Why do you sing - Maya Angelou

“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. 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. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. 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

Maya Angelou, the internationally celebrated poet and author, died at 86 on Wednesday, May 28. 

In addition to her trove of writings about her heartbreaking childhood, her convictions on civil rights, and dozens of film, television and play scripts, Angelou often wrote about her faith as well.

 "While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God's creation."

Maya Angelou

"And finally I said, "God loves me" [crying]. It still humbles me that this force that makes leaves and fleas and stars and rivers and you, loves me. 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. I'm grateful for it."

Maya Angelou

“Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.”
― Maya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women

“Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.”
― Maya Angelou

I have nothing

Once there was a man who lived in a small town.

He had a small house, a beautiful and happy family and a good work that gave him enough for his needs.

One night a thief entered his house and wanted to rob him.

The man ran to downstairs to meet the thief.

He saw all his belongings that the thief had taken. There were many things that were necessary for him and his family.

How are you going to carry all this, he said to the thief, isn't this going to be very cumbersome for you? 

The thief looked at him.

He had thought the man would threaten him or point him with a gun, or tell him that he had already called the police.

Wouldn't it be easier for you if I gave you all our valuables, the man asked, we don't have much.

But they are easier to carry than these.

Of course, it all depends on you.

And the thief looked with his mouth open how the man's wife brought the little money and jewelry that they had for him.

Is this enough, she asked, or would you like something else?

I know these aren't easy to carry and they must not be that easy to sell or very valuable either.

The thief hid the money and the jewelry to his pockets and with an expert eye chose the most valuable and easiest to sell items to take with him.

Then he was ready to leave.

At the front door he turned back and said, I have to ask.

Why are you doing this?

Who will let the thief go and give everything that is valuable in his house without a fight?

The man smiled.

I do not own anything, he said, what I once had was taken from me and now everything I own belongs to my Lord.

It is not mine to give but His and I would do very badly to try to keep it for myself.

This all I gave you with a humble heart, now it yours to do the same.

The thief laughed, and then he laughed again.

Are you so stupid, he answered, or so naive, to think that I will do something good with all this.

Just because you gave them to me?

That is between you and your Lord, the man told him, I did what my Lord asks me to do.

I obeyed Him because I love Him like He loves me.

I have forgiven you what you did against me, like I was forgiven.

What you do now on is on your conscience, not on mine.

But if you were to ask my opinion, I would say that couple of things and some money aren't worth losing your soul for.

The thief left more puzzled than before the man answered him.

Your word is lamp unto my feet - (Not so) Wordless Wenesday

Teach us to number our days, 

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Relent, Lord! How long will it be?

Have compassion on your servants.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,

that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,

for as many years as we have seen trouble.

May your deeds be shown to your servants,

your splendor to their children.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;

establish the work of our hands for us--

yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:12-17 NIV

Psalm 119:105
Thy word isa lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.