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Amazing Grace
by Linda Larsen, CSP
© Copyright 2001

So here I am. A "speaker." I am paid to speak. Which means, logically, that I am paid to think about what's going on in the world so that I may, indeed, speak about it.

After the horrific events of September 11th, my first thought was, "What in the world can I say about all this? What do I know? How can I make sense out of it?" My next thought was to look "out there" - to all the experts. I wanted to hear other words of comfort. I wanted to get some sense of security from someone of higher wisdom. Oh yes, I had my thoughts and feelings - but I will honestly admit that because of the unsettling, unnerving events, I was beginning to feel a growing sense of fear and deep, deep concern.

And then I remembered something that David Owen Ritz, my best friend, and minister of my church once said. He said that our greatest teachers have all had one important quest. And that is - to remind us all of who we are.

And who are we? Really? Consider this:

Every great religion in the world tells us that God is infinite. And infinite means - everything, everywhere, for all time, for ever and ever. And "everything, everywhere, for all time, for ever and ever" includes YOU and ME. Which logically means that we must share in the qualities of that infinite intelligence, wisdom and love. "Infinite" does not mean everything except you - or me. Infinite is all encompassing.

OK, so if we share in those qualities - then it is indeed true, that we do not need to look outside ourselves for answers, for security, for peace, or for wisdom. We have access to all that. Right here. Right now. The first thing, then, that you or I need to do is to simply know this to be true.

It is our fear that drives us to act in hurtful, reactive, attacking ways. And fear occurs when we forget who we are. Fear overtakes us when we forget that we are always connected to that magnificent, loving, protective, powerful divine intelligence. When we forget that it is omnipresent and ready to support and love us in greater and greater ways. It is truly unconditional. We must simply ask to be shown and then listen for the guidance.

The only "words of wisdom" that I can offer you in this time of unsettling change, is that you already embody all the wisdom, power, truth, beauty, compassion and love that you need right now. And while it may be of great value to support each other in our time of grief and despair - the truth is and always will be that we are all a part of that divine intelligence that knows how to keep the stars and planets aloft.

Knowing that we are a part of that amazing grace, could we ever doubt that we are safe?

I conclude by sharing the words I repeat to myself when fear tries to encroach upon my spirit.

"God is in me, as me, being me - and I am safe."

And so are we all.

Word count: 541

Tag line: Linda Larsen, CSP, helps individuals think strategically, communicate effectively, and celebrate success. She is an international keynote speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.

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