Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was just a poet that had an opportunity to share her words at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration in 1993. Since then, I've been inspired by her in so many ways.
Her parents divorced when she was 3. She was raped by her mother's boyfriend at age 7. At 17, she was a single mother. In her 20's, she was a shake dancer in a nightclub, a prostitute, a cook, and ran a brothel.
Had I met her at that point, I'm guessing I'd have felt sorry for her and maybe been a little judgmental at the same time. I'm pretty certain I'd never have bet on her as someone who would go on to have such an incredibly positive influence on so many people during her life ... and following her life.
She went on to be a singer, an actor, a civil rights activist (worked with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King), a college professor, a writer, a speaker, and ... a poet.
She also won the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest civilian honor in the United States).
Even years later, her life continues to remind me not to be judgy. She’s also one of those people who inspires me to keep moving forward regardless of circumstances … to keep Rising & Reaching … in the bad … in the good.
The first one is where the thought above comes from. It’s all wonderful but to me, the segment beginning at 0:29 and ending at 1:09 is so moving. The gist (hearing her say it is better)…
"One of the things I do [when I’m doing anything] … I bring everyone who has ever been kind to me with me … Everybody. I say come with me … Come with me. I need you now."
And remember, “Nothing will work unless you do.” That’s Maya Angelou.
