I couldn’t let this edition pass without paying respect to a man recognized across the globe for his forgiveness, compassion, and desire to ensure all people are treated equally.
On December 5 the world lost an icon, Nelson Mandela (July 18, 1918 –December 5, 2013).
While reading Mandela’s famous quotes, I couldn’t help but think of how they were relevant to this week’s local headlines.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Upon reading this quote I immediately thought of our front page story this week, where a selfless young couple risked their own well-being to save the lives of a family who had gone off the road and ended up in the Elk River.
I thought about the allegations made against another local couple who are accused of mistreating their employees when I read the following quote;
“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.”
How much better the world would be if we lived by Mandela’s wisdom.
We can all learn from a man who spent 27 years in prison and, upon being released, chose forgiveness and reconciliation instead of preaching anger and hatred toward his captors.
At Mandela’s public memorial service at the First National Bank (FNB) Stadium in Soweto, 91 world leaders joined 90,000 citizens on Tuesday December 10.
Perhaps we can look to our leaders at this time of loss as Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro took a page out of Mandela’s book putting aside their differences and shaking hands at his service.
Mandela’s funeral will be held on Sunday December 15, 2013.
He will be laid to rest in Qunu in the Eastern Cape province.