perfect
Marianne Williamson
author. philosopher. connector.
Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed best-selling author and lecturer. She founded Project Angel Food, a meals-on-wheels program that serves homebound people with AIDS in the Los Angeles area. www.marianne.com
I took a summer school class when I was 14. In the catalog I saw a class on the topic of philosophic approaches to the question of God and I was so blown away. My heart just leapt. Even when I was very young, I had a fascination with all things philosophical – east, west, academic, esoteric –anything to do with this realm beyond what our physical eyes can see.
In A Course in Miracles it says we think we have many different problems, but we really only have one and that’s separation from God. No matter what the problem area is in our lives, at the causal level that problem has to do with our own consciousness. Whatever our brokenness is, it’s reflected in a particular problem. That’s the area of our lives where we need to take a closer walk with God.
Before I discovered A Course in Miracles, I’d struggled and sincerely worked to find the key to inner peace. What I got from A Course in Miracles that I haven’t gotten anywhere else (which is not to say it’s not anywhere else) is that my connection to God is inseparable from my connection to other people. The idea is that we literally only get to experience from God what we’re willing to give to others. I can’t feel God’s forgiveness unless I forgive you. I can’t feel God’s mercy unless I’m merciful towards you. I can’t feel God’s generosity, kindness, love, and compassion unless I’m open to giving those things to you.
Not long ago, I had an experience I’ve had before, but which is mind-blowing to me every time. I finally understood something and realized how long it had taken me to understand it. I saw how many times I’d made a mistake in that area or gotten it wrong, how obtuse I’d been for so long. But once I finally got it, I thought, isn’t it wonderful the way God just lets us learn at our own pace?
Our essential selves are perfect. We make mistakes, but that doesn’t make us any less perfect in terms of our fundamental nature. God is always talking to us on the level of who we’re created to be, which is who we’ll always be. That’s perfect.
- Marianne Williamson
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Today's Poll
When was the last time you sat down with someone and listened to their stories?
Our Take
perfect • The incredibly happy feeling that all is in its place. All the time.
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