I sense that God is sending us sisters, a reminder. A reminder to live a life worthwhile... a life of purpose, consumed with passion and aflame with for the destiny for which we were created. As we honor these women today, may we receive a harvest of their heritage to do much more in our day according to God's predestined plan for us. Amen.
A Life of Courage
Mandela, (September 26, 1936 - April 2, 2018 Photo Credit: Google Images
Winnie Mandela's story may not be as flowery as you expect every heroine's story to unfurl. Yet, we cannot deny the fact that this woman's name alone stands for something. The mention of it alone speaks volumes. I will like to remember Winnie and the other details that seem to color her story as a woman of like passions who tried. Her Xhosa name Nomzamo is interpreted to mean "She who tries." And her life depicts exactly that. Her excesses in the days of the struggle, as an anti-apartheid activist, reminds us of the extremes that await us if we allow hate to consume us. Regardless the call upon your life... to fight for freedom, to cry out for justice... you must be wary of the enemy called hatred. It is merciless. It would bring out the beast in you and silence the voice of reason within. And ultimately deluge the true goal of your calling. Let the stories about the gross violations of human rights that lace her history be a warning to us that we must never, ever, yield to hate. Hate will consume us. And the results would be ugly. We see the vast disparities between the two parties - Nelson ~Mandela and Winnie Mandela, a variance that made all the difference. And perhaps the reason for their divorce. Nelson was propelled by a force that cried justice and equality. Winnie on the other hand was driven by a passion fueled by hate and revenge. It was impossible for those two to dwell together in harmony. However, today I remember her tenacity to fight, her doggedness to pick up from where Nelson left off after he was arrested. I remember that raised fist that signified strength and unstoppable resilience. I remember her frailty too and just as well remember to guard myself against the enemy that seeks to destroy. And for this, I honor her today. May we build upon her successes. May we succeeded where she fell short. And may we redeem what she may have lost in the course of her journey. May we build up what was broken down and repair what was damaged. May we restore the waste places. Amen.
A woman of wisdom
Maya Angelou, (4 April 1928 - 28 May 2014) Photo Credit: Google Images
I love Maya Angelou so much there is no way I could let today go by without letting you know how I feel about her. It is her birthday today. Thanks to Google and the Doodle they made for her. Her life, her wisdom, her legacy have inspired me and groomed me in many ways words cannot express.
I have learned from her strengths, her heritage as black woman born in very difficult times, from her works as a poet and an author, from her passion as a dancer and a speaker, form her background and vulnerabilities, her ugly secrets which she so fearlessly laid bare for the world to peek into through her incredible author biographies. What a treasure she left us.
Maya is a voice in the wind, a fragrance, a whiff of sweet of perfume that clings to you, and slowly and almost unconsciously molds you into a seeker, a pursuer and a giver of wisdom. She is the gift that keeps giving. Even in death, she yet teaches us transcendence... that one can simply move on to eternity by smiling, forgiving, loving, giving and breathing such meaning that causes every weight to fall unaided to the ground, whilst we rise effortless with the wind, floating into eternity upon angels wings. When purpose consumes you, death loses its grip and heaven receives you whilst earth tries but fails to hold on to you. Hence, we bless her memory for it is a sweet, sweet, sweet taste we never wish to forget.
May our lives have such unforgettable impact. May it leave such an indelible imprint upon the lives of those we come across whether in words or in kindly deeds, whether we author books or not, one can only publish what they have nurtured from within. May our lives bring hope and transmit wisdom even much more than Maya could accomplish in her life time. Amen.
Proverbs 22:1
Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
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