The Wisdom of Maya Angelou🥀

If you must look back, do so forgivingly.

If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present...Gratefully ☕️Maya Angelou 🤍🕊️🤍🕊️

2025/8/3 Edited to

... Read moreAfter reflecting on that profound Maya Angelou quote about living in the present and forgiving, I often find myself drawn deeper into her incredible body of work. It’s amazing how her words, whether a short passage or a lengthy speech, consistently offer such powerful guidance, almost like a personal sermon for the soul. Her ability to distill complex human experiences into relatable wisdom is truly unparalleled. When people search for ‘Maya Angelou sermons,’ they aren’t typically looking for traditional religious sermons from a pulpit. Instead, they’re seeking the profound, often spiritual, and deeply moral messages embedded in her speeches, interviews, and written works. Maya Angelou, a celebrated author, poet, and civil rights activist, had a unique way of speaking directly to the human condition. Her voice, rich with experience and empathy, carried immense authority and grace. Listening to her speak, one feels guided, encouraged, and challenged to embrace humanity, resilience, and self-love. Her public addresses, such as her inaugural poem “On the Pulse of Morning” or her numerous television appearances, often had a sermonic quality—they were calls to action, lessons in dignity, and affirmations of the human spirit. She taught us to rise above adversity, to find beauty in struggle, and to always seek justice. Her impactful narratives, often found within the pages of her many books, create a bookshelf filled with wisdom that continues to resonate with generations. Similarly, the interest in ‘Maya Angelou poemas en español’ speaks to the universal appeal of her poetry. While she primarily wrote in English, the themes she explored—love, loss, hope, racism, identity, and triumph—transcend linguistic barriers. Her most famous poems, like “Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman,” have been translated into countless languages, including Spanish, allowing her messages to reach a global audience. Even if you're searching specifically for poems in Spanish, the essence of her work remains intact across translations. The power of her words lies not just in their original language, but in their capacity to evoke empathy and understanding in anyone who reads or hears them. Her poetry offers solace, strength, and a deep connection to shared human experiences, making her an enduring poet whose influence spans cultures and continents. Exploring her vast collection, from her incredible books to her mesmerizing spoken word, is a journey of self-discovery. Her legacy, truly a treasure trove of wisdom from an iconic author and poet, continues to inspire me to live with more grace and gratitude every day, embodying the very presence and forgiveness she advocated.

4 comments

rosalindjackson0's images
rosalindjackson0

beautifully said

Related posts

Words of wisdom
Today was a rough day for me. If it was for you, too, I just wanted to share a bit of inspiration #dobetter #badday #tomorrowisnotpromised #inspiration #mayaangelouquote
Lou

Lou

8 likes

A vibrant red and black butterfly rests on a grayscale plant, set against a dark background. The image features Maya Angelou's quote: "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."
Maya Angelou
#DarkNightBeacon #beaconofthedarknight #shininghopethroughtheshadows #MayaAngelou
Ðαʀƙ

Ðαʀƙ

132 likes

A title card with 'Quotes by Maya Angelou' in white text on a dark pink banner, set against a blue sky with clouds and parts of umbrellas.
A Maya Angelou quote, 'Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.', displayed on a pink banner over a sky background with umbrellas.
A Maya Angelou quote, 'If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.', displayed on a pink banner over a sky background with umbrellas.
Maya Angelou Quotes
I got extremely into quotes during my senior year of high school. There was something about them that just helped me get perspective on the world. I was introduced to Maya Angelou at that time because my English teacher loved her. Her quotes just give so much wisdom and invoke a type of inner stren
Ayanna Renae

Ayanna Renae

67 likes

A Black woman in a red satin dress stands against a white background. Text overlays read "In my peaceful era" and "I release myself from past versions of me that no longer serve my purpose," reflecting themes of self-love and evolution.
Peace.
Embracing Peace ❤️ I'm choosing to honor my journey by letting go of what no longer aligns with who I am becoming. As a Black woman, I celebrate the strength in shedding old skins, in embracing growth, and in stepping boldly into my authentic self. Each step forward is a testament to resilie
Kay

Kay

21 likes

An educational chart titled 'Antonyms List' displays three columns: Homonyms, Synonyms, and Antonyms. It provides numerous word pairs for each category, such as 'Abel - Able' for homonyms, 'Large - Big' for synonyms, and 'Accidental - Intentional' for antonyms, serving as a vocabulary and language guide.
Master the Art of Words: 🔑ℹ️⬇️
Words have power, and understanding how to use them can elevate your communication skills. Today, we’re diving into homonyms, synonyms, and antonyms—three essential tools in the English language. Whether you’re looking to improve your writing, enhance your vocabulary, or simply love language, knowi
RoadToRiches

RoadToRiches

26 likes

A dark brown textured background displays the quote 'OPEN YOURSELF TO THE WISDOM OF NATURE; MAGIC AND MYSTERY WILL UNFOLD BEFORE YOU.' in light beige text. The Lemon8 logo and username '@theouterrange' are at the bottom left.
#quotations #aquote #mayaangelouquote #☝🏼
Root and Raven 🔮

Root and Raven 🔮

5 likes

✨Be Your Own Hero😘
💯🥰🔥 #SelfCare #WordsToLiveBy #wordsofwisdom #wordsworthsharing #SelfLove 🪷
✨Shilina Rose🕊️

✨Shilina Rose🕊️

14 likes

Daily Reminder
People will show you who they are the FIRST TIME. Believe them Maya Angelou
Hot Rod 🇨🇦

Hot Rod 🇨🇦

17 likes

Maya Angelou 👑✍🏽🌹
Not everyone is going to want, like, accept or know how to receive your energy. Make peace with that & keep on sprinkling your Magic. (Maya Angelou 1928-2014) #writers
BookishJazzLover

BookishJazzLover

41 likes

🫂💯💜🔥🪷 #truth #truths #wordstoliveby #WordsOfWisdom #MayaAngelou ✨
✨Shilina Rose🕊️

✨Shilina Rose🕊️

8 likes

A sepia-toned portrait of Maya Angelou looking directly at the viewer. Below her, the quote 'I COME AS ONE, BUT I STAND AS TEN THOUSAND.' is displayed in bold text, followed by her name. The image also includes the Lemon8 logo and the username @blackpeopleunitenow.
Maya Angelou
“I come as one, but I stand as ten thousand.” You are never alone. When you speak truth, you echo the voices of your ancestors. When you rise, you carry generations with you. Their blood, their fight, their hope—it all moves through you. So walk tall. Speak boldly. Because behind your sin
blackpeopleunitenow

blackpeopleunitenow

569 likes

Rise Above
Some words hit your spirit differently. This reminder is everything: setbacks aren’t signals to stop—they’re training grounds for who you’re becoming. Every challenge you’ve pushed through has already proven your resilience. Keep rising. Keep rebuilding. Keep becoming. ✨🔥 #KeepGoing #RiseAbo
karinasuazo_dca

karinasuazo_dca

6 likes

A vibrant cover of Maya Angelou's 'The Complete Poetry' book, featuring a smiling portrait of the author, lies on a wooden surface next to other books and green foliage.
The back cover of Maya Angelou's 'The Complete Poetry' book, displaying a black and white photo of Maya Angelou and the quote 'I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman. That's me.'
An open page of Maya Angelou's poetry book, featuring the poem 'Come. And Be My Baby,' with text visible on the right page.
Maya Angelou ~ The Complete Poetry
a must have for your book collection ❤️ #poetry #mayaangelou #bookrecommendations #blackbooks #bookrecs
𝐈 𝐓 𝐈 𝐒 𝐇 𝐀 🪴

𝐈 𝐓 𝐈 𝐒 𝐇 𝐀 🪴

9 likes

Celebrating Langston Hughes🖊️🕊️🌹
Schomburg Center 1991. Poets Amiri Baraka (1934-2014) and Maya Angelou (1928-2014) dancing in the Schomburg Center's atrium, directly above Langston Hughes’ ashes which are interred beneath a floor medallion in the middle of the foyer in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Ha
BookishJazzLover

BookishJazzLover

33 likes

🌟 Empowering Wisdom: Taking Charge of What I Can Control Navigating life's challenges as a mom, I've been learning to focus on what's in my hands and let go of what isn't. Embracing this mindset has brought me strength and peace amidst the chaos. 🌼 The whirlwind of daily tasks
Mommamite

Mommamite

1 like

Speak Softly & Carry a Big Stick …🦯🩼
Speak softly, carry a big stick & you will go far- African Proverb (Dr. Maya Angelou 1928-2014) #inspiration
BookishJazzLover

BookishJazzLover

55 likes

"You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody" - Maya Angelou #happiness
douglascollins8671

douglascollins8671

13 likes

A daily planner with time slots, priority, and to-do sections, alongside a pen and a potted plant, illustrating study planning.
A study desk with a chair, laptop, shelves, and small plants, featuring a 'Phenomenal Woman' quote, highlighting a productive study space.
A dark tumbler with an encouraging message and a small potted plant with pink and green leaves, emphasizing hydration and greenery.
Study Tips From An Undergraduate Honor Student
1. Use a planner. There are so many different types of planners. This one is the best for me, because it has times. I can choose my own dates, because I do take 1-2 days a week off from studying sometimes. I am currently getting my masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 2. Choose
Tish

Tish

31 likes

A vibrant rainbow arches across a blue sky over a reflective body of water, flanked by colorful trees and flowers. The quote "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud" -Maya Angelou is prominently displayed in pink text.
📒MQ
🌈"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud" -Maya Angelou💕 #motivationalquotes #inspireothers #motivationalfriday #positivequotes #positivemindset
Motivational Quotes By Carla

Motivational Quotes By Carla

3 likes

A shimmering, faceted crystal heart rests on a reflective surface with water droplets, symbolizing precious and complex emotions. Colorful butterflies, some flying freely and one nestled within, suggest themes of love, transformation, and the delicate nature of letting go, set against a soft, bokeh-lit background.
WHEN A WOMAN FINALLY LETS GO Inspired by the reflections of Maya Angelou When a woman constantly checks on you, asks if you got home safely, or reminds you to take care of yourself, it is not because she has nothing else to do. It is not a habit or an obligation. She does it because she car
Bella Feu 🦋

Bella Feu 🦋

20 likes

Maya Angelou vs TikTok
Maya Angelou's wisdom > TikTok's algorithm 😂 Got shadow banned for 'low quality' content made with TikTok Text #ShadowBan #MayaAngelou
Heidilin Bertz

Heidilin Bertz

4 likes

Prayer for wisdom
#Prayer #Wisdom
accessories JRose

accessories JRose

37 likes

Wisdom from Maya Angelou
Some things are out of your control, but your response to them belongs to you alone. #mayaangelou #motivational #sermonslaw
Sermons Law, PLLC

Sermons Law, PLLC

1 like

This Is Basically Who I’ve Become…
Apparently my personality now is: ☾ low lighting and calm spaces ⌘ deep conversations ✦ trying not to buy another “life changing” product ⌂ needing alone time after being around people for 2 hours 😭 Very into: ❥ evenings at home ❥ seafood ❥ rap and r&b ❥ deck gardening ❥
Elle ⟡

Elle ⟡

4 likes

Maya Angelou Inspired For Home Decor
Elan Noire®️Home Decor Maya Angelou Still I rise #BlackGirlLuxury #ElanNoireLofts #MayaAngelou #InteriorDesign #blackwomenoftiktok #blackwomen
Elan Noire Lofts

Elan Noire Lofts

866 likes

2024 is the year of growth and innovation ✨
2024: A Year of Growth and Inspiration! 🌟 From moments of uncertainty to embracing our journeys with courage and resilience. Whether you're starting anew or in the midst of transformation, may this year bring you the wisdom to learn, the strength to overcome, and the love to fill your heart. He
Kyra

Kyra

56 likes

A desk calendar displays a quote by Maya Angelou: 'If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.' The page is dated November 5 and features a light pink design with gold stripes and spiral binding, resting on a wooden surface.
Positive thought of the day.
As someone that’s naturally a negative person I have to fight against it every day. One why is by surrounding myself with positive thoughts. I absolutely love starting my work day with a positive message and it’s an added bonus when it’s a quote from my favorite poet. #positiveaffirmations #posi
Fierce&Balance

Fierce&Balance

13 likes

A man in a red shirt and khaki pants stands next to a bright yellow wall. Blue balloon letters on the wall spell out the quote: "NOTHING HURTS MORE THAN YOUR FAVORITE PERSON TURNING INTO A LIFE LESSON." Below it, gold balloon letters read "KANYESDIARY."
When Your Favorite Person Becomes a Life Lesson🔑ℹ️⬇️
Losing someone you thought would be in your life forever hits deep, especially when they turn into a life lesson instead of a lasting bond. It’s a hard pill to swallow when your favorite person—someone who once brought you joy—becomes a source of pain and reflection. But those experiences are where
RoadToRiches

RoadToRiches

9 likes

I got a memory collage in the Diary Challenge!
I completed Day 7 in the Diary Challenge and got this memory collage! Join the challenge to get yours! #lemon8diarychallenge
Freckles ⭐️

Freckles ⭐️

4 likes

A Barnes & Noble display sign reads "DISCOVER WHAT BANNED BOOKS YOU'VE BEEN MISSING," surrounded by various books like Catch-22, Wool, and Red Rising, highlighting a banned books section.
A bookstore display features various banned books including Alas, Babylon, Catch-22, Wool, Red Rising, Slaughterhouse-Five, Animal Farm, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Ready Player One, The Outsiders, and The Hate U Give.
A collection of books on display, featuring titles such as The Bell Jar, Sing, Unburied, Sing, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Barnes & Noble Banned Books Edition 🚫📚
If it’s banned, it’s probably worth reading, right? Twice a week, my daughter and I visit Barnes & Noble. This week, we binge-read the banned book section. Have you ever read any of these books? Here’s a summary of each one and the reasons they’ve been banned. 1. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bra
𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐀❦

𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐀❦

7366 likes

A WOMAN OF WISDOM- PART 6‼️
Do you desire to increase in wisdom? Here’s a challenge for you! Save and return when needed Marriage bible study series for brides in waiting 💕 #christiangirl #viral #christianlemon8 #christianlifestyle #lemon8creator
Shalom

Shalom

253 likes

A portrait of Maya Angelou with the quote 'When you know better, you DO BETTER.' in white text on a dark background. She is looking upwards and to the right, with her mouth slightly open. The image includes quotation marks and a Lemon8 watermark.
Maya Angelou (Quote)
#MayaAngelou #KnowBetter #DoBetter #LoveYourself #fyp
BeiAva

BeiAva

6 likes

Two hands painted with earth continents form a heart shape, framing the quote: "The world is changed by your example not by your opinion. -PAUL COELHO."
A bright yellow circular button features a black smiley face and the text "KEEP SMILING" arched above it.
A dark image shows a silhouette of a classical bust with the quote: "Children Must be Taught How to Think, Not What to Think." (Margaret Mead) Way Of Wisdom.
Always dreaming 🌸
#lemon8diarychallenge
Mystic Eyes(Maria Shartran)

Mystic Eyes(Maria Shartran)

1 like

Judith Jamison
Every storm runs out of rain 💦Maya Angelou Photo: Judith Jamison (1943-2024) dancer, choreographer, & artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. #womenshistorymonth
BookishJazzLover

BookishJazzLover

11 likes

A vibrant, mystical image shows a person with a cosmic face and galaxy sweater in a forest with a rainbow, planets, and sun. A pink text box reads, "THE UNIVERSE IS SEPARATING YOU FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE DISCREDITING YOUR CHARACTER BEHIND CLOSED DOORS 🌸." It includes Lemon8 branding.
The Universe is Guiding You 🌸
💖Alice Walker: “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” 🩷Iyanla Vanzant: “Your willingness to look at your darkness is what empowers you to change.” 💕Maya Angelou: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be
Sparkles

Sparkles

10 likes

HANDCRAFTED Earrings ...
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." ~Maya Angelou WELCOME to ANOTHER episode of let's "BE DOPE & DIFFERENT !!! 🤌🏾where ORIGINALITY + UNIQUENESS lives.💕 #HandCraftedEarrings #HandMadeEarrings #UniqueEarrings #Original #MadeBy
Brandi Nicole

Brandi Nicole

9 likes

The Fight, The Pain, The Challenge
Ok poetry book club let's look at the hard stuff. The pain that comes with the victory. The suffering ignored and the lives untold. Get away today and remember the wisdom of true suffering. 📚🙏🏾🫂 #bookclub #blacklivesmatter #mayaangelou #unity #motivation
Sani Dalila Zia📚🌿🪷

Sani Dalila Zia📚🌿🪷

5 likes

Harmony Flower Ombré Tattoo
“A woman in harmony with her spirit, is like a river flowing. She goes where she will, without pretense & arrives at her destination prepared to be herself & only herself” ~ Maya Angelou ~ Where there is harmony, there is peace. ☯️💞☮️ (The tattoo is on the corner of my right shoulder, w
🌺 Kristy 🌺

🌺 Kristy 🌺

22 likes

Writer’s Block
Dr. Maya Angelou 👑🤍👑🤍 #drmayaangelou
BookishJazzLover

BookishJazzLover

14 likes

Maya Angelou - Calypso Singer & Dancer
Find a beautiful piece of art. If you fall in love with Van Gogh or Matisse or John Oliver Killens, or if you fall love with the music of Coltrane, the music of Aretha Franklin, or the music of Chopin - find some beautiful art and admire it, and realize that that was created by human beings just li
BookishJazzLover

BookishJazzLover

40 likes

How to Create a Slow Burn Life ✨
Creating a slow burn lifestyle is one where you meet your goals and accomplish big things without giving up naps and rest. Some of the greatest women in history like Marie Curie and Maya Angelou were open about how walking, breaks, and rest played a HUGE role in their creative breakthroughs.
Renee

Renee

12 likes

A graphic titled "Communicate Like a Leader: Words Matter" by George Stern, showing a list of phrases to avoid (e.g., "Sorry I'm late") and more confident alternatives to use instead (e.g., "I appreciate your patience"). It provides tips for more effective communication.
How to Master the Art of Communication 🗣️🔑ℹ️⬇️
Communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about connecting. Most problems don’t stem from what’s said, but from what’s left unsaid. Anxiety, fear of judgment, or worrying about outcomes that don’t even exist can block you from expressing yourself. But remember, clear communication clears confusio
RoadToRiches

RoadToRiches

53 likes

Self Love 💋🖤
“Purse the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you”- Maya Angelou #lipcombos #lemon8challenge #Lemon8Diary #makeupoftheday #selflove
ItsJustMonaaa

ItsJustMonaaa

17 likes

Life will throw things at you
Life will throw things at you — layoffs, burnout, doubt, even failure. But what if that wasn’t the end of your story? 💻 You may not control everything that happens… But you can decide how you rise. You can build a business from your phone. You can make passive income while living your soft li
Lora Popal

Lora Popal

1 like

The first part of Maya Angelou's poem 'Still I Rise' is displayed against a warm, gradient background resembling a sunset. It features stanzas about resilience and overcoming adversity, with a 'SWIPE' indicator and Lemon8 branding.
Still i rise..by Maya Angelou🌸
As a child,and young adult i was gifted this poem by my grandmother. It taught me,self respect and confidence. It has,taught me that i can overcome all things through self respect and strength within myself. I still, consider this as one of my favorite poems🌸🩷. Still i rise🎀🫧🌸🎀! #poemsaboutself
WeAreBeautiful

WeAreBeautiful

21 likes

Barbershop Trip: Angelous First Haircut
MrsMommie Carrillo

MrsMommie Carrillo

244 likes

A Prayer for Guidance and Wisdom
A Prayer for Guidance and Wisdom #prayer #guidance #wisdom #trustingod #Lemon8
It’s The Real Jay Anthony

It’s The Real Jay Anthony

35 likes

A white banner on a chain-link fence reads: 'SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO STOP SEEING THE GOOD IN PEOPLE AND START SEEING WHAT THEY SHOW YOU.' A person on a bicycle and cars are partially visible, illustrating the article's message about focusing on actions.
Stop Ignoring Red Flags: See People as They Are🔑ℹ️⬇️
It’s easy to get caught up in seeing only the potential and good in others, but sometimes the truth is in their actions, not their intentions. People can promise the world, but what they actually do shows who they really are. When you stop giving out passes and start looking at what they’re actuall
RoadToRiches

RoadToRiches

7 likes

One of my favorite quotes from maya angelou
#quote #inspirationalquotes #mayaangelou
Maria

Maria

8 likes

Quotes by maya angelou🦋
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”✨🌻 ~MAYA ANGELOU🦋 #quotes❤️ #photography #butterfly #transformation #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp
Quinn’s

Quinn’s

12 likes

An open blue dotted journal with a piece of tape across the center reading "JUNK JOURNAL WITH ME," with a ruler visible at the top.
An open journal with a printed book cover of "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" taped on, and sections drawn out. A physical book and a Canon Ivy printer are next to it.
A journal page with the book cover, title "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," author, and sections for rating and questions, with a black pen nearby.
Junk Journal with Me✨
I finished reading “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou and it was beautiful. ❤️ #readingjournals #aweekinmybulletjournal #readingjournalwithme #junkjournal #readingjournal
Mema Keco

Mema Keco

136 likes

See more