Tata Madiba, may your legacy live on....
Born July 18, 1918 .... passed away December 5, 2013
Today,
Tuesday the 10th of December is the Memorial service of Nelson Mandela or Tata
Madiba as people knew him. We also spent the day in prayer and reflection on Sunday,
just paying tribute and respect to one of South Africa's greatest men. A
day to reflect what Madiba stood for, what he fought for and what he would like
South Africans and other Countries to embrace, live out and put into practice to make this world a better place. He would not want anyone to digress
from his fight against equality.
“Everyone can rise above their
circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about
what they do” – Nelson Mandela
Mandela
showed us that hate is out of the question but love is what life should be all
about. He did everything with love, especially loving children. Mandela was
such a humble man; he loved people, always smiling and exerted friendliness. He
off course devoted a lot of his time to children, not only to the less fortunate
kids, but all kids. He always tried to empower kids and made sure their
well-being was improved. That is what one of his organisations stood for,
the Mandela Children’s Fund. Mandela supported 22 charities and foundations....
wow, what an example he was to us.
“Man’s goodness is a flame that can be
hidden but never extinguished” – Nelson Mandela.
Mandela
was such a good example how forgiveness can make the world whole. He was described as the most influential and
most forgiving person on earth. We can learn a lot from him about
forgiveness. Need I say more, he never kept any feelings of resentment or
bitterness towards anybody, forgave those who wronged him and fought to sow
unity in our nation. That shows
the character he had as a person. He was an upstanding man full of
understanding. He surely made me understand that we can change the world
bit by bit by changing our attitudes.
“I hate race discrimination most intensely
and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it
now, and will do so until the end of my days” – Nelson Mandela.
Mandela
was part of "The Elders" (world leaders) promoting peace, women's
equality and various other initiatives to promote democracy and address
humanitarian crises across the world.
“Those who conduct themselves with
morality, integrity and consistency need not fear the forces of inhumanity and
cruelty” – Nelson Mandela
What is
extremely striking is that in South Africa today we will have 92 Statesmen that
will attend his Memorial Service from all over the world. So many statesmen are
in battle with each other but for one common cause and a great man they are standing
together peacefully. That is so amazing. As Nelson said in one of his quotes “If you want to make peace with your enemy,
you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner”. I just think it is phenomenal that even
in death Nelson can bring peace across the world.
“Death is something inevitable. When a man
has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can
rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I
will sleep for the eternity” – Nelson Mandela
Yes, so
true Tata Madiba, you have done your duty across the world, may what you have
fought for make an impact across the world forever and may your soul rest in
peace. A great man! We will always
remember your warm smile and celebrate your life. One man that indeed changed the world.
