Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

When I was in high school , I read I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD sings. It was so raw and disturbing, yet hopeful. I still remember the way it made me feel. So much power in that. 

I didn't realize when I sent this short paragraph in an e-mail to a dear friend today that it was so indicative of Dr. Maya Angelou herself. Her quote:

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

She did that. I had the option to choose an autobiography in a high school english class, and I chose Dr. Maya Angelou's I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS. I must admit, I don't remember numerous details about the book. I do remember it was very raw and HONEST and disturbing, yet HOPEFUL. And it made me FEEL.

Maya Angelou survived a LOT. She survived abuse and many other horrors. She was mute for a time. BUT she lived and survived and wrote and spoke and thrived. These are things I remember about the book. It made me feel like I could survive whatever life brought my way, too. Not only could I survive, I could thrive. 

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." -- Maya Angelou 

I've been a fan of Dr. Angelou's since I read that book. I've admired and read her poetry throughout the years. I've been moved when she read things aloud…just the sound of her voice…so calming, smooth and slow. I've been amazed that she was revered by three very different American Presidents, G.W. Bush, Clinton, and Obama. She has been greatly celebrated by each of them and so many others. I, too, celebrate her. I've even been the guy who follows her on Facebook and shares her posts.

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." -- Maya Angelou

I celebrate her ability and her courage to tell her truth and to celebrate all our truths. She inspires me and encourages me to tell my story.

Something else I admire most about her life and legacy is that she didn't preach AT anyone. She talked to us and taught us with her words and her spirit. She was a spiritual, Christian person, but she didn't say, "I'm a spiritual, Christian person!" She just lived and loved and wrote and spoke her truth and shared what she believed could help others. 

I share the next part because it is part of my truth. A Facebook friend posted an amazing clip on Facebook today from Oprah's Super Soul Sunday show. In it, Maya Angelou was talking about how God loves her, and she was overcome with emotion. Oprah asked Dr. Angelou where she goes for comfort and solace. Dr. Angelou literally buckled forward in tears. Here is an excerpt from her response (google "Maya Angelou Oprah God Loves Me"…you need to hear her say it):

"God loves me! It still humbles me that this force which made leaves and fleas and stars and rivers and YOU…loves ME…Maya Angelou. It's AMAZING! I can do anything. And do it well! Any GOOD thing, I can do it. That's why I am who I am. YES! Because God loves me, and I'm amazed at it and grateful for it!"

Today, when I read the news of Maya Angelou's death, I was overcome with emotion. I decided to walk to the front of the school where my office is housed and check the mail. As I walked, I felt peace. I felt riveting, comforting chill bumps on my arms. I felt like I was witnessing the birth of an angel. And I was reminded of a phenomenal poem, and a particular passage sticks with me:

"A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
til the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky…" -- Maya Angelou

There she goes...