Welcome, my resilient readers, to a blog post that celebrates the timeless wisdom of Maya Angelou. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve experienced challenges in your life that have left you feeling lost and unsure of yourself. That’s why I’ve gathered some of Angelou’s most inspiring quotes on life along with some of my own thoughts. I hope you find them as empowering and uplifting as I did.
Maya Angelou was a force to be reckoned with, a trailblazer who faced adversity and triumphed over it. Her words have been a source of comfort and inspiration to millions. Today, I want to explore some of her most uplifting quotes on life to shed some light on your path through this beautiful, chaotic journey we call life.
Through her poetry, memoirs, and activism, Maya Angelou showed us that we can overcome even the most brutal circumstances.
Her words offer a powerful testament to our ability to live each day with purpose, passion, and praise for its endless possibilities. So, grab a warm cup of tea and a cozy blanket. Get comfortable, my friend, and join me as we dive into the words of Maya Angelou together.
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Maya Angelou
Angelou’s quote is a powerful reminder that even though we can’t always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond to those events. Her words acknowledge that life can be unpredictable and we may face difficult circumstances. However, they also encourage us to take ownership of our reactions to those challenges and to choose not to let them define us or hold us back (Ephesians 4:26).
"Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath... ~ Ephesians 4:26 (NKJV)
God’s Sovereignty
Her quote conveys to me that even though trials are unpredictable, God is constant and in control. He’s constantly in control. So, though we face challenges beyond our control, they aren’t beyond His control. God’s sovereignty encourages me to take ownership of my reactions to those challenges and choose not to let them define or hold me back. And you can too.
When faced with tragic situations, feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, and defeated is easy. You may feel like life is happening to you. I felt like I had no say in the situation. Reggie, either, for that matter—considering the morning of his death, he told me he wasn’t going anywhere. Then, a few hours later, he died.
My Free Will
Thankfully, Angelou’s words remind me that I always have a choice—free will—regarding my response. We can choose to be resilient, to pick ourselves up, and to move forward despite the obstacles we face.
This quote on life by Maya Angelou emphasizes that we’re not defined by the events of our lives but by how we respond to them. No matter what you face, you always have the power to choose your attitude and your actions. You can be a victim or survivor, give up or persevere, or be defeated or empowered. The choice is yours.
To not be reduced by the events of our lives means to rise above them, find the strength to keep going, and use our experiences to fuel growth and transformation. So, with this quote in mind, let’s—you and me—strive to find the courage, resilience, and strength not to be reduced by the events of our lives but to use them as opportunities for growth and transformation.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
Maya Angelou
The quote above speaks volumes about the power of love to overcome any obstacle. For those of us who have faced catastrophic events and are now rebuilding our lives, this quote calls to mind the transformative power of love.
We—Christians—believe God’s love is boundless and unconditional (Psalm 136:1). It knows no barriers. It’s the ultimate example of love that can overcome any hurdle, leap over any fence, and penetrate any wall to reach its intended destination.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. ~ Psalm 136:1 (ESV)
When we live through heartbreaking experiences, remaining hopeful can be challenging. We may feel like the walls are closing in and trapping us with no way out. But God’s love is greater than any obstacle we face. It can penetrate the darkest places and bring hope and healing to our lives.
As you create your new life in the wake of the event that destroyed it, you can choose to let God’s love guide you. You can choose to see beyond the barriers and hurdles and trust His love will see you through. You can embrace God’s love as the ultimate source of hope and restoration.
So, take Maya Angelou’s quote to heart and allow it to inspire you to create a new life. Embrace love as the driving force behind our efforts and trust—with God’s love, you can overcome any obstacle.
“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s quote is a powerful reminder of the potential within each of us. As we navigate the challenges and struggles of rebuilding our lives after traumatic circumstances, it’s easy to doubt our abilities. But as Angelou points out, courage is not innate; we develop it through practice and effort.
As a Christian, I believe God is the source of our courage and potential. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” It’s through our faith in God that we can find the strength and courage to persevere through difficult times.
Through God’s love and guidance, we can overcome our fears and doubts and tap into the potential God placed within us. As we cultivate courage, we can also practice other virtues, such as kindness, truthfulness, mercy, generosity, and honesty. These virtues not only help us navigate our struggles but also allow us to be a positive force in the lives of others.
So, as you rebuild your life, remember you’re not alone. God is with you, guiding you and giving you the courage to face your challenges. Also, remember that you’ve got the potential to be a light in the world by practicing virtues that can bring hope and healing to those around us. As Maya Angelou said, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” With God’s help, we can overcome our challenges and create a new and fulfilling life.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Maya Angelou
Of these quotes on life, this powerful quote shows that sharing our stories can be cathartic and healing, even when uncomfortable or vulnerable. But conversely, holding onto the weight of our pain and trauma can hamper our ability to move forward.
However, we must remember God never meant for us to carry our burdens alone. Instead, our loving God wants to walk with us and help us through our struggles.
Sharing our stories with others can help us connect with those who have had similar experiences and can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. However, it’s important to remember that sharing our stories doesn’t mean we must broadcast them to the world. Sharing your story can be as simple as confiding in a loved one or therapist. The important thing is to find a safe space where you can express yourself and feel heard.
In addition, sharing our stories can also inspire and encourage others who may be going through similar struggles. Our experiences offer hope—reminding others they are not alone and healing is possible.
Maya Angelou’s quote demonstrates that holding onto our stories can be a source of agony, but sharing them can be a path to healing and freedom—as sharing mine through this blog has been for me. So, let us be courageous and share our stories, knowing that it may be the key to unlocking a brighter future.
Remember, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you”—another of her quotes on life. It’s time to release the burden and share your story with the world.
This truly is a quote on life that can change how we travel our paths. So let’s use it as a guide to finding healing, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“A person is the product of their dreams. So make sure to dream great dreams. And then try to live your dream.”
Maya Angelou
In this quote, Maya Angelou speaks about how our dreams and aspirations can shape who we become. However, when faced with tragic events, such as loss, illness, or trauma, it can be challenging to hold onto our dreams and imagine a new life for ourselves.
In truth, difficult experiences can profoundly impact our ability to dream and envision a brighter future. We may feel devastated, helpless, or even hopeless. It can be hard to see a way forward when everything we once knew has been upended.
Yet, even amid our struggles, we must remember God’s plan for our lives. We may not understand why we must go through specific trials, but we can trust that God is in control and guiding us every step of the way. He has a purpose for our pain and can bring good out of even the most challenging circumstances.
How To Dream Again
So, how can we begin to dream again and create a new life for ourselves after devastating events? It starts with letting go of the past and imagining a different future. Then, we can pray for guidance and ask God to reveal a new vision for our lives. Finally, we must permit ourselves to dream big, even if it feels scary or uncertain.
Once we have a new vision for the future, we must take steps to make it a reality. This may involve setting goals, seeking new opportunities, or changing our lives. It won’t be easy, and there will undoubtedly be setbacks along the way, but we must keep pushing forward, knowing that with God’s help, all things are possible.
While catastrophic events can make it challenging to dream and envision a new life, we must remember God’s plan for our lives. Therefore, we can hold onto our dreams and trust that God will guide us along the way. Maya Angelou said, “A person is the product of their dreams, so make sure to dream great dreams. And then try to live your dream.” With faith, perseverance, and a willingness to dream big, we can create a new life for ourselves and find joy and fulfillment along the way.
In Conclusion
These quotes on life based on Maya Angelou’s words are a source of inspiration and hope for Christians creating new lives after a traumatic event. Her words encourage us to take ownership of our reactions to difficult circumstances and to choose not to be defined or held back by them.
Maya Angelou reminds us we have the power to approach challenges as opportunities to fulfill our visions and realize our dreams. God’s love, which is boundless and unconditional, is the ultimate example of love that can overcome any obstacle. Therefore, we can overcome the hurdles and barriers with courage, love, and resilience and create a new life filled with hope, healing, and restoration.
