I have been reading and listening to poems of Maya Angelou. The power of her words, the agonies suffered and the lived joy in every breath, stirs my heart and and strengthens my back. In embodying grace today, I see her elegance in my mind's eye, the determination of her spirit as she weaved the harsh lessons of life doled out to her and made them into something beautiful for the world to behold. And we look and see the beauty, we marvel at resilience personified and the courage that can only be cultivated in the garden of tests and tribulations. I find myself longing for that same strength of spirit yearning for the confidence to speak my mind and then it becomes clear as the words on this card, it lives in me! It is seeking expression through the practices of the virtues, unearthing the God-like qualities and gems that lie buried in my heart. I read in the poem "Still I Rise" and realise that the life I live is the hope and dreams of my slave ancestors and am humbled by the gifts that I have the bounty to possess, the freedom that I enjoy despite the shame of history. I am encouraged to chose to do right. I remember to stand tall, move elegantly, speak with dignity, gentleness and courtesy because I am the ambassador of my history and it is what has led me to this moment. I owe it to those dear souls to be the presence of grace to others. To take pride in my experiences and let grace shine radiantly when I enter a room because what you see is the joy of those who came before me. I am always in such good company.
She's an inspiration, to be sure.