I Rise

Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may tread me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

These are not my words, they are that of the late great Marguerite Annie Johnson later popularly known as Dr. Maya Angelou. It was this indomitable spirit  that gave her a voice and cemented her place in this world; a world that is a better place because she lived in it; a world that will be eternally grateful for the vast contributions she’s made throughout her creative genius. 

Sexually abused and raped at only 8 years by her mother’s boyfriend, Angelou stopped speaking for close to 5 years because she thought the fact that she spoke about it was the reason he was subsequently killed, allegedly by an uncle. 

Having read a little into Angelou’s life, I’d like to posit that in the early days she struck a chord no doubt with our legendary Jimmy Cliff as he bellows ‘Many rivers to cross but I can’t seem to find my way over.

A traumatic precedence set at 8 years old, a series of events reveal this teenage mother which would later experience more hurt, pain, loss and sadness, choose to rise above every negative relationships and situations that she was ever faced with. The testy turns, cruel curves and rocky roads were not enough to delegate her to a destination of despondency. Quite the contrary I might add.

She visited many valleys yet refused to make them her dwelling place. They were for her instead a solid foundation, preparation ground anchoring her mountain top experiences. So high were they that the world was able to see and now she has left a legacy. A heritage of several books, poems, essays, movies, lectures, etc are now firmly etched in the annals of history.

I’d like to say she lived by her own words, “while one may encounter many defeats one must not be defeated” 

She says, Out of the huts of history's shame, I rise; Up from a past that's rooted in pain, I rise

Will you rise to the challenge today? The challenge to turn your test into testimonies; your trials into triumphs; your mourning into dancing; your midnight into daybreak?

Will you rise to the challenge of moving out of depression into determination? Will those who come behind you find you faithful? Will those who follow your footsteps remember you because you made an invaluable contribution to this earth as you pilgrim through?

I’d say important points to ponder. As we strive to develop the best me possible, let everyday be a day of growth because truly if we are not growing, we are dying. If we are not overcoming we are simply coping. Let’s do more than survive, let’s thrive and whether you believe you can or cannot, either way, you’re right. Let’s take the ‘I Rise Challenge’, let’s rise.