An Old Tree Has Fallen
In the forest, when an old tree comes to the end of its life, a strong wind may topple it. As it lies on the ground, slowly releasing its life energy, it becomes something new. It becomes a nurse tree. Seeds from other trees land on it; moss grows; new trees begin to take root. If you walk through old growth forests, you will see many large trees growing with their roots firmly attached to a fallen nurse tree. And so the cycle continues. A very large, old, stately tree has fallen in South Africa. The seeds of the next generation are already drawing nourishment from his life energy.
In the forest, when an old tree comes to the end of its life, a strong wind may topple it. As it lies on the ground, slowly releasing its life energy, it becomes something new. It becomes a nurse tree. Seeds from other trees land on it; moss grows; new trees begin to take root. If you walk through old growth forests, you will see many large trees growing with their roots firmly attached to a fallen nurse tree. And so the cycle continues. A very large, old, stately tree has fallen in South Africa. The seeds of the next generation are already drawing nourishment from his life energy.
It is perhaps nothing short of a miracle that Nelson Mandela lived to be 95 years old, able to retire from public life, spend time with his family, and reflect on the fruits of his labor. It is nothing short of a miracle that he was not executed or assassinated. It was a blessing to South Africa that he survived the harsh repression and political turmoil and, along with thousands of other activists, saved South Africa from itself. It was a blessing that he was able to lead the country through a transition to democracy and justice with a compassionate and forgiving heart.
I expect that Mandela would be pleased that his passing has created a moment of reflection around the world about our collective work for social justice. Many are sharing memories of hearing him or reading him or meeting him and what they learned from those encounters.
I am reminded of my small contribution to the anti-apartheid movement here in the U.S. when along with several other clergywomen, we were arrested while picketing the South African Consulate here in Seattle. This was a regular Sunday afternoon effort for many months during the divestment campaign.
I am also reminded of my visit to Capetown four years ago and going to Robben Island with my friend and colleague, Elizabeth Petersen, and standing in the cell where Mandela was imprisoned for more than 20 years. While there, I tried to imagine what he suffered but I am afraid that my imagination could not comprehend his experience.
For me, the lesson I hold to from Mandela’s life is the reality that the road to social justice is long and never ending. But when people of good will stand up together, we can push back the darkness of oppression and create the space for new ways of living with one another in justice and peace. One person can change the world but never one person alone.
As Dr. King said, the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.
It is our job to stay on the path, together.
Marie and Elizabeth on Robben Island
Nelson Mandela
Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful comments Nelson Mandela, a man for the ages as President Obama so eloquently expressed it.
In my opinion, there is nothing that compels one to consider the Christian faith as much as personal example. To me Nelson Mandela embodied and executed the essence of Christ's teachings. I thank the Good Lord for this wonderful man.
Regards,
Rex Beach