I find it interesting that the meanest life, the poorest existence, is attributed to God’s will, but as human beings become more affluent, as their living standard and style begin to ascend the material scale, God descends the scale of responsibility at commensurate speed.
All men are prepared to accomplish the incredible if their ideals are threatened.
In all my work, I try to say – ‘You may be given a load of sour lemons, why not try to make a dozen lemon meringue pies?’
If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow. Today I am blessed.
The most important thing I can tell you about aging is this: If you really feel that you want to have an off-the-shoulder blouse and some big beads and thong sandals and a dirndl skirt and a magnolia in your hair, do it. Even if you’re wrinkled.
I think a number of the leaders are, whether you like it or not, in the hip-hop generation. And when they understand enough, they’ll do wonders. I count on them.
I work very hard, and I play very hard. I’m grateful for life. And I live it – I believe life loves the liver of it. I live it.
Whenever something went wrong when I was young – if I had a pimple or if my hair broke – my mom would say, ‘Sister mine, I’m going to make you some soup.’ And I really thought the soup would make my pimple go away or my hair stronger.
I’m considered wise, and sometimes I see myself as knowing. Most of the time, I see myself as wanting to know. And I see myself as a very interested person. I’ve never been bored in my life.
I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
Elimination of illiteracy is as serious an issue to our history as the abolition of slavery.
I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.
When I write, I tend to twist my hair. Something for my small mind to do, I guess.
Writing and cookery are just two different means of communication.
In a magazine, one can get – from cover to cover – 15 to 20 different ideas about life and how to live it.
Hold those things that tell your history and protect them. During slavery, who was able to read or write or keep anything? The ability to have somebody to tell your story to is so important. It says: ‘I was here. I may be sold tomorrow. But you know I was here.’
Women should be tough, tender, laugh as much as possible, and live long lives. The struggle for equality continues unabated, and the woman warrior who is armed with wit and courage will be among the first to celebrate victory.
I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.
If you are going down a road and don’t like what’s in front of you, and look behind you and don’t like what you see, get off the road. Create a new path!
A person is the product of their dreams. So make sure to dream great dreams. And then try to live your dream.