March 4
Inauguration of Presidents
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THE TOAST "THE POWER OF YOU"

March 4th celebrates the power of leadership and democracy, for more American presidents have taken office on that day than on any other. It is a day to honor the sacrifice that leaders make in their personal lives to shoulder the cause of freedom. The responsibility, the burden of leadership cannot be fully understood by those of us on the sidelines.

One of the great stories, to emerge in our life time, is the Presidency of Nelson Mandela. His journey took him from being a political prisoner to becoming President of the country he loved. He has been acclaimed as one of the great social reformers and statesman of our generation. In February of 1990 he was set free as a result of an international and diplomatic outcry. He had spent 26 long years, imprisoned for his belief in a society, where blacks and whites, rich and poor, had equal rights. He loves his country, like a groom loves his bride.

On the day he won the Presidency he stood before an exultant nation and in his inaugural speech he shared something deeply personal in these humble, yet profound, truth packed words:

"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 is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel unsure around you.
 We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
 It is not just in some of us;
 it is in everyone.
 As we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
 As we are liberated from our own fear,
 our presence automatically liberates others."

Reflection
At this time in our history
when no political leader makes headlines for his/her integrity
we are invited to take courage from previous leaders.
The words of President Mandela are powerful
wnd represent truths that he came to in his 26 years of imprisonment.crsr