Nelson Mandela

The news of Nelson Mandela's death today affected me more deeply that I would have imagined. I think part of what moves me is not just the incredible person he was, but the profound affect he has had on millions of people around the world. It is this affect, this legacy, that astounds me & brings me hope. If this many people are moved & inspired by the life of a man who tirelessly sought justice, then there is hope for humanity & for the world.

Multiple times today I was moved to tears reading Mandela's historic words & deeds, but also by the hearts & memories of those who posted them. Dozens of people whom I respect & admire, some whom I love deeply, added their voices to the multitudes of people honoring the memory of someone who spent his life fighting for the rights of others.

May we remember & revere Mandela not only for his revolution against apartheid, but also for his actions to fight AIDS, eradicate poverty & to promote respect & tolerance for LGBT rights. Let us remember the man & his incredible actions, but not simply as a piece of history. Let us be inspired by the indomitable spirit & reconciliate nature that guided him. Let us take up & continue his torch of justice & reconciliation -- to bring light to places of darkness, to stand against hatred, domination & inequality.

Tonight at Holden Evening Prayer Service, I read aloud the passage below & sang the words "For peace between peoples & peace between nations." Then I came home & lit the candle of hope on my Advent wreath -- my own promise to carry a light into the darkness.

"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter. I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my walk is not yet ended."
                                              --Nelson Mandela (extended quote here)

His walk has ended -- let us continue climbing.