Though I did not have the privilege of knowing Dr. Maya Angelou personally, I feel like I did. Her spirit reminds me so much of my grandmother’s. My amazing grandmother was also very fond of saying, “When you know better, you do better,” and “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time,” two of Dr. Maya Angelou’s most famous quotes.
As her spirit is transitioning, I am grateful for the reminders of all the wisdom she has shared. There was one quote shared that was new to me, “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”
Wow. These words were transformational for me, and they cut me to the core. For you see, sometimes I struggle with sharing thoughts on this blog because I don’t necessarily believe that I have all of the answers. And I never wish to frame my thoughts in such a way. However, Mama Maya (as I lovingly like to think of her), reminded me that I am just singing my song. She was a fierce advocate of living one’s purpose and I thank her for that reminder.
Not everyone will want to her your song…but there are some who may hold your song near and dear…replaying it often for strength and support. Withholding your song…your gift…is not what you were meant to do. I hope that you will sing freely and share the gifts you were intended to share. I have renewed energy to join you in doing the same :)
Thanks to Mama Maya for reminding me of this important lesson…and encouraging me to sing, even while she transitions in spirit form. I have no doubt that her light is transforming a new space and I am thankful for the time we had with her.
With love,
Photo source: Maya Angelou (circa 1950s) by Marshall Wilson