Celebrating the
Extraordinary Life of Nelson Mandela and
The People’s Struggle in
South Africa – Part Two
Mr. Mandela’s ability to vanquish hatred and bitterness is
one of the most inspirational aspects of his life story. He spent nearly ten thousand days in
prison. Cinematic depictions reflect
years of hard labor in a rock quarry. As
I write on the occasion of his death and following his service as President of
the Republic South Africa, it is easy to romanticize that experience. Essentially, there is nothing idealistic
about unjustly depriving an undeserving man of nearly twenty-seven years of his
life. Still, it appears he learned one
of the greatest spiritual lessons during his incarceration. Mandela learned how to forgive
genuinely. His actions following his
release reveals he definitely learned how to forgive. As a consequence, he was able to teach a
nation this vital spiritual discipline as the world watched in awe. Working in sub-human labor conditions during
his imprisonment, he listened clearly to the voice of Almighty God as he
progressively understands the radicalism of God’s love and grace which extend
equally to all believers in South Africa whether White, Colored or Black. The spiritual motifs associated with Mandela’s
prison years remind me of the biblical story of Joseph whose brothers sell him
into slavery. After decades of
separation inclusive of a period of unjust imprisonment, Joseph and his
brothers reunite. Amazingly, Joseph
forgives his brothers and provides for them in the midst of one of the worst
recorded famines in the Ancient Near East.
Similarly, Mandela forgives his Afrikaner brothers and provides a way
for redemption, reconciliation and restoration as their brothers throughout the
world watch in amazement.
Still, I refuse to romanticize human suffering in a manner that
I despise; I imagine Mandela’ daily difficulty in acquiring the spiritual
attribute of forgiveness. The sweat that
drenched his clothing manifested the putrid hatred that threatened his mind,
heart and soul. How could a man of his
intellect, abilities and providentially determined destiny genuinely resist
bitterness and resentment? Did he lose
hope at any point? How was he able to
persevere toward freedom, physical and spiritual? Did thoughts of revenge form? Exactly how was he able to forgive? A man of lesser character
would have internalized hatred and bitterness.
It would have consumed him perhaps cancer may have manifested in his
body. Twenty-seven years is a lengthy
period of unjust incarceration because of just advocacy on behalf of oppressed,
subjugated and disenfranchised people. I
marvel at Mr. Mandela’s ability to overcome a very human and understandable
tendency toward outrage. His willingness
to forgive will remain forever as a cardinal pillar of
his legacy.
History usually vindicates visionaries who
see far beyond their present circumstances.
The outpouring of genuine gratitude for Mr. Mandela’s example of patient
justice that resisted vengeance foreshadows the positive light of history’s forthcoming
sober judgment of personal and political life.
Hopefully, his vision of freedom that incorporates all citizens
regardless of color, ethnicity or social strata will become a permanent
paradigm for leadership within the twenty-first century global village. Civil liberties, individual rights, economic
progress, religious tolerance and political enfranchisement are birth rights of
all residents of the international community.
Personifying the hopes and dreams of countless millions of his people,
Mr. Mandela taught the world the non-negotiable necessity of truth and justice in
reconciliation. In the spirit of the
Kairos document, we have the perpetual moral, ethical and political obligation
to expand upon his example and achievements.
As we build upon the foundation for justice and peace which coexist as a
hand in a tailored glove, we must utilize the resources of the international community
to revitalize the economic infrastructure, eliminate poverty, eradicate
HIV/AIDS, expand political power sharing and institutionalize racial and social
reconciliation not only in the Republic of South Africa but throughout the
international community.
I conclude this tribute by reiterating
the obligation we have to remember the countless and nameless millions of Black
South Africans who sacrificed lavishly to create the nation their children
currently enjoy. Regrettably,
celebrations of heroic personalities often overshadow and ignore these seminal contributions
of average persons. I hope historians,
archivist, museum curators and other relevant officials will undertake the
painstaking process of retrieving any information that enables future
generations of South Africans to know, thank and celebrate any verifiable ancestors
in the struggle against apartheid. I
envision visiting museums and monuments in Capetown, Johannesburg, Durban and
elsewhere with walls of remembrance similar to the Vietnam War Memorial in
Washington, DC. Further, I hope to view
an official registry compiled and authorized by the South African
government. Of course, I look forward to
reading a well researched and critically acclaimed historical account of the
people’s contribution to the anti-apartheid movement that parallels any
forthcoming biography of Mr. Mandela.
Both books are necessary to have a balanced and complete account.
“Blessed are the dead in the Lord, for
they rest from their labors.” These words from Revelation are most appropriate
as we commend Mr. Mandela to Almighty God with thanksgiving and praise for his
inimitable life and contributions. O Gracious, Loving and Eternal God, “the
Giver of every good and perfect gift,” grant unto our brother, Nelson, eternal rest
and let Thy love, kindness and light perpetually shine upon him.
