Nelson Mandela: Immortal

What is there to say about Nelson Mandela. There are few in the world who do not know who he is, what he did and what it meant.
He is one of the most admired men in history, in the company of people like Ghandi and MLK Jnr.
I must admit I don’t know as much about Mandela as I should. There is a beautiful hard-cover biography of the man that has sat on my shelf for two years unread (It’s size and quality mean I am reluctant to shove it in my backpack to read on the train).
But I know enough.
I know he spent 27 years in prison. Since I have not even reached my 26th birthday, such a time is unfathomable to me.
I admire the fact that he showed grace and class by inviting his jailers to his inauguration. To spend so much time in prison would surely have broken me, but not a man like Mandela.
I know that I could never hope to achieve what he has, even if I’d wanted to, because I could never know the oppression that he endured.
I know that he inspires people all over the world, every single day, to stand up for the rights of the oppressed. Regardless of what people like this mob think that is a legacy that cannot be matched.
I also know he was a sports fan, like me, and it is probably this aspect that I relate to him best.
He knew how sport can bring people together, inspire hope and restore faith in natural justice.
I believe this as well.
While I have a lot to learn about the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela I believe it is, as people say, his humanity that inspires people.
We live in an age where our political, social and spiritual leaders rely on making big statements and gaining publicity. But all my life the images I have seen of Mandela have shown him embracing those around him with a quiet and friendly respect and a warm smile.
However, he will also be remembered for his sheer human endurance. To go through what he has and stay committed to big world change is almost superhuman.
That’s the kind of man I want to be. It’s the kind of person I think we should all be.
Now if you’ll excuse me I have a hardback to read…