One person CAN make a difference
February 11, 2010 by Marguerite Orane
Filed under Featured Posts, Love
Today marks 20 years since the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. I remember that day so vividly – like yesterday. The sight of him walking out of the prison gates, with his fist held high was riveting. For many of us, it was a dream come true – a dream that we had hoped for, but wondered if we would really see it manifest in our lifetime. There were mixed emotions of joy at his release and worry about what would happen – would he be assassinated? Would South Africa erupt into a bloodbath? Little did we know what amazing history would unfold before our very eyes. South Africa has set an example to the world of a peaceful transformation. It taught the world about leadership. It has taught the world how to build a new future while not forgetting the past. Most importantly, it has taught the world the power of forgiveness.
As we remember this special day 20 years ago, we honour the difference Nelson Mandela has made. He set the example of love and forgiveness. He forgave, he loved. His tone made all the difference in how the transformation turned out. This one man made a HUGE difference.
Never doubt that one person can make a difference. To really honour Madiba, we should all ask ourselves “What difference can I make?”. No matter how small and insignificant you think it is, it will change the world.
Well said !! I also remember that day of Mandela’s release extremely well. Undoubtedly, Mandela has made a monumental difference in terms of his philosophy of forgiveness,love, and leadership re South Africa’s politics and the general transformation of that society. Also, he has garnered tremendous respect from the global community, as a consequence of his leadership and his perspectives on forgiveness with respect to South Africa’s horrible past. Indeed, Mandela is highly respected and revered as a statesman with great moral courage and authority. History is definitely replete with individuals who have stood up and contributed considerably in the general improvement of the human condition, globally.
Interestingly, too often, we as a people, only comprehend such differences or improvement(s) and transformations on the large, grand, macro or national scale(s), not realizing or being cognizant of the fact, that making differences are also addressed daily on the small or micro scales in ameliorating humanity. Specifically, when such individuals or change agent(s) take on the mantle of making a difference couched within the context of forgiveness, peace and love, either at the individual, family,institutional, or community levels. The POWER OF ONE regarding making a difference is empirically demonstrated each day, in all various areas or aspects of life, but even with such attempts to improve humanity and make a difference at the various levels, there is still much more work to be done, with forgiveness, peace and love as the clarion call.Undoubtedly,each of us can make some difference in improving humanity, if you are even a Small Axe, please be a change agent. Peace, love and happiness !! Nuff respect !!
Wonderful wonderful sentiments. Yes, we can all make a difference – maybe not as significant as Madiba – but, who knows? THe thing is to just do it …. with love and forgiveness
Today also marks the first Beyonce concert in the Caribbean, in the isle of Trinidad and Tobago. In this part of the world, this is of far greater import than Madiba’s legacy in South africa. In today’s fast-paced world, 20 years seem like a lifetime ago.Our people have happily buried painful memories and are rejoicing in entertainment of the moment. While I greeted Nelson’s day of release with joy, I was hurt by his Western garb. I feared that the lion had lost his roar. He`went on to roar differently and for that, all of the world is grateful.
I regret the abyss of forgetfulness into which the Caribbean has thrown itself. We are notoriously fearful of activists, however sanitized. It is as if the act of rebellion taints the rebel as overstepping himself in a culture where knowing one’s place is of critical import. On Tuesday, we buried Rex Nettleford – a Caribbean son who refused the limits of his place, carving through creative expression a way forward out of the angst of diasporic fragmentation. We are in danger of too quickly burying the contributions of our brothers and sons. For me, Madiba and Rex remind us that to walk tall – we must first stand up…
“To walk tall, we must first stand up”. Thanks Bernice, for this powerful reminder!