#HonoringMaya

Last night on OWN, they did a tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou. Part of the tribute was the re-airing of snippets and the behind the scenes of Oprah's Legends Ball Weekend that she put together honoring 25 women. I remember watching it when it originally aired back in 2006 (I think it was 2006). I got the significance of the event back then. But being a little older and a tad bit wiser, I REALLY got it! I was in tears. I'm still choked up about it as I type this post. Dr. Angelou was one of the women who was honored and she was in tears. She was "There is nothing greater than thank you." This was their thank you and as Oprah said, it still isn't enough. A lot of those legends are still with us but a few have been called home to Glory.  We've lost a lot of leaders and guiders, who paved the way and fought the fight. The question has been asked and I often wondered, who got next? There is work still to be done.

Next up was the re-airing of Dr. Angelou's Master Class. It was....there are no words. It was a master class indeed. I sat there listening to snippets of her life, the people and things she encountered and the life lessons that she has shared with the world. It is awe-inspiring. The hashtag on social media to follow was #HonoringMaya. Seeing everyone's outpouring of love and admiration for Dr. Angelou was wonderful to see. But what got me more was seeing how she inspired so many people. Some said they became writers because of her. Some said they were able to overcome various adversities they faced due to her writings and teachings. Bottom line, Dr. Angelou was a teacher.

There were many tidbits I took away from her Master Class.  The ones that stuck with me are "just do right," do what you can where you are and be a blessing to somebody. One of the many quotes I ran across last night said:

“Just do right. Right may not be expedient; it may not be profitable, but it will satisfy your soul.” 

Ain't that the truth! When you do good, you feel good. There are so many things going on in this world. Just think of the things going on in your own community.  I'm sure some of us have said what can I do? Dr. Angelou made it so simple by saying do what you can where you are. We always want to go big or go home. That's a great mentality to have but I also think that's what deters people when things don't go the way we expected. You don't have to do a big grand gesture to make in impact. We hear about this everyday. Imagine everyone doing small gestures here and there. It could possibly turn into a grand gesture. When Dr. Angelou said be a blessing to somebody, I started shaking my imaginary tambourine. It's so true! You never know how an act of kindness may impact someone. Remember that. There is more I can pull from her Master Class, but I'll stop here :)

 If you have not seen Dr. Angelou's Master Class on OWN, I highly recommend that you watch it. There is a video up on Oprah's site. I most definitely want to watch it again. I'd purchase it if it were available. I'll have to look into that.

The world has truly lost its voice. Rest in paradise Dr. Angelou and we thank you.

Be easy good people!