Nelson Mandela statue at the NM square
So many things have been going through my mind since
they announced the death of Nelson Mandela yesterday evening. My human flesh
was sad but my heart was filled with joy. To think of what this man, and many others
went through during the Apartheid regime. The thoughts flowed on how we live
our lives today. What are we doing now
to step up to the legacy of the many great people who have sacrificed their
lives so we can live the life we have today? I’m in awe…thinking of myself and
what I can do.
In prayer, I had visions of my visit to South Africa
in 2010. What a privilege and blessing to have been able to visit such a beautiful
part of the world!! I anticipated disparity
and poverty but I soon realized this area is much more than I could dream of. Their
smiles could light up any room and their joy was contagious. As we drove
through Joburg and the outer area, I thought to myself, how could this be? The
shacks they called houses were being held up by a thread. Most looked like they
had been walking for miles and miles but they still had enough joy in them to
wave at our air-conditioned luxury bus. Wow!!
On our way to one of the World Cup games, Cecily and
I decided to nap. The bus driver announced that they would be showing a movie called
Invictus. He even mentioned it was directed by Clint Eastwood to grab our
attention. He knew Americans all too well! To say the least, I was beat. We had
been running on both ends every day and I just couldn’t keep my eyes open. During my nap, I awoke with everyone else’s
eyes glued to the movie. The driver snickered from his rear view mirror at me.
I was horrified!! How embarrassing! I knew his speech about this movie was
heartfelt but I had no idea why.
Sadly I felt I missed the boat on the whole “Mandela/Apartheid thing”. I blamed it on my teachers to the driver. He again, laughed it off and said
he would like share with me his story. He went on and freely admitted that his
family was involved in the Apartheid (gulp). He then went on to tell me some interesting
facts about South Africa. That 20 million blacks were ruled by 4 million white
South Africans under the Apartheid regime. He went on to the subject of voting,
land rights and education. As you can imagine, this history nerd wanted to
write it all down!! He then told me about Robben Island and the beef of the
story, Mr. Nelson Mandela.
Seriously, I was overwhelmed on so many levels. As I
reflect back on this trip and the conversations I had with the local South
Africans, I still am very connected to the idea of reconciliation and
forgiveness. Just think about it. Would you have the ability to put the past
behind you and reconcile with those who oppressed you? It is unheard of these
days. Most people are out for revenge and blood versus what God commands of us,
which is love. I know, I know, Mandela was a politician and a lot of what he
did was for the sake of his country but still, how admirable is he? He chose to
NOT live in the past and focus on the future. He chose to reconcile with the
white South Africans to bridge the hate. He chose to live his life and do what
he could to make his country a better place. Selfless, if you ask me. The point
I’m trying to make is that we could learn a lot from the life he lived.
Back to Mr. Bus driver…geez how I regret to not
remember his name. He taught me something valuable that day. He said he could
freely say this because his family has been forgiven. That he is not the
monster that his father and uncles were. That he was released from the sins
that they committed from Mandela. Mr. Mandela gave Mr. Bus driver hope and a
new life to live. He said he could potentially be doing office work with his
education but that would not serve his mission well. He promised his Father (my
same Father) that he would share the gospel and what his family did. He also
promised he would honor the oppressed, the hungry and the ill until the day he
died. I hugged this man and thanked God for this short time I’ve had with this
redeemed man. I go back to words of wisdom he gave me…”Hate the sin, don’t hate
the sinner. Hate the crime, don’t hate the criminal.”
I hope and pray that you always live your life in
love. Not just to those who have treated you well but to those who have
mistreated you as well. I am still working on this. I too have had a hard time
connecting with those who have hurt me. I no longer look at my past but my beautiful
future. I am so very blessed to be a child of the Prince of Peace!! I know what forgiveness does to one’s soul. I’ve
been forgiven and have forgiven others. What a HUGE lift off my shoulders! A
FREEDOM and release like no other. Let’s join together and be our best authentic
self like Mr. Bus driver. Let’s not be shy to hide our old life but admit that
we are not perfect and that God’s love equals forgiveness!! Share the gospel
and spread the love that heals all wounds.
Mr. Mandela, undoubtedly you’re nice and cozy in
your permanent home. I’m sure you miss the view of the ocean from Cape Town and
the people of South Africa that you love dearly. I pray boldly that your
people are led to live a life of forgiveness and peace. That they choose to
build a legacy and carry on the work that needs to be continued in your
country! May your soul rest in peace! I hope my family is there welcoming you!
