If one were to believe the headlines, we are living in darkness, where truth is scarce and confusion is rampant. This will surely be documented as a time of great upheaval and transition in history. Yet, if history has taught us anything, it is that breakdowns can and do lead to breakthroughs. And, breakthroughs are possible because individuals and groups of people stay true to their inner knowing and pursuit of the truth. They do not forget who they are and they shine a light into the world as a reminder to others to remember who they are, too.
In celebration of Mandela’s 100th birthday, former President Barack Obama gave a speech in Johannesburg, South Africa, that speaks to the need for remembering our light as a beacon of hope for others. Referring to Mandela as Madiba, as he is more intimately known – a name that seems to invoke the very essence of all that he embodied – Obama states:
“Madiba’s light shone so brightly, even from that narrow Robben Island cell, that in the late ’70s he could inspire a young college student on the other side of the world to reexamine his own priorities, could make me consider the small role I might play in bending the arc of the world towards justice. And when later, as a law student, I witnessed Madiba emerge from prison, just a few months, you’ll recall, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, I felt the same wave of hope that washed through hearts all around the world.”
The danger, in the ongoing news cycle of lies, bigotry, hatred and injustice, is that it is devoid of inclusion, hope, inspiration, vision and love – all qualities necessary to remind us of our light. We have allowed ourselves, as a once democracy in America, to turn away from the light. We have allowed the darkness of authoritarianism to cast shadows over our hearts. We have forgotten all the battles fought and won, to move us forward as a more accepting and collaborative society that values each and every person as an integral member of the human family.
Maybe, most importantly, we have forgotten that each of us brings unique gifts, talents, knowledge and perspective, that, amplified, allow all of us to ultimately thrive. At Mandela’s memorial in 2013, Obama reminded us of our connection to one another:
“…Mandela understood the ties that bind the human spirit. There is a word in South Africa — Ubuntu — a word that captures Mandela’s greatest gift: his recognition that we are all bound together in ways that are invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us.”
By allowing the darkness to grow and bred deceit and corruption throughout our society, and the world, we are thwarting the potentiality for all of us to meet the fundamental needs of life, meaning, equality and connection. Let’s remember what we have forgotten. In the words of Nelson “Madiba” Mandela, “…love comes more naturally to the human heart…”
Inclusion is the way forward. Today, as you go about your normal routine, take a moment to pause and look around you. See your family, your friends, your co-workers. And, see the stranger on the street. How will you include them? What act of kindness will you extend to them? In what ways are they more like you than they are different? What does your heart have to tell you about humanity and goodness and the capacity to embrace others with acceptance and love?
Yes, it is an idealistic notion. Yet so was every social movement throughout history. I’m not asking you to change the world. I’m asking you to change yourself. How will you remember the light that resides inside of you and allow it to shine? Because, when you remember that light and step out of the shadows, you create the opportunity for others to remember their light, too.
In listening to Obama’s speeches, I witnessed the light of a great leader as he witnessed the light of another great leader. And in doing so, I remembered my light. I remembered why I am an advocate, a champion of social justice, a humanitarian. I am not here to eradicate the darkness – it will ultimately eradicate itself. I am here to shine more light into the world so that others feel safe, capable and included in doing the same. Join me.
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