The actual origin of this prayer continues to be debated although many attribute it to Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr. Historical origins and versions date back to Boethius, a roman philosopher, (480-524 AD), distribution during World War II to the U.S.O. and in the early 40's, it was embraced as a recovery dogma by Alcoholics Anonymous.
This shortened version is the familiar message I grew up with in our family home. My Mother had a small wooden plaque of the Serenity Prayer she kept on the window sill of our kitchen. She would recite the prayer whenever a situation called for it.
I gave my Mother a cross stitch of the Serenity Prayer for Christmas in 1982. I remember experiencing pride and humility as she received my gift, especially as it had taken me over 8 years to finish! Six years later I embarked on a new personal relationship with it's powerful guidance.
Last Monday, we honored and celebrated Martin Luther King Jr., "a man who brought hope and healing to America." Of the many precious values and lessons Dr King entrusted us with, it was his profound courage that continues to inspire me today.
It is easy to observe courage and acknowledge great bravery in the Heroes and leaders of our time. Yet, what about the every day Courage that exists within each of us? How and where in your Life, do you demonstrate your courage?
Accepting what we cannot change frees us from unnecessary burdens. Asking for courage to change what is ours, challenges us to take personal responsibility and action!
And it is our inner wisdom,
when we stop long enough to listen,
that clarifies for us, exactly
~ which path we are to take!