Nelson Mandela is free. His life was one of turmoil and rewriting the history of South Africa. His name is on the tongues of folks around the globe this week, both with the opening of a
film about his life and his passing at the age of 95.
There is overwhelming consensus that his contribution to humankind was profound and long lasting. Two hundred and fifty honors including the Nobel Peace Prize would seem to make him immune to self doubt. But there may have been ample time for it during his decades long imprisonment.
Mandela fought fiercely for peace.
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
Respecting the freedom of your partner is at the core of genuine marriage. The desire to control another person is an enemy to partnership.
Probably no one reading this aspires to the million dollar award. But many of us long to make a difference. People like Mandela help us to see the gnarly path of heroism. It softens the blow of our own failures.
