The world is abuzz with the news of Nelson Mandela’s death and awash with accolades of praise and admiration. The gaze of multiplied millions – from child to the aged – has been elevated in his honour.
This is well-deserved, of course, in view
of his tremendous role at enormous personal cost in bringing to an end the
apartheid system of oppressive government by the white minority in South Africa,
and its replacement with a more equitable democracy.
He was the first foreign leader to be
made an honorary citizen of Canada and the first foreigner to be named an
honorary Companion of the Order of Canada.
Mandela graciously stood alongside the then South African President F.W. de Klerk
when they were each awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December
10, 1993, although de Klerk was in part responsible for Mandela’s
incarceration.
In 1994 Mandela was elected President.
Gaze-Raising Image
 |
| Photo courtesy CBC.ca I call this his 'signature' smile! |
For me, an
enduring visual image of him is of a tall, elderly statesmanlike figure who,
while physically frail, presented himself serene and poised, his demeanor
exhibiting an inner strength. He spoke with authority and conviction.
Despite
his great age and the rigours of his 27 years in prison, involving hard labour
that resulted in lung damage, his countenance was youthful and displayed his radiant
signature smile.
He appeared rested and at peace within his person; his manner
gracious.
As I compared photographs of his younger,
pre-prison years, it seemed to me that Mandela appeared more serious then, and I
fancied that he didn’t smile as much. Something had changed. Perhaps the
greatest change was in himself – in his soul.
The radical freedom-fighter was
still engaged in the battle, but he was different now. Was it a spiritual
change? Perhaps. Had he found a freedom that sets men free in spirit despite
his long physical confinement and circumstantial constriction? Possibly.
Mandela’s
Message upon His Release after 27 years (February 11, 1990)
His message was one of forgiveness, reconciliation
and healing; letting bygones be bygones. In that spirit, he emulated the example of
Jesus Christ in His prayer from the cross in the midst of His suffering the
agonies of crucifixion: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they
are doing” (Luke 23:34).
In
1994, as the first fully democratically elected South African President
representing all the people, Mandela said that it was now time to heal old wounds
and build South Africa for all the
people, regardless of race.
As
messianic a figure as President Mandela was to his people, and as lauded as he
was and is – and rightly so, he was an imperfect and faulted, although remarkable
human being.
However,
when all is said and done, he achieved – along with others who stood with him –
great things and demonstrated a greatness that accords with biblical principles,
especially during the latter decades of his life. These reflect to a marked
degree the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven and the blessedness our Lord spoke
of in the beatitudes. For example:
From Matthew 5:3-9 (NIV2011. Inserted
applications for these musings are mine.)
Blessed are the poor in spirit [humble], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the poor in spirit [humble], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn [over loss, sin, or injustice] for they will
be comforted.
Blessed are the meek [gentle, patient], for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [justice;
seeking and doing what’s right and just], for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart [honest, true; pure in motive], for they
will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
~~~
You might
like to consider whether other verses from the Beatitudes and The Sermon on the
Mount (Matthew chapters 5 thro’ 7) should also be considered as in some measure
evidenced in Mr. Mandela’s life.
His
legacy will live on. It will be interesting to see it being played out in myriad
small ways in individual lives as well as in the larger sphere of international
politics.
~~~
Has Nelson Mandela been instrumental in elevating your focus – your gaze – in ways that I haven’t touched on
here?
Perhaps you disagree with me. And that’s fine, too.
Be free to comment.
Personally, Nelson Mandela raised more than my
eyebrows; my heart and mind and hopes were also raised.
~~+~~
Peter A. Black is a freelance writer in Southwestern Ontario, and is
author of “Parables from the Pond” – a children's / family book (mildly
educational, inspirational in orientation, character reinforcing). (Finalist
-- Word Alive Press ISBN 1897373-21-X)
His inspirational column, P-Pep! appears weekly in The
Guide-Advocate. His articles have appeared in 50 Plus Contact and testimony,
and several newspapers in Ontario. Peter’s current book project comprises a
collection of 52 column articles.
~~+~~
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2 comments:
Peter - I like this thoughtful take on Mandela. He was flawed but he did a lot to bring peace between two groups that had animosity toward each other. Encouraging.
Thanks for your reflections, Rose.
It's of God's mercy and grace that He chooses to use us also in blessing others in His name, despite our weaknesses and failings, isn't it?
I'm heading on to your post now, and look forward to meeting you there and at Blogger Comments again. ~~+~~
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