LIFE: observed: Happy birthday Madiba!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Happy birthday Madiba!

Have you ever met a leader who is truly inspirational? Someone who can light a fire under people and spark them to action?

Today is Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday. It is also recognized by the United Nations as Mandela Day: a global call to volunteer for good causes for 67 minutes—representing each year of Mandela’s life in active politics. This day honors an iconic figure that stands for freedom, equality and human dignity, and charity.

On top of everything else, Nelson Mandela sees the benefit Mercy Ships brings to the forgotten poor in Africa.

“I was happy to learn about an extraordinary group of people from around the world who exemplify a unique expression of compassion and service to humankind. These people set an unusual standard. Unlike the norm, they pay to work. Sponsored by others they leave home to serve the extreme poor in Africa and around the world.” - Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa

So, I urge you to go out today and do something nice for someone today and pay mercy forward!

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Caution:

My ramblings might not inspire you.

You might not be emboldened to attempt anything more than making a fresh pot of coffee. There are plenty of blogs out there written by very courageous souls who have poetically broken away from main stream society to achieve their goals.

I am a South African serving with Mercy Ships currently stationed in the United States. Mercy Ships, a global charity who has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978, is following the example of Jesus, by bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor, mobilizing people and resources worldwide, and serving all people without regard to race, gender or religion.

This blog is simply the ramblings of a middle aged man viewing life from the sidelines and might not always be about my work with Mercy Ships.

Disclaimer: I serve with Mercy Ships. Everything here, however, is my personal opinion and is not read or approved before it is posted. Opinions, conclusions and other information expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercy Ships.

Frequency

I will put some things "up," so to speak, on some days, and on other days, I will not put things up. Whether or not I put things up will depend largely on whether, on a particular day, I have anything to put up. For example, let's say that on Monday I have something which I want to put up. On that day, I will put that thing up. On Tuesday, though, I might not have anything to put up. I will worry for a moment about not having anything to put up. "Oh no," I might say, "another day has come, and I have nothing to put up. What will happen if someone visits this site and there is nothing new to look at? Will people be angry?" But then I will realize that, chances are, people will not be angry -- that, chances are, people will understand. Most people are pretty understanding. Then again....