Maya Angelou's Best Quotes on Moms to Warm Your Heart

Maya Angelou's Timeless Words on Motherhood

Maya Angelou was one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. As a poet, author, activist, and speaker, her words on life, love, womanhood, and identity have resonated with millions of people around the world.

Among her poetic wisdom are countless inspirational quotes about mothers and motherhood. Maya Angelou understood, embodied, and gave voice to the beauty, challenges, sorrow, and unmatched joy that comes with being a mother.

Maya Angelou's Background

Before highlighting some of Maya's most poignant quotes about mothers, here is some background on this phenomenal woman:

• Lived from 1928 to 2014
• Over 50 honorary doctorate degrees
• Published 7 autobiographies and 5 books of essays
• Won 3 Grammy Awards along with many other accolades
• Active in the Civil Rights movement with Martin Luther King Jr
• Single mother at age 17

Maya Angelou knew firsthand the struggles and blessings that come with raising children as a single black mother in 20th century America. She channeled these experiences into her writing, activism, and overall outlook on life.

Maya Angelou Quotes Honoring Mothers

Maya Angelou's quotes about mothers are like love letters exalting their beauty, selflessness, and irreplaceable role in shaping lives. Their warmth and depth provide the perfect sentiments for Mother's Day and everyday recognition of our moms.

On a Mother's Love and Sacrifice

In this quote, Maya Angelou eloquently describes a mother's unconditional love and willingness to sacrifice her own well-being for that of her children:

"A mother's love liberates."

She recognizes that a mother's affection gives her children the freedom to grow and explore the limits of their abilities. There are no bounds placed on her devotion and care.

"I realized that to be with those I loved, was enough."

Here, Maya Angelou reflects on how a mother finds her greatest joy and satisfaction simply spending time with and caring for her loved ones. She needs no acclaim or riches.

On a Mother's Strength and Resilience

In addition to love, mothers demonstrate remarkable strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges:

"I believe that each person comes from the Creator trailing wisps of glory."

Maya sees each human life as infinitely precious, born from divinity. A major part of a mother's glory is in birthing and raising new life.

"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential."

She acknowledges that while courage is not an inborn trait, every baby holds incredible potential. A mother helps nurture this through her steady support.

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive."

This inspirational quote reflects Maya Angelou's belief that we are meant for more than just enduring life's difficulties. Mothers play a key role in equipping children to fully savor everything life has to offer.

On instilling Values and Morals

Mothers pass down ethical codes and values from one generation to the next:

"When you learn, teach. When you get, give."

Maya Angelou advocates for the importance of using our education and privileges to make society more just and equitable. Mothers teach their children empathy and the duty to stand up for those less fortunate.

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."

This quote supports the notion that we should always strive for self-improvement as lifelong learners. But it is our mothers who first teach us right from wrong in those critical early years.

On Appreciating Mothers

Maya Angelou reminds us to be grateful for everything our mothers have done for us:

"My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy."

Here she shares wisdom from her own mother on showing grace and empathy towards disadvantaged people while condemning willful ignorance. These values of compassion and justice were passed down to Maya from her mother.

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."

This pragmatic quote teaches resilience in the face of life's inevitable disappointments - an outlook Maya Angelou credits her mother with instilling in her.

While words can never fully capture our boundless appreciation for our mothers, Maya Angelou's writing comes close. Her insights provide the perfect way to say "thank you" to the mothers who have made us who we are.

Maya Angelou Quotes About her Grandson

In addition to her inspirational quotes about mothers in general, Angelou's love for her grandson gives us a glimpse into her personal motherhood journey.

On the Joys of Grandmotherhood

Maya Angelou first became a grandmother at age 46. She describes her profound love and special relationship with grandson Colin:

"The best part of life is that I get to live it with my grandson."

This sentiment reveals the immense fulfillment she found in helping raise her daughter's son later in life.

"Grandson, on the loving lap of a precious friend, a good life lasts forever."

Maya Angelou treasured quiet moments rocking and reading with little Colin. She saw her grandson as the living embodiment of life's continuity.

Her Dedication as Grandmother

Angelou was incredibly devoted to her grandson's wellbeing and development:

"All my work, my life, everything I do is about survival, not just bare, awful, plodding survival, but survival with grace and faith. While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated."

Though not specifically about Colin, this quote encapsulates Maya Angelou's determination to equip him with the tools to not merely get by, but to thrive with strength and character.

"Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning."

Maya Angelou would read her poetry and stories out loud to help instill in her grandson a passion for language, human creativity, and the spoken tradition.

We can all recognize our own grandmothers' wisdom, dedication and generosity of spirit in Maya Angelou's heartwarming words about her grandson Colin.

Maya Angelou on Motherhood and Children

In addition to grandmotherhood, Maya Angelou spoke extensively about the central role of mothers and children in society:

On a Child's Innocence

"Children's talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives."

Maya Angelou suggests that a child's ability to cope comes from their innocence about other possible realities. It is mothers who carefully introduce children to the world while preserving that beautiful innocence for as long as possible.

On Mothers as Changemakers

"A wise woman wishes to be no one's enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone's victim."

Here Maya Angelou argues that mothers cannot effectively raise strong children if they themselves are battered, oppressed, or made to feel inferior. Wise mothers cultivate their own confidence and self-worth.

"When parents do too much for their children, the children will not become self-confident or self-reliant."

She warns against overly coddling children and emphasises a mother's duty to gradually stepped back so kids can independently build their capabilities and trust their own judgement.

On Motherly Wisdom

"I want to be representative of my race - the human race. I have a chance to show how kind we can be."

Maya Angelou personifies the empathy, compassion, and goodwill mothers try to impart to their kids every day through their words and example.

Conclusion

Maya Angelou's beautiful words about mothers, motherhood, children, and grandmotherhood give eloquent voice to something nearly all of us feel, but cannot quite put into language. Her quotes make the perfect addition to any Mother's Day greeting or everyday display of gratitude towards our amazing moms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.