That’s the question Samuel L. Jackson’s character continuously asked a basketball player in the movie:

Coach Carter

The basketball player finally answered by reciting a “poem”, commonly known as :

Our Deepest Fear

Watch the clip here – (warning profanity). Be mindful of the S* profanity drop.

This was a powerful scene that showed the growth of the troubled basketball player and the team. They were stepping fully into who they were!

This past weekend, the kids and I watched another movie:

Akeelah & The Bee

Akeelah, played by Keke Palmer, was being coached for the Scripps Spelling Bee. Dr. Larabee, her coach played by Laurence Fishbourne, had her recite a poem in his office.

It was the same poem that was in Coach Carter! – a slightly different rendition.

For Akeelah this moment marked her:

Embracing Herself

Dr. Larabee’s sniper like questioning pushed her to own her fear of being who God designed her to be. So often we shrink back because of others. We shrink back because we are scared to take up space, not wanting to come off as being arrogant. That thought of “Who do I think I am?” may creep up – you…we…have to know exactly who we are:

God’s Child!

I do not endorse or agree with the spiritual beliefs of the poem’s author, however, I do align with the poems reminder to fully shine and give God glory as Jesus said in Matthew 5:16:

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Lovely, you have been made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). You are fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14).

Do not be afraid to own the unique light that God has placed inside of you! Fully step into it! As it is written in 2 Timothy 1:7:

 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

We are here to give God glory! Many times to do that – you have to make yourself uncomfortable. Akeelah crushed her local spelling bee and her skills announced that she could execute at the highest level – but she had to be willing to step into it, diligently practice, and then show up with confidence at the Scripps Spelling Bee stage! The more she embraced discomfort the more she learned about her God given skills!

How are you currently making yourself uncomfortable?

For me, I’m taking a class that requires me to perform on stage in a few weeks. This requires me to step up to a mic in front of others. Know this – stepping up to the mic timidly is not an option! Either step up 110% or have a seat – don’t partially commit to shining your light! You shining your light to the max – gives God glory to the fullest because you are owning your expression – when you shrink back it’s like telling God he didn’t design you right.

Shine Your Light

What fear are you confronting this week? Share below.

Love,

Lonisa