As the world gathers to celebrate the life and ministry of Nelson Mandela, I would like to share two of my favorite pieces from him. His life and words have much to teach us about our own faith journeys.
“I have walked the long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibility, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”
And, from Mandela’s Way: Fifteen Lessons on Life, Love and Courage by Nelson Mandela and Richard Stengel:
Courage is not the absence of fear.
Be measured.
Lead from the front.
Look the part.
Lead from the back.
See the good in others.
Keep your rivals close.
Have a core principle.
Know when to say no.
Know your enemy.
It’s always both.
Love makes the difference.
It’s a long game.
Quitting is leading too.
Find your own garden.
Using his gifts to meet the world’s needs, Nelson Mandela embodied God’s mission of restoring and reconciling.
