Seven Life Lessons learned from Maya Angelou

The wisdom that resonates from those that came before us is such a profound thing.  From the shores of Africa to the lands of South America people have honored the ancestors from all walks of life and cultures.  In the United States this sort of tradition has become watered down. We are not mindful of those that have walked before us as we should be.  Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”  This verse suggest that we are surrounded by the saints of the past in a unique way.  Over history we have been encouraged to celebrate the lessons and contributions of our ancestors to our society.

One of my favorite human beings to walk this earth, has joined this great cloud of witnesses and it leaves me to wander what I can say I have learned from her-Maya Angelou.   If I were to make a list it will be ongoing, ever growing and expanding as Maya Angelou used every moment of her life to bear witness to all of the joys and sorrows that life brings.  Over the next few weeks I will reflect on the many things that Maya Angelou imparted in me through the use of her words, her humbleness and her service as a spokesperson for education, peace, justice, redemption and service.

Today I will share seven life lessons that Maya Angelou has left me in her words of wisdom.  There are many more lessons that she has given but for the sake of space I will focus on the following seven: Love Liberates, Be Courageous, Be Charitable, Be Hope, Be Forgiving (but never forget), Tell Your Story and Leave a Legacy.

Love Liberates

 “My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return”. - Maya Angelou

Love is the one thing that is above all others.  Everyone has a natural desire to love and be loved.  Out of love children are conceived.  Out of love masterpieces are created.   Above all things let us love one another. (1 John 4:7).

When Maya Angelou suggests that one should have courage to love and receive love, makes me wonder, why would you need courage to receive love.  As much as everyone desires love, everyone is fearful of the loss of love or the state of hurt and heart break.  One must be willing to take the risk of heartbreak in order to receive the rewards of love. 

Be Courageous

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently”. - Maya Angelou

For example: In order to be virtuous you must have courage.  Courage to change the way you think, in order to embrace learning as you pursue the virtue of Wisdom.  Courage to be kind and love others even when you may not receive it back in order to embrace the virtue of Humanity. 

This lesson is one that applies to all aspects of life.  Regardless of what is ahead of you or whatever task is at hand the only thing that will allow you to succeed is courage. 

Be Charitable

 “I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back”. - Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou has always had a great use of the English Language and the use of words.  In her quote about not having on two catcher’s mitts displays her genius in the use of analogies.  Catchers catch with one had covered by a mitt and they throw with a bare hand. This is to say that in life you have to be prepared to receive and willing to give without any expectations in return (bare handed). 

 Be Hope

“Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud)”. - Maya Angelou

How can one be a rainbow in someone’s clouds?  This quote may be hard for some to understand…however when I first heard this phrase, I said to myself I want to be a RAINBOW.  The rainbow is a symbol of hope.  Being the hope for someone can be the difference between life and death.  In life we are always on a stage or platform where the world is our audience it is up to each individual whether it will be a tragedy, drama or an inspirational hope giving moment.

My hope is also to be a Rainbow or beacon of light in the lives of the people that I come in contact with.  I have had many Rainbows in my life and it has meant the world to me.

Be Forgiving (but never forget)

 “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time”. 

- Maya Angelou

This quote has been repeated frequently by many people over the years.  I suggest Maya is not advocating don’t forgive but rather  that you should forgive others.  At the same time once a person has proven to be untrustworthy, dishonorable or a negative impact in your life; then you have to be conscious of those traits and act accordingly. 

Tell Your Story

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

Storytelling is a tradition that predates the act of writing.  From the beginning of time people have shared stories from their past and their ancestors past in order to gain an understanding of themselves and their Society.

Everyone has a story that they can tell that will be inspiring and help another as they navigate through life.  You can share your story as Maya Angelou did, as a world renowned author or in the grocery line to a stranger. Either way, there is something freeing about sharing your story with others.

Leave a Legacy

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“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. - Maya Angelou

The last lesson that Maya Angelou has taught me is that you should leave a legacy.  For me a legacy is a strong and inspiring memory that someone leaves behind.  It is not the amount of wealth, things or accomplishments that people remember it is the overall impression that you have of given them once they are no longer around.

My mother has left me with a great legacy. I strive to embody all the awesome attributes that she model for me over the years on how to be strong, courageous and loving. 

I have never met the Great Maya Angelou. She has left a lifelong impression on me through her willingness to be all of these seven things. These lessons I will use as a guide to navigate me through this great journey of life.

Have you learned any life lessons from a person whom you’ve never met?  If so I would love to hear from you. Just leave a comment below.