Hello everyone
As you have probably heard in the media our beloved Nelson Mandela fondly known as Madiba (a title of respect derived from his Xhosa clan name) passed on last night. His part on earth as had a major influence on all our lives, not only in South Africa but universally and I feel it a fitting tribute to end this year by remembering some of his extraordinary qualities, and reflecting on his life before we all move onto the busy, Christmas period and a new year.
To quote my daughter Tessa: “For me, Mandela’s passing is a reminder to take stock of ourselves by looking at the man for what he represented. His qualities and how they affected so many people for good. What an amazing man whose legacy and qualities will live on. We can all be a little more kind, more accepting of others, more forgiving, more humble in our small daily acts. ”
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learnt to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela
- Rugby world cup 1995
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?” Actually who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is withn us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us, and when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberted from out own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Quote by Marianne Williamson – used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech.
Wherever you are in the world lets celebrate the life of Madiba, and give thanks for his wonderful example and qualities of love, unselfishness and kindness the way to true freedom. Trish