| Anne Williamson |
It's been 9 weeks of talking about sin, folks. I don't know about you, but I'm a little sin-weary. The conversations have been important and thoughtful, the insights meaningful; but, I think it's time for a blog post on puppies, babies and rainbows.
Unfortunately, I have no idea how to write that blog post. It seems to me little beings and breathtaking skies are always infinitely better in person than on the page. Instead, I offer you something else beautiful: words, a song, by India Arie. It's called "I Am Light," and it has been opening and freeing my spirit for years.
Your sins, your shadow side are real; they will be a part of you until you're brave enough to face them, to heal them. I hope this for you - and for me. I know it's possible from experience but also because of this, because this too is real...
(Speak these words aloud for yourself or, better yet, let India sing them for you.)
I am light, I am light.
I am light, I am light.
I am light, I am light.
I am light, I am light.
I am not the things my family did.
I am not the voices in my head.
I am not the pieces of the brokenness inside;
I am light, I am light.
I am light, I am light.
I am light, I am light.
I am light, I am light.
I'm not the mistakes that I have made or any of the things that caused me pain.
I am not the pieces of the dream I left behind;
I am light, I am light, I am light, I am light.
I am light, I am light.
I am light, I am light.
I am not the color of my eyes.
I am not the skin on the outside.
I am not my age, I am not my race, my soul inside is all light.
All light, all light, all light.
I am light, I am light.
I am light, I am light.
I am divinity defined.
I am the God on the inside.
I am a star, a piece of it all;
I am light.
Take a moment to listen for what's stirring in you. Perhaps you're feeling pulled to listen more deeply, learn something new or love better. Set your intention and go about the work of being or doing.
My offering: Rabbi Simcha Bunim taught: every person should carry a slip of paper in each pocket - one that says, "I am but dust and ashes," and the other, "For my sake was the world created." This teaching speaks to many realities of life, including our sin and our light. Sit with your light this week - perhaps by downloading and using India's song - and explore how doing so informs and shifts how you approach your sin/shadow side.