A Remarkable Life - In Memory of Nelson Mandela

I've been chewing on this post for a day now, and I'm going to keep it simple.

Nelson Mandela led a remarkable life.  There are few among us who can truly say that.  When he had every reason to hate, he chose to love.  When he had every reason to give up, he pursued.  When he had every reason to deny, his belief flourished.

Not many of us work to make the world a better place.  We often think that one person cannot make a difference.

It is not true.

Yet we must also remember that this man was a man full of fire- he was loud, opinionated and at times, harsh.  He called people out publicly and voiced his concerns for the world to hear.  He used his position of power and respect to make people listen.  He often - and I mean often - criticized the United States.  He could be abrupt and sharp-tongued. 

But through this all - he never stopped fighting for what he thought was right.  He was a good man - faults and all - and he worked tirelessly to make the world a better place.  Those opinions of his were not always popular - support labor unions, terrorists deserve due process too, America is still a largely racist country - but he knew that popular or not, he believed what he was saying needed to be said.  I would agree.

He was a remarkable man.  

One of Donald Miller's books is called "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" and in much of it he teaches readers to have a better story.  Make your life remarkable.

So today, let us commit or recommit ourselves to working for the greater good, and loving others by Loving Others.  Use your words and your actions to teach others how to work for the greater good. 

Here are some of Mandela's memorable words:

This sounds nice at first - but it is also largely a criticism.  Are we able to admit that we need this sort of instruction and criticism to make the world a better place?

 After nearly three decades in prison:  "As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison."

 On fighting for democracy around the world:  "To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

 He always stood for those who were 'lowly' and never believed anyone could not accomplish great things:  "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

 On acceptance of others:  “I came to accept that I have no right whatsoever to judge others in terms of my own customs.” 

On his work bringing South Africa together again:   "Reconciliation means working together to correct the legacy of past injustice.” 

 A statement he made of himself and others:   “When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.”

And so I wish for you, Mr. Mandela.  You did, and I pray that you will indeed rest in peace.