Courage and conviction

I guess I first heard the name Nelson Mandela when the song by The Specials hit the charts in the early 80's. The chorus was simple but effective: 'Free Nelson Mandela' (although I still want to add the words 'with every purchase' - it's an interesting thought). Then of course there were the concerts and a wave of protest around the world. He had become an icon, a symbol of the struggle against racism, and against oppression in general. All of this culminated in the amazing scenes which surrounded his release from prison in 1990. He remains an iconic figure, hugely respected and revered. But in all honesty, until very recently, I knew very little about him.

A few years back, someone gave me a copy of his book 'Long walk to freedom'. It's a hefty tome - over 700 pages. A fact which has always deterred me from reading it. But with a trip to South Africa lined up, I figured it was now or never. So I am wading my way through it - around p550 now. I reckon it's longer than it needs to be - there is a lot of detail (names, places etc). But it's still a gripping account of Mandela's life as what he calls a 'freedom fighter'.

A number of things have struck me: his absolute commitment to the cause of racial equality, which caused him to pass up the opportunity of a very successful career as a lawyer; his courage and determination, as he faced the real possibility of death on more than one occasion; his willingness to stand firm on key principles; and at the same time his pragmatism (notably with the decision to move away from non-violence to achieve the ANC's aims). He comes across as someone of great character, unmarked by bitterness yet resolute in opposing injustice.

Reading a story like this always makes me wonder: what would I do in these circumstances? How would I shape up? Of course, we don't know how we will deal with a situation until we face it for ourselves. And then we often surprise ourselves. Mandela's story inspires me as a leader, and helps me to see the challenges I face in a different perspective.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says 'Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water ... It does not fear when heat comes ... it has no worries in a year of drought.'

 An encouragement for anyone who is 'feeling the heat' right now.