Have you seen the movie, Akeelah and the Bee? I need to make a confession. I really resisted seeing this movie when it was released. I had already made up my mind that it was aimed at children and probably a bit hokey.
But there we were, Becky and I, watching the DVD. And you know what? It was really good. Yes the acting was a bit weak. Yes the plot was a bit predictable. But the themes were powerful. It is a story of a mentoring relationship. It is the story of a girl who has an unreachable dream. it is the story of a mentor who has lost his way. It is a story of a mentor finding his way once again when he helps a girl reach for her dream.
One of the most powerful scenes in the movie is when Akeelah sees a framed quotation handing on the wall of her mentor's study. The words are those of Nelson Mandela. Here they are:
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 frightens us.
We ask ourselves: "Who am I to be so beautiful, talented, gorgeous, 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.
That is not just in some of us, it is in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people the permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fears, our presence automatically liberates others.
Nelson Mandela, 1997
I said it in a recent Sunday morning message. There is original greatness within us. May you be liberated from your fears and through Christ be a source of light, love, hope and joy to everyone you meet today.
Brian Rice
Leadership ConneXtions International
