This past week I've learned a little about the life of a remarkable woman, Maya Angelou. So often our greatest hardships unleash within us our greatest gifts.
When Maya was seven years of age she was raped and had to be hospitalized. The perpetrator was well known to her family.
The man who harmed her was arrested and soon after released. The next day he was found beaten to death. Maya thought that because she had revealed his name, she had caused his death. Thereafter, she did not speak for five years.
During that time, she began reading books and memorized the all the words of many famous poets and authors to include Shakespeare. When she finally did speak again, she had a lot to say.
One can only imagine the profound impact this experience had upon her life. She overcame great trauma and did not allow it to take her down or define her life. Instead she discovered and embraced her innate Beauty and that of others, imbued with compassion and kindness.
Listen to this short 1.45 min video as she extends to us an invitation that is truly worth receiving.
Liz Sorensen Wessel
Artwork by ~liz
