As a child, I was fascinated by civil rights activists like MLK. I loved learning of his peaceful protests and his persistence for the rights of African Americans. In the second grade I read an autobiography of Harriet Tubman and could recite facts to you about the amount of slaves that she freed via the Underground Railroad (over 200) and how old she was when she so bravely lead fellow slaves to freedom (19). Maybe this seems like an odd reading choice for a second grader or a strange fascination for someone so young. Or perhaps you also drew inspiration from learning about such fearless leaders and continue to be inspired by such legends today.
Though I admit that I was not very familiar with the works of Maya Angelou prior to her passing, as I learn more of her triumphant life, I see the bravery and courage within her that persons like MLK also had within them.
I used the word fearless leaders to describe activists like MLK earlier in this post. I would like to elaborate more upon the adjective 'fearless'. I do not believe that they were fiercely brave because they were superhuman. I do not believe that they were without fear because of their own strength and courage. I believe they were fearless because they trusted fully in God. Like Daniel in the lion's den, when put into a frightening situation, they did not fret. Sure Daniel was brave, but he had a characteristic greater than bravery, he had great faith. He was not unafraid because of his own greatness, he was without fear because of the greatness of his God.
I believe MLK, Harriet Tubman and Maya Angelou also relied heavily upon the greatness of God. They trusted in Him to protect them from the lions of the civil rights movement. They rested in Him and found strength and courage because of their great faith.
Again, the death of the beautiful, strong and faithful Maya Angelou inspires me. Because it leads me to the question, "who will be our next 'fearless' leader?" Who will find courage from the strength of our Lord? Who will stand up to the lions of modern day? Who will be the next voice of the oppressed?
It is time for our generation to step into the roles of our ancestors, so I hope that you also draw inspiration from the passing of Maya Angelou and her shining example of 'fearlessness.'
