Nelson Mandela 1918-2013 by John Cali

Nelson_Mandela-2008_(edit)Image by South Africa The Good News

One of my all-time greatest heroes is Nelson Mandela. He showed us the impossible is possible if we never give up.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from this great man:

  • It always seems impossible until its done.
  • Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
  • I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
  • A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
  • It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur.
  • If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.
  • In my country we go to prison first and then become president.
  • If I had my time over I would do the same again. So would any man who dares call himself a man.
  • I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.
  • A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.
  • Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.
  • Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.

Godspeed President Mandela!

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Here is a brief video of world figures and ordinary folks paying tribute to Nelson Mandela.

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What are your thoughts and feelings about Nelson Mandela? Please share with us.

What other subjects would you like us to talk about in these posts? Please email me.

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About John Cali
John Cali is a writer, blogger, and channel for a group of spirit guides. His next book is Real Answers to Life’s Pesky Questions: Conversations With Spirit, Book 1. John lives in northwestern Wyoming. Sign up for his newsletter here.

 

17 Responses

  1. Joanne Pons

    The most important lesson I learned from Nelson Mandela is forgiveness. If we cannot forgive others, we will never know peace. I understand that forgiveness is the hardest act to perform for most humans, yet those who do forgive experience a powerful sense of peace, in body, mind and soul. Nelson Mandela will always be remembered as a man of forgiveness and peace.

    • John Cali

      Thanks very much, Joanne. He will indeed be remembered as a man of forgiveness and peace — a powerful role model for us all.

    • Martha

      Thank you, Joanne.
      I needed to hear that this morning.
      A cozy cup of tea, snow falling outside my window and thoughts of peace and forgiveness inspired by Mandela : a nice way to begin my day. .

  2. Essence Ka tha'ras

    The Heavens Shine One Star Brighter Now…

    Truly was he a Strong and Gentle Man and a Great Human Being.

    The world will miss his physical presence, but his energy is here forever.
    The greatest tribute we can give Nelson Mandela is to continue his work of Change and Peace.

    Blessings from All Realms of Creation to Him and to Us All

  3. Sarah Drury

    Here was a remarkable man who knew who he was and his life purpose. Twenty-seven years of incarceration never extinguished his incredible spirit, but fuelled his passion, his light blazing brighter than ever. Always an inspiration and a fine example of finding and following one’s passion and purpose.

    • John Cali

      Thank you, Sarah. He certainly was a magnificent role model for government leaders, and for all of us.

    • John Cali

      Thanks very much, Susan — especially for the links.

      I agree with you — our world leaders could surely learn much from him.

  4. Patricia

    So beautifully said Mikala – thank you for those words.
    In a sweat lodge I once had a vision of Nelson Mandela dancing with a little First Nations boy and his grandfather.
    They danced in a circle around a fire and the love I experienced during that vision cleansed something deep within me. As I look at his image I marvel at what love can unravel and I pray the Shamans of Light bring him magnificently to the next journey. Thank you Mr. Mandela for showing us who we can be.

  5. Martha

    AN ANGEL IS GONE FROM OUR MIDST. .
    THANK YOU, NELSON MANDELA, FOR SHINING YOUR NOBLE VISIONARY LIGHT INTO OUR WORLD.
    YOU STOOD TALLER THAN THE REST OF US. WHAT A THUNDEROUS WELCOME HOME YOU MUST BE RECEIVING NOW.
    GOD BLESS YOU, BROTHER
    PLEASE CONTINUE TO GUIDE AND BLESS US FROM YOUR NEW PERSPECTIVE.
    THE OUTPOURING OF LOVE FOR YOU THE WORLD IS EXPRESSING NOW FOR YOU IS ALSO HELPING TO EXPAND THE HEART OF THE PLANET AND IS YOUR GIFT TO US.
    ” YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD….A CITY THAT IS SET ON A HILL CANNOT BE
    HID. LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY WILL SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN. . ”
    I will never forget the day you came to Yankee Stadium. What a blessing to be there with you – to see you, to hear you, to stand together in joy WITH YOU.

    ALWAYS AND FOREVER I LOVE YOU FOR DEMONSTRATING WHAT TRUE COURAGE, LIGHT, JOY AND LOVE IS.

    YOU OVERCAME EVIL WITH GOOD.

    Your friend and great admirer

  6. Pat

    He will be sorely missed but his energy lives on and the memories of his life and what he did. Let us hope he is not soon forgotten.

    I thought it was interesting in a comment from Colin Powell on CNN today regarding Mandela. To paraphrase, he said he wondered how different the United States might have been if JFK would have lived out the rest of his life like Nelson Mandela. Maybe, we wouldn’t have had as much racial encounters and struggles to the degree we’ve had.

      • Pat

        Thank you to Susan for sharing the video of song and music by JOHNNY CLEGG & SAVUKA~ASIMBONANGA. I loved it and made my heart sing.

  7. Mikala

    A beacon of Light in the darkness, a distributor of hope and faith in the impossible, filled with Love and Joy that conquers all. How can you not revere, love, and open your heart to one who changed the world through and with Creator essence. He is and has been a Truth to emulate.

    I will miss his presence, but I am joyful he will suffer no more.

    Have a great welcome home celebration, my friend!

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