Today, I stand in vigil with South Africa and all the world
as we received the news regarding the critical health of former South African
President Nelson Mandela. I’m not sure the world quite understands the
magnitude of the history we are witnessing. Quite literally, one of the greats,
one of the masters is about to slip from us, joining the ancestors, the great
cloud of witnesses.
Each year I require my freshman philosophy students to do
group presentations on those I consider to be contemporary archetypes of wisdom
and Mandiba (as he is affectionately called in South Africa) is always among
them. Serendipitously, that group presentation is today. He stands with giants
such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi and the countless others who
may be nameless, but gave tirelessly and selflessly to the cause of freedom
while upholding human dignity at all costs.
When we simply consider the fortitude of spirit and level of
consciousness President Mandela had to possess in order to emerge from a
lifetime of brutal racial injustice and 27 years in prison, not with vengeance,
malice and hatred but rather with peace, gentleness, and the spirit of true
reconciliation, we can understand why he is truly one of the masters.
So, as we say goodbye we remember his sacrifice and learn
from his example what it truly means to be a statesman, a peacemaker, and an
evolved human spirit. Farewell old friend, for I can only hope that as Elijah’s
mantle was left for Elisha, some of the pure magic and zeitgeist that you embodied
will fall fresh on a world that so desperately needs it.
“For 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.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Spent 27 years as Prisoner #46664 and his only crime was to gain recognition for the humanity of ALL PEOPLE. What a man!!
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