Finding spiritual journey fellows on the internet is such a wonderful gift. We are gathering each month on the first Thursday to blog together. Today, you may link up and read more posts at Leigh Anne Eck’s site Turn.
The theme of our posts today is Leigh Anne’s One Little Word, Rise. I love this word. Simple, one syllable, and yet full of hope and love and light. I immediately think of a spiritual I would sing with kids “Rise and Shine and Give God the Glory, Glory.”
This week I presented my students with the Maya Angelou poem, “Still I Rise.” What did they think of this old African American woman laughing out loud on the video and saying she dances like she has diamonds on her thighs? When you place her words in the context of her life and the Civil RIghts Movement, they resonate.
“You may trod me in the very dirt.
But still, like dust, I rise.”
Maya Angelou speaks of the human spirit, the spirit that is guided by and held in the hands of God. I wonder if I have that kind of spirit. Preparing to teach about another Civil Rights hero, Fannie Lou Hammer, I read poem after poem about her being trod in the dirt, over and over, and still she rose. She didn’t give up. I am humbled by her resilience.
Looking to these heroes who turned against adversity and prejudice and pain, and led their friends to Rise, I feel an obligation, a resolve to be strong and resilient. I cannot do that without being willing to be humble and kind and to turn my heart to the love of God.
Reflections on the Teche 
Dear Margaret, you DO have that spirit! And look how you are growing it in yourself and in others by sharing these stories with your students. Thank you for being YOU… and for your acrostic! I like thinking that rising can help create equanimity. It makes me think of the sky, which is always up there, waiting for us. And how much do I love the diamonds on the thighs? xo
Margaret, your post is one filled with resolve and a charge to inspire others and seek equanimity (a beautiful word). Resilience is a strong noun that is so important these days lately. Continue to bring the strength of resilience and inspiration to your students.
“still, like dust, I rise” – pretty amazing line.
I immediately thought of the same “Rise and Shine and Give God the Glory, Glory” – love that song!
Strength and resilience seem opposite to humility and kindness, yet how powerfully they work together. Thanks for highlighting these strong qualities in your post about remarkable characters from history and their great example of rising. When I read about people like them, I feel like a wimp. But I know I’m responsible to rise to the challenges in my own life, even if by comparison they’re small… like you’re rising to yours. Love the poem too! (I looked up “equanimity” – what a perfect word!)
Love that song “Rise and Shine, and Give God the Glory, Glory.” The music that is shared is an important part of SJT. I was awed by Fannie Lou Hamer’s story, a woman who continued to rise in spite of so many trials. Now you make me want to read this book again. It would be perfect to share in our book club.
Your posts are always thought provoking, Margaret. Your students are blessed to have both a humble and resilient teacher.
I keep thinking I am going to use Angelou’s poem on PF some day soon, but it hasn’t happened yet. Irene challenged me to memorize it – Ha! I could so use your acrostic as a personal reminder! Thank you for sharing your words for my OLW this week.
I challenged my students to memorize a chosen stanza. You should’ve seen the dramatic way they presented them.
What a legacy we have received from Fannie Lou Hammer and Maya Angelou. Yes, heroes our students need to know! Your words touch me, “I feel an obligation, a resolve to be strong and resilient. I cannot do that without being willing to be humble and kind and to turn my heart to the love of God.” Thank you for sharing them.