With all his ups and down, Mandela was and still is a hero!
“Yes, I was angry. And I was a little afraid. After
all I’ve not been free in so long. But, when I felt that anger well up inside
of me, I realized that if I hated them after I got outside that gate, then they
would still have me. I wanted to be free so I let it go.” ~Nelson Mandela upon leaving
prison after 27 years of confinement
Now let’s
take a moment and grasp this. This man had been imprisoned for 27 years for
rightfully fighting for his country’s freedom. He was thrown in an isolated cell,
detached him from all traces of humanity, where he actually suffered from
life threatening illnesses. When He come back home after his release from
prison 27 later, He’d missed out on seeing his children grow, as they were
already adults, and worst of all his wife was already remarried. And the one
statement he said was a forgiving and letting go speech!. THAT'S DEEP and ADMIRABLE.
It’s a
few weeks after Mandela’s death and I am still thinking how incredibly strong
that man was. Hand down He was a true leader, A father, A friend and not just an African
but a legend the whole world loved. This is not because he was the first black
president of South Africa and a hero but He had a heart of gold. A forgiving
heart. I can't help but wonder how he did it, forgive them and let it all go and not just in words or writing but in actions.
I am
thinking of a scenario where that happens to someone like me. I’d have had
enough time in prison to plan the revenge of the century. Am thinking guns,
bombs, the whole World War 2 scenario and top on of the list would be sending the
whites back home actually, throwing them back home. Apologies for my revengeful mind!
But not Mandela.
He chose peace, kindness. He chose to let go and be free.
He’s has
inspired me to think positively. He has taught me that forgiveness is the key
to being free. He has taught me to be kind NOT just to those who are good and kind to me BUT MORE SO to those I don’t feel like they deserve my
kindness. He has taught me the true meaning of humility, patience, gentleness and self-control.
I am a
working progress but the father of African has given me more than money could
buy.
Mandela might
be died but he lives deep within us. In all that he did for us and touched our
souls to never be the same again. He will be celebrated and missed for ever.
NOW this is
the song my heart sings, that will help me get through any difficult situation. Hope you learn something from him and make make forgiveness and love the ruler of your heart.
“Yes, I was
angry. And I was a little afraid. After all I’ve not been free in so long. But,
when I felt that anger well up inside of me, I realized that if I hated them
after I got outside that gate, then they would still have me. I wanted to be
free so I let it go.” ~Nelson
Mandela upon leaving prison after 27 years of confinement