We remember Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is a name that brings to memory the fight against enemies of human dignity, and those who did not believe that ALL humans were born free and equal. He died on Wednesday 4, December, 2014. Today, we draw out wisdom from his lifetime; celebrating him.

Mandela’s life after prison, is worthy of note; as it had no trace of bitterness or anger. It amazes me to see many picture of him smiling, with people with whom he had the right to frown at. Borrowing from the words of Barack Obama, his life makes me want to be a better person...

 At a Memorial service for Mandela on Tuesday in South Africa, American president, Barack Obama declared; “Mandela taught us the power of action, but also ideas; the importance of reason and arguments, the need to study not only those you agree with, but those who you don’t. He understood that ideas cannot be contained by prison walls, or extinguished by sniper’s bullet”.

Some of Mandela’s words

I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal, which I hope to live for and achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I’m prepared to die.

Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.

As I walked out the door towards the gate that could lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.