“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” —Marianne Williamson

Dear John

Yes, we are in some seriously dark times. But the time we live in is not dark enough to completely snuff out the existence of light. The light that lives in each of us as we breathe and continue to be. So, we can either choose to allow fear to stifle us, or be that much more committed to walking in and with the light. As for me and mine, I choose the latter.

Over the past few months, numerous incidents have folks on heightened alert, triggering their pains and fears of ultimate demise. Know that this is intentional—for when humans are fearful, we are vulnerable, less rational and prone to make decisions that are not the most logical. While fear may protect us in an immediate fight or flight scenario, it is NOT sustainable for life. This administration wants us to move and operate out of fear. I refuse.

Yes, this latest action from the President will come with grave consequences; but the gravest will be to make us so disheveled that we miss the longterm work at play. Donald Trump wants another four years. Mitch McConnell, Cory Gardner and other GOP Congressional Representatives unwilling to invoke Constitutional balance of powers want another two or six years. They will get it if we continue to operate out of FEAR. They have committed these egregious atrocities because they know we are on the cusp of changing the direction of our state and our country; but if we remain fearful and distracted enough, we will abandon our work.

Many have been conditioned to believe “elections don’t matter.” Then why are they working so hard to control them? Electoral politics are the bedrock of power distribution in this nation. And either we are using them for the good of the people, or we will continue to be abused by those who hold office.

Those who desire to hold onto power for dear life, are relishing in the palpable fear right now. Fear will cause you to shrink away from the tasks that seem too difficult and requires courage. Fear will cause you to settle for the familiar and perceived “safety”. Fear will keep you from organizing and rising up to be who you not only desire to be, but who you know you already are. I reject such fear. Join me!

I reject that we must settle for more of the same kind of leadership that will connive and manipulate their way into office. I reject leaders who act and make decisions out of their fear to maintain power, leaving entire communities devastated, and then go on apology tours years later as they are running for another office. I reject that we must choose between the lesser of evils because it’s the road of least resistance. I reject that money and popularity are the elements that we should look to when choosing our next Senator when we have genuine options before us from which to choose.

I am not afraid of the power endowed in me. I am more than qualified to be Colorado's next Senator. I am clear that I am capable of maneuvering and leading others through this darkness with the light that lives in me. The question becomes: How and where do you want to be lead? By fear that spirals into more darkness or by love and light that unveils how truly magnificent we are? I choose and will sacrifice my life for the latter. What say you?

Sincerely,

Stephany Rose Spaulding