It’s an early evening in December, 1966. I am six years old, standing on a stage, proudly fulfilling the prestigious and
coveted role of head-angel in the Salem Heights Kindergarten Christmas Pageant.
The “shepherds,” were keeping watch over
their flocks by night when, dazzled by my light, my radiance, my glow, my gold-garland halo and sheet-made-into-celestial-robe, I speak these words, the only lines in the entire presentation:
Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be for all people…
This is my first memory: My voice saying, “Do not be afraid.”
What if I believed my own declaration.
What if I weren’t ever afraid?
What if never belied my dazzling light, my radiance, my halo, my holiness?
What if I acknowledged my own magnificence, brilliance, and power?
What if I remembered?
What if you did, as well?
Behold! I bring you good tidings of great joy!
Much has happened since I was six years old. There’s much that I’ve forgotten and much that I’ve tried to forget, to be sure. But this is worth remembering: I was (and am) dazzling and radiant and whole. Angels rejoiced. They still do. Over me, yes; over you, as well. No “what-if’s” at all. Just good tidings and great joy and angelic hosts bursting into song.
May it be so.