Nelson Mandela!

Walking with the wise brings wisdom, while companionship with fools leads to ruin (Proverbs 13:20).

Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island. Christo Brand was his jailor. Brand started to work on Robben Island off Cape Town in 1978 when he was 18 and Mandela was 60. At such a young and vulnerable age, I’m glad Jailor Christo Brand met a good man rather than vicious and revengeful creatures that we see all around today. Despite their opposing roles, a close, lifelong friendship developed over 12 years (including time at Pollsmoor Prison). Brand authored a memoir, "My Prisoner, My Friend," detailing their unique, trust-filled relationship. Brand considered Mandela a mentor who taught him about humanity, not hatred. 

After some violence strikes the town, in its immediate aftermath, online social networks are rife with reports and updates of what was going on – with photos. At times, this stirs antagonism. Besides this, we are bombarded on all sides with ‘revenge theme’ movies, violence and blood through media; in the midst of all this cacophony, it is soothing and refreshing to read about a man who forgave the people who harassed and traumatized him.

Surround yourself with supportive, positive individuals who encourage growth, respect your boundaries, and genuinely care for your well-being. These individuals foster peace, help you heal, and amplify your success rather than draining your energy.
Years later, when Mandela was President, he took special care to single out Brand for recognition while South Africa’s new Constitution was being drafted. Mandela went around the room shaking hands with parliamentarians but when he saw Brand, who was distributing documents, Mandela lifted his arms and warmly greeted him. He immediately made a big announcement to everyone: ‘You know who is this person? This person was my warden, this person was my friend’.” 

Satan has a firm grip on this world and is wreaking havoc. Anger, envy, spiteful and malicious nature, vindictiveness, ruthlessness and rudeness is predominant all over. Marriages get broken, relationships are battered and peace is lost because we have carried ‘muck’ in our hearts for too long. Are you there? There are Christians who don’t speak to their brothers and sisters; yet bake cakes and visit church on Christmas. This is pseudo Christianity! Moms and dads don’t speak to their children for years; yet, partake in the holy communion. Please listen! Forgive unconditionally and reconcile with people in order to reconcile with God.

Check out your inbox for ‘hate messages’ and delete them.
“Walk your own path. The right people will keep aligning.”