But still no cigar.

Another hint: The author has never held a position in government, either elected or appointed. But she intends to correct that.

Zzzz

Mañana…

wifeisafurd said:

---

tequila4kapp said:

---

I'm thinking Toni Morrison or Maya Angelou but it's just a guess

---

given the female and Democratic hints, I'm also guessing Angelou.

---

Also very good guesses, Wife!

However, if the poem were penned by Toni Morrison, it would be pages longer, and you'd have to read it at least 3x to figure out what she was saying. The author's words are much more direct and to the point.

This poem is also much less metaphorical than Maya Angelou.

Take another stab or two if you like.

I'll reveal by 11:30pm.

cbbass1 said:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

IIRC that was at least said by Marianne Williamson, current and past alternative presidential candidate and long time teacher and devotee of "A Course In Miracles", which is a modern day Christian text. I believe I was there in person when she said that. It is also on youtube recited by an african american man (forget the name) and this was presented at a real estate investing seminar I was attending.

BearHunter said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

BearHunter said:

---

My guess is that it's a Democrat who wrote the poem.

---

You're correct. The author is a registered Democrat!

Other than that, the poem is what it is. All I can say is that you and the author have a very different interpretation of scripture, and the nature of God & sin. But I appreciate your self-revealing comments.

My guess is that if you read the book in which this poem was originally published, you'd probably blow a gasket. All the while, you and the author are singing praises to the same God. Two sides of the same elephant.

We'll have to save our interpretation of scripture for another time, though!

Let me guess: You're a Calvinist who identifies as a Christian. AmIRight?

---

What's a Calvinist?

From the Mandela wikipedia page:

Quote:

---

He was raised in the Methodist denomination of Christianity; the Methodist Church of Southern Africa claimed that he retained his allegiance to them throughout his life.[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela#cite_note-FOOTNOTEForster201489-430][429][/url] On analysing Mandela's writings, the theologian Dion Forster described him as a Christian humanist, although added that his thought relied to a greater extent on the Southern African concept of Ubuntu than on Christian theology.[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela#cite_note-FOOTNOTEForster2014106%E2%80%93107-431][430][/url] According to Sampson, Mandela never had "a strong religious faith" however,[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela#cite_note-FOOTNOTESampson201165-432][431][/url] while Elleke Boehmer stated that Mandela's religious belief was "never robust".[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela#cite_note-FOOTNOTEBoehmer200886-433][432][/url]

---

---

Nelson Mandela was definitely NOT a Calvinist!

heartofthebear said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

IIRC that was at least said by Marianne Williamson, current and past alternative presidential candidate and long time teacher and devotee of "A Course In Miracles", which is a modern day Christian text. I believe I was there in person when she said that. It is also on youtube recited by an african american man (forget the name) and this was presented at a real estate investing seminar I was attending.

---

Y E S S S ! ! ! ! Ding ding ding!!

heartofthebear wins it!!

Marianne Williamson is the original author of the poem, but it's been cited most often [incorrectly] as Nelson Mandela's Inauguration Speech.

You were there?? Do tell!

Here's Marianne Williamson's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Williamson

...and her 2024 campaign website: https://marianne2024.com/

cbbass1 said:

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heartofthebear said:

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cbbass1 said:

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Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

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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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

IIRC that was at least said by Marianne Williamson, current and past alternative presidential candidate and long time teacher and devotee of "A Course In Miracles", which is a modern day Christian text. I believe I was there in person when she said that. It is also on youtube recited by an african american man (forget the name) and this was presented at a real estate investing seminar I was attending.

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Y E S S S ! ! ! ! Ding ding ding!!

heartofthebear wins it!!

Marianne Williamson is the original author of the poem, but it's been cited most often [incorrectly] as Nelson Mandela's Inauguration Speech.

You were there?? Do tell!

Here's Marianne Williamson's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Williamson

...and her 2024 campaign website: https://marianne2024.com/

---

The stories that came out in the aftermath of her 2020 campaign about how she treated her staff were pretty bad. I wouldn't expect her to do much in 2024.

heartofthebear said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

IIRC that was at least said by Marianne Williamson, current and past alternative presidential candidate and long time teacher and devotee of "A Course In Miracles", which is a modern day Christian text. I believe I was there in person when she said that. It is also on youtube recited by an african american man (forget the name) and this was presented at a real estate investing seminar I was attending.

---

I've a couple people in my family who have been pretty intimately involved with A Course In Miracles. I first came to know of it in the mid-70's.

Christian???
I've never heard that before.

Congratulations on winning the contest, which I still don't know what inspired it.

Eastern Oregon Bear said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

Y E S S S ! ! ! ! Ding ding ding!!

heartofthebear wins it!!

Marianne Williamson is the original author of the poem, but it's been cited most often [incorrectly] as Nelson Mandela's Inauguration Speech.

You were there?? Do tell!

Here's Marianne Williamson's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Williamson

...and her 2024 campaign website: https://marianne2024.com/

---

The stories that came out in the aftermath of her 2020 campaign about how she treated her staff were pretty bad. I wouldn't expect her to do much in 2024.

---

She's not a serious candidate. Maybe she and Andrew Yang will eventually figure out why they learned the wrong lesson from America's mistake in electing Trump in 2016.

I'm all for people deciding to become public servants but I won't take anyone seriously who runs for president as their first act of public service. Just like I wouldn't draft a QB who's never touched a football or hire a CEO who's never had a job.

Smacks of incredible hubris and lack of self-awareness to think you can go from self-help guru (or whatever she is) to US President without proving yourself capable in any capacity.

cbbass1 said:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

I don't know. It's gibberish, though. It refers to God then makes man or woman the hero of the story.

I would say it reads like some new age, self-help non-sense.

cbbass1 said:

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concordtom said:

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cbbass1 said:

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BearHunter said:

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Quote:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

The poem is a little off in some places if you reference scriptures.:

Quote:

---

It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.

---

We don't fear our light, we fear God's light.

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Quote:

---

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

---

"Brilliant, talented, and fabulous" are not adjectives used to describe "child of God". The words, "love" and "obedience" are most apt.

9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

Quote:

---

Your playing small
Does not serve the world.

---

The children of God do not serve the world, they serve God. The world hates the children of God.

18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Quote:

---

It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.

---

God loves all but only His children hear His voice.

3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

Quote:

---

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

---

As we let our own light shine before others, we bring others to closer to God.

14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Quote:

---

As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Sin enslaves. Only God can liberate people.

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

My guess is that it's a Democrat who wrote the poem.

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You're correct. The author is a registered Democrat!

Other than that, the poem is what it is. All I can say is that you and the author have a very different interpretation of scripture, and the nature of God & sin.

My guess is that if you read the book in which this poem was originally published, you'd probably blow a gasket. All the while, you and the author are singing praises to the same God. Two sides of the same elephant.

We'll have to save our interpretation of scripture for another time, though!

Let me guess: You're a Calvinist who identifies as a Christian. AmIRight?

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A Calvinist?
What the hell is a Calvinist???


(It must be a clue!!)

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No, no, no!! I was hoping to avoid going down the theological rabbit hole.

It's NOT a clue. Anything but.

Getting colder... colder...

FYI -- Calvinism - A Protestant sect that separated from the Catholic Church in the 1500s, following the teachings of John Calvin.

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Yeah, Calvinism is often viewed as the start of the Reformed Theology that is the primary form of Christianity, including Presbyterians and Baptists. However, the Lutherans and Methodist are also really within the realm of the reformed theology, with differences mainly in the emphasis of faith vs. faith revealed in works. However, the fundamental beliefs that are necessary to be Christians are the same, including the sufficiency and completeness of the Bible. The teachings actually were really based on teachings of Saint Augustine. The Christian view differs from Catholics who believe that people are saved by works, there are canons that are equally authoritative as the Bible, worship of certain humans identified as Saints, etc., the need to go through a priest for confessions and to communicate with God, while Mormons believe in a completely new testament of the Bible.

concordtom said:

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heartofthebear said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

IIRC that was at least said by Marianne Williamson, current and past alternative presidential candidate and long time teacher and devotee of "A Course In Miracles", which is a modern day Christian text. I believe I was there in person when she said that. It is also on youtube recited by an african american man (forget the name) and this was presented at a real estate investing seminar I was attending.

---

I've a couple people in my family who have been pretty intimately involved with A Course In Miracles. I first came to know of it in the mid-70's.

Christian???
I've never heard that before.

Congratulations on winning the contest, which I still don't know what inspired it.

---

I have been in a Course in Miracles groups and the implication is that it is some of Christ's real teachings. In that respect you are right to question if it is actually Christian, if you believe that Christianity often veers away from the true teachings. It's possible that I just assumed it was Christ's teachings so I will look it up. The history behind the book is in the book itself, which I have. I seem to recall that it was a collaboration of two people and was the result of one or both "channeling" the information. It is certainly very inspired and has the essence of western spirituality.

Eastern Oregon Bear said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

heartofthebear said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

Can anyone identify the author of this poem?

Quote:

---

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's 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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

---

Reply with your guesses. See if you can get it without resorting to a search engine!

---

IIRC that was at least said by Marianne Williamson, current and past alternative presidential candidate and long time teacher and devotee of "A Course In Miracles", which is a modern day Christian text. I believe I was there in person when she said that. It is also on youtube recited by an african american man (forget the name) and this was presented at a real estate investing seminar I was attending.

---

Y E S S S ! ! ! ! Ding ding ding!!

heartofthebear wins it!!

Marianne Williamson is the original author of the poem, but it's been cited most often [incorrectly] as Nelson Mandela's Inauguration Speech.

You were there?? Do tell!

Here's Marianne Williamson's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Williamson

...and her 2024 campaign website: https://marianne2024.com/

---

The stories that came out in the aftermath of her 2020 campaign about how she treated her staff were pretty bad. I wouldn't expect her to do much in 2024.

---

I hadn't heard anything about how she treated her staff. But I am going to vote based on the least worst. If all she did was abuse her staff, she is the least worst right now. However, there are other alternative candidates entering the field so my thoughts may change.

Unit2Sucks said:

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Eastern Oregon Bear said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

Y E S S S ! ! ! ! Ding ding ding!!

heartofthebear wins it!!

Marianne Williamson is the original author of the poem, but it's been cited most often [incorrectly] as Nelson Mandela's Inauguration Speech.

You were there?? Do tell!

Here's Marianne Williamson's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Williamson

...and her 2024 campaign website: https://marianne2024.com/

---

The stories that came out in the aftermath of her 2020 campaign about how she treated her staff were pretty bad. I wouldn't expect her to do much in 2024.

---

She's not a serious candidate. Maybe she and Andrew Yang will eventually figure out why they learned the wrong lesson from America's mistake in electing Trump in 2016.

I'm all for people deciding to become public servants but I won't take anyone seriously who runs for president as their first act of public service. Just like I wouldn't draft a QB who's never touched a football or hire a CEO who's never had a job.

Smacks of incredible hubris and lack of self-awareness to think you can go from self-help guru (or whatever she is) to US President without proving yourself capable in any capacity.

---

The problem with Trump being inexperienced wasn't the inexperience. It was that he was a narcissist, a criminal and didn't respect the establishment. If Williamson and/or Yang surround themselves with experienced people and actually follow their advice, their presidency will not have the same problems that Trump had.

Your example about QBs and CEOs is kind of inappropriate but essentially what you are saying is that you would rather draft a QB who is guaranteed to lose you every game than try someone new. Because that is what is happening in politics right now. Both major parties have put up total losers and the parties themselves have abandoned their commitment to the people. Also, there have been plenty of examples in America of people going into politics from other fields and having immediate success in various areas of government--local, state and national.

In my state, California, Arnold Shwarkzaneger (sp?) was elected governor with no experience. I am not a Republican and did not vote for him but he did an OK job, iirc.

So I respectfully disagree because I do understand your position and why you have it.

heartofthebear said:

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The problem with Trump being inexperienced wasn't the inexperience. It was that he was a narcissist, a criminal and didn't respect the establishment.

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Really?
You think so? How come?
Perhaps we can all discuss any evidence that might exist to support this SENTENCE OF THE DAY!!

heartofthebear said:

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Unit2Sucks said:

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Eastern Oregon Bear said:

---

cbbass1 said:

---

Y E S S S ! ! ! ! Ding ding ding!!

heartofthebear wins it!!

Marianne Williamson is the original author of the poem, but it's been cited most often [incorrectly] as Nelson Mandela's Inauguration Speech.

You were there?? Do tell!

Here's Marianne Williamson's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Williamson

...and her 2024 campaign website: https://marianne2024.com/

---

The stories that came out in the aftermath of her 2020 campaign about how she treated her staff were pretty bad. I wouldn't expect her to do much in 2024.

---

She's not a serious candidate. Maybe she and Andrew Yang will eventually figure out why they learned the wrong lesson from America's mistake in electing Trump in 2016.

I'm all for people deciding to become public servants but I won't take anyone seriously who runs for president as their first act of public service. Just like I wouldn't draft a QB who's never touched a football or hire a CEO who's never had a job.

Smacks of incredible hubris and lack of self-awareness to think you can go from self-help guru (or whatever she is) to US President without proving yourself capable in any capacity.

---

The problem with Trump being inexperienced wasn't the inexperience. It was that he was a narcissist, a criminal and didn't respect the establishment. If Williamson and/or Yang surround themselves with experienced people and actually follow their advice, their presidency will not have the same problems that Trump had.

Your example about QBs and CEOs is kind of inappropriate but essentially what you are saying is that you would rather draft a QB who is guaranteed to lose you every game than try someone new. Because that is what is happening in politics right now. Both major parties have put up total losers and the parties themselves have abandoned their commitment to the people. Also, there have been plenty of examples in America of people going into politics from other fields and having immediate success in various areas of government--local, state and national.

In my state, California, Arnold Shwarkzaneger (sp?) was elected governor with no experience. I am not a Republican and did not vote for him but he did an OK job, iirc.

So I respectfully disagree because I do understand your position and why you have it.

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It's an uncompensated risk. Sure, Yang, Williamson or a cardboard cutout would have done a better job than Trump but is that the standard for the greatest nation on earth? What benefit do we have from rolling the dice on someone for the most important job on the planet (well maybe second to chairman of the fed)?

Williamson is not a legitimate candidate. Neither was Yang. Neither was Trump.

Your point about drafting a losing QB is inapt because it presumes that there are no QBs in the draft who have won games. Teams can workout a QB during the draft process. They can talk to their coaches. They can examine tape. Elections work more or less the same - you have the benefit of examining someone's record, not just their sound bites. We have no way to diligence people like Yang and Williamson. They are just talkers with no records to speak of and apparently the only public service job they think is interesting enough for them is POTUS. That smacks of both narcissism (all too common in politics) and an incredible disinterest in what our country truly needs.

Just to be clear, I get that both Williamson and Yang think they would make better presidents than the other candidates. Most people like their own ideas and think they can make good decisions. But you need to have enough self-awareness to understand that our country can do a hell of a lot better than rolling the dice with a walk-on for President.