My Heroes!

Nelson Mandela is one of my heroes. His strong belief in a democratic South Africa and the end of apartheid landed him in prison for 27 years. He said himself, "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." But he didn't have to die for his ideal. He was released February 11th, 1990, and was elected in the first democratic election as the President of South Africa. He served from 1994-1999.

The novelist ANDRE BRINK said,

"He exemplifies a moral integrity that shines far beyond South Africa"

It is amazing to me that it could be said of any world leader that they exemplify moral integrity.

Nelson Mandela, Inaugural Address 1994

"Our deepest fear is not that 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, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small doesn't serve this world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that

other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that

is within us.

It is not just in some of us -it is in everyone!

And as we let our 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!"
Let's follow his counsel.