Greatness comes in many shapes, many forms, and doesn’t always flout its greatness. In fact, many would argue that the greatest in our world are those that just live. They live as themselves and give of themselves so that others may rise up in unity against the unjust and the unkind.

As time moves forward, I see fewer and fewer of the great leaders standing for equality and more that stand for their selfish bottom line. It is the time to look at ourselves and ask whether we will follow others or whether we will rise up. Time to talk to our children about the strength that comes from diversity and the limitless imagination of the world around us.

Maya Angelou held such wisdom in her being. Such greatness. We need more people like her in the world if we are to overcome the inequality and hatred so prevalent in our society. Take a moment today to give thanks for the positive in your life. And if you see negativity, hatred, anguish, or pain around you, rise up to the occasion. Help your brothers and sisters, your fellow humans, for “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.