A Long Walk To Freedom

Passionate.
Resilient.
Integrity.
Determined.
Gracious.

I wish to convey my admiration for the greatness that is the spirit of Nelson Mandela and my abundant respect for the man that possessed it. If you are interested in the intricate details and biography of his life I encourage you to invest in this book; A Long Walk To Freedom. I am empowered to express my feelings about the impact of his legacy and I shall…

The glimmer and brightness of his eyes is warmer and more welcoming than hot chocolate on a Winter’s day. He is fluid in graciousness and completely present in this photo. That is why I chose it. The power of his presence in action has moved mountains and birthed hope in the darkest places. The human race has been fortunate enough to experience and be a witness to a few miracles in movement. Mr. Mandela without a doubt was one of them.

Running away from an adopted life of privledge to avoid an arranged marriage. Serving twenty seven years in prison to fight for freedom. Wearing the hat of the highest political position as President of South Africa. Retiring back to where it all started from, his native village of Quno. This man lived his purpose and was not shy about it.

On December 5, 2013 Nelson Mandela passed away in his home. This world was shaken by his presence and forever changed because of his fearlessness. May you truly rest in peace Madiba.

“If I had my time over I would do the same again, so would any man who dares call himself a man.” (After being convicted to five years hard labor, November 1962)

“I came to accept that I have no right whatsoever to judge others in terms of my own customs.” (From his unpublished autobiographical manuscript, 1975)

“When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.”  (Interview for Mandela, 1994)

“I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.” (From Long Walk to Freedom, 1995)

“When people are determined they can overcome anything.” (Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 14, 2006)

Just a few of the substantial words that this man has been quoted expressing. Surely we have witnessed true selflessness in him. May we all be moved to pay that forward in our own lives. Every act to help someone else is worth doing.

A Long Walk To Freedom the movie is in theaters now.

*The image was provided by Bing and Mandela’s quotes with commentary and timeline are sourced from http://www.thedailybeast.com*