Day 23: Go for Reconciliation

Nelson Mandela's memoirs, "Conversations with Myself," have just been released, giving us a look into the fascinating life of this man who stood for justice and reconciliation.  Interesting to look at his life today, on our election day here in America.  

Nelson Mandela was a man who longed for equality, to end the South African apartheid and build a country where race wasn't a dividing factor.  "During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people.  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." After 27 years a political prisoner, he continued to live with the same conviction.  Inviting his opponents into his office, he established democracy and brought about reconciliation.  "He ruled with the exact same strategy he had employed as a prisoner: don't go for revenge, go for reconciliation."    

There are truly amazing people, standing for solid principals, who bring about positive and sustainable change.  He wasn't a man without flaws, but he also acknowledges them readily. "You don't have to protect me" he said to the man writing his memoirs.  A man humble in his victories as well as his shortcomings. 

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Today, I am thankful to live in a country where democracy also reigns.  Free to make choices on policy and elected officials.  Free to agree or disagree without repercussion.  Freedom. 

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