cross-posted from the European Tribune – despite all the breaking events, we shouldn’t forget to acknowledge the good people in our lives
We should not let this week pass without acknowledging the birthday of one rare and special person:
In our lifetimes, there are only a few people at a given time amongst who have the bigness of spirit and heart like Nelson Mandela, who turned 87 this week! Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela, and thank you for gracing us with your spirit!!
By the way, if you want to know more about the The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s 46664 Anti-AIDs Campaign (46664 was his number in prison), check here:
http://www.nelsonmandela.org/Default.aspx?TabID=22
If you have not ever read Nelson Mandela’s inaugural address from 1994, here is a piece of it that is truly amazing (below): Why don’t we have more leaders like him <sigh>
,,Our deepest fear
is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are
powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness,
that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves,
who am I to be brilliant,
successful, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people
won’t feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest
the glory that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us;
it’s in EVERYONE!
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others!”Nelson Mandela quoting Marianne Williamson in his inaugural speech, 1994
Please feel free to post any greetings, best wishes, or comments you wish about or for Mandela below:
Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela! We all hope that you are enjoying your retirement years with great happiness in the company of your wonderful partner Graca. Your life has been an inspiration to hundreds of millions who have followed your struggles. The progressive people of the world united to support the liberation struggles of southern Africa, inspired by your courage and resolve as a prisoner for more than 27 years. Your magnaniminity as President was also inspirational: the Truth and Reconciliation Commission helped to heal the wounds of apartheid. Now we admire your principled stand on fighting AIDS in Africa when your successor denies the reality of the problem…
well said, thank you!!
But, he would be considered a terrorist under the Bush Administration.
In his autobiography, he wrote about the differences between open rebellion, guerrilla warfare, terrorism, and sabotage. BushCo sees no distinction. The MK chose sabotage as the best way to fight back against the apartheid regime and still allow for a reconciliation later. And he was right.
He is a great man, indeed.