On Life 4 – Unstoppable Echo – December, 12, 2013

  When we speak on life, we should stop before some iconic characters, whose lives were drawn on the walls of time to be a guide to all the travelers on the path of life. Our journey today is about the one who knows how to climb life summits and said,

   “The success of climbing to the top of a mountain reveals one more summit waiting for one to climb.” He is the symbol of freedom and action that does not stop before chains or mountains; even in 2009 the United Nations decided to designate its 18th birthday as “Mandela World Day “; so people around the world can devote 67 minutes to perform constructive work for their community. He is the leader, “Nelson Mandela”.

   Nelson Mandela was born in an apartheid society, but he did not give in. He decided to confront racism, believing that it always seemed impossible till one works seriously and continually. Thus, the impossible has turned to reality. Mandela began to fortify himself with knowledge; he studied law and worked as a lawyer.He believed knowledge is most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world.

   Mandela’s first concern was his homeland. After practicing law, he could limit his interests to pursuit to himself and his dreams to due to his affiliation with the leader of one of the Eastern Cape tribes. But his dream expanded to carry within him not only his country but all humanity in a long journey of suffering without the slightest regard to the roughness of the road expressing this in his words; “There is no easy path to freedom, and many of us have to walk at the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountain tops of our desires”

   Mandela joined the campaign of the African Conference against Racial Discrimination, believing in the equality of all human beings. Despite all the accusations and trials of treason he faced, until he spent a quarter of a century in prison, the dream has never fade away of his life. Mandela became an inspiration to the whole world. Even the images of his face were used as a symbol of the global campaign against racial discrimination! With his freedom from prison, a new journey begins in the life of the champion of South Africa; to call for free and inclusive elections; hence the people declare their desire to become under the lead of this man.

   Nelson Mandela recognized the secret of successful leadership when he said: “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when danger occurs. Then people will appreciate your leadership”. Truly did he do this, hence he became an example and a role model for the leaders of the world.He led his country in a term of office from 1994 to 1999; he was interested in changing all kinds of racism in his country, led the fight against poverty, ignorance and disease. The commander handed over the torch to his deputy who followed him to continue on the path. His goal was not the post but a mission he began its steps then handed it over to the following generations.

   Mandela has worked in a life-long journey with goal in his heart, unstoppable work for a lifetime or even after h the stopping of his heartbeat; for he lives in the hearts of all who obtain love and determination as his. The one who said, “No one is born hating another person because of the colour 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.”

   His words will live springing in the heart of anyone who loves life and freedom. On life we are to sail in words and dialogues…

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center