A Model of Strength & Character

We celebrated the life of Nelson Mandela this week as he passed gracefully from here into eternity. His impact on equality, the destiny of a nation, and countless generations and individuals is immeasurable. While there have been a plethora of testimonials and remembrances in his honor, there was one comment this week that impacted me more than others. Someone posted on Twitter that he was most impressed with Nelson's character and his ability to stay focused on what was right after leaving prison. The thought was that after 27 years of false imprisonment, Mandela left prison resolved to change a nation while we would leave with little desire to do much of anything but survive. It takes indomitable courage and a God-fueled life to walk away from imprisonment as a stronger, intentionally focused man. This reveals a fortitude of character that can only be measured in grandiose terms and serves as a model for all those who strive to make a positive impact.

Thank you Nelson for your tireless passion for freedom and equality and the instinct to bring it about peacefully. You leave a legacy that shapes more lives than you could have possibly ever known and inspires me to be a better man.