
I came across one of my favorite movies of all time today. It always deeply affects me for many reasons, some of which I understand and some I don't. The film is based on the true story of a basketball coach who tries to affect change in the boys under his charge. In 1999, Coach Carter made headlines by suspending his team for breaking their contract to maintain agreed upon academic levels.
There is a point toward the end of the film, after Coach Carter has received a vote of no-confidence from the Education Board and as he is about to leave the school for the last time. He enters the gym to find his boys studying at desks in the middle of the court. Timo stands:
"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. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
I wanted to share that with you. Courage to us all.
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