ican time) Nelson Mandela or otherwise affectionately known as Madiba celebrates his 90th Birthday First Democratic President of South Africa. Yes I'm sure every South African holds him in high regard as person, leader and president and sure the rest of the world sees him as an icon for human rights and peace. Whatever iconic impression people may have of him he'll probably claim he is not that icon he is held up to be.One hears stories of famous people, see them speak on television and watches how history is made. This makes my story all the more memorable. Four years ago back in South Africa I was with my Mom and Brothers (Uwen and Byron) in Cavendish square (a shopping centre) outside Exclusive Book Store, we saw people gathered around the entrance and we were curious as to what could be the cause of attraction. Curiosity may kill a cat but our curiosity nearly brought me alone a heart attack! What I saw to my surprize, schock and thunderous heart pulpitations: the very cause of attraction was Nelson Mandela leaving the bookstore. As he came by our way, my youngest brother Byron had the guts to strech out his hand and Madiba shook his hand. I could barely muscle a wave. This moment was all to surreal for me to handle and for one reason only. Actually I lied, there were two reasons. I was struck by this world famous person's, (nevermind being the former president and all) humility and love. Nevermind the bodyguards, he was greeting the bystanders around him and introducing himself interacting with the old and young with much affection. As overwhelming as it may have been, seeing a world famous in close proximity I mean this type of occurences takes place everyday, the love he displayed to the people and his humility were very hard to overlook.
So I found this quote said by the man himself and it is hard to overlook the simply fact what considering what he experienced for many long years he could have not loved or shown humility unless he understood the meaning of grace. I think the quote was taken from inauguration speech, "If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness."
As surreal as that moment was seeing Nelson Mandela, just as a thought maybe we hold our "icons" too high that we miss the importance of the message that they seek to bring, share, speak or live?
-Lloyd
