It is in our hands...
Dear Life-Changer,
Every year on April 27, South Africans celebrate ‘Freedom Day’ to mark the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. As a result of this day, the ANC won the election and formed the Government of National Unity, headed by the ANC’s Nelson Mandela, who became the first black President of the country.
I’ll never forget reading the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, A Long Walk to Freedom. It is hands down one of my favorite books of all time. I drew so much inspiration as I ponder on my own life purpose. What fascinated me the most is whether free or imprisoned; Nelson was a difference maker!
“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 to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. ” - Nelson Mandela words from court as he faced the dealth penalty on April 20 1964.
He did not let his circumstances CRUSH his faith or his purpose. What do you believe in so much that you are willing to sacrifice your life for?
It is my firm belief that we can end extreme poverty around the world. There should be no community where people are dying from a lack of access to food and clean water. Especially, in this day and age where excess and waste abounds! I am reminded of the words of Martin Luther King regarding this matter, “There is nothing new about poverty. What is new, however, is that we have the resources to get rid of it. The real question is whether we have the will.”
I know I am willing, are you?
I end with yet another powerful quote by Nelson Mandela, one that I live by and reflect on today: