There are times when I think things will never change. I get overwhelmed by the tragedies that are happening around me. I lose sight of the amazing things that are happening every day. We must address the injustices that we see but in that same vain we must celebrate the victories that come as well. When I get caught up in all that is wrong, I often go back to reading the autobiography of Nelson Mandela “Long Walk to Freedom.” If there is ever a story of overcoming hate and leading a nation to forgive and move forward it is his story. I wanted to understand the mind of a man who spent 27 years falsely imprisoned because he dared to stand for the rights of South African Blacks. He was taken from his family and his home. He lost everything. All he had to think about was what was taken from him. This could make a heart grow dark, but Nelson Mandela did the opposite of what anyone would expect. He forgave and honored dignity which is why he became the first Black President of South Africa.
If you read the book, you will see this journey wasn’t easy. He was angry and felt all the things any of us would have felt if we were in South Africa during Apartheid In his “Book of Forgiveness” Bishop Desmond Tutu states that it took “Mandela 27-years of imprisonment to learn to forgive.” That forgiveness was put on full display when he sat his jailors in the front row of his inaugural address as the newly elected President. He was letting all in South Africa and the world know that it was time to forgive and move forward. If you want to understand what leadership is look to Nelson Mandel and Bishop Tutu and follow the trail that they set for us.
“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” Nelson Mandela
I had to learn to grow and forgive before I could start on the journey of being a better version of myself. I had to forgive and be forgiven. I had to remove those things that caused me pain and that caused me to inflict pain. I could not help to create a better world without first creating a better me. I want to do more than just callout injustice. I want to be the voice that helps create a better world for our future generations so that there could be no more injustice.
In recent weeks we saw the results of what can happen when we as adults do not act with dignity, and we teach our children to do the same. Today I want to tell you that this week I saw what our future looks like, and I am hopeful. I stood in front of a room full of future young leaders and I was impressed by their insight, thoughtfulness, and belief that they can change the world. They understood what was happening around them but instead of focusing on that they spoke about solutions. I was uplifted by these young students and future leaders. It made me realize the importance of my work as a leader, a parent, and a person who has the honor of walking on this earth every day. The world can be cold, and it is up to us to mentor and prepare our young leaders for the world waiting for them.
I write to you today to say that I believe we have hope. I believe that if we stand up against what is wrong, and we teach our children what is right, we can create a better future for the next generations.
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 