{"id":2195,"date":"2013-12-06T16:13:12","date_gmt":"2013-12-07T00:13:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogschapman.wpenginepowered.com\/education\/2013\/12\/06\/remembering-nelson-mandela\/"},"modified":"2013-12-06T16:13:12","modified_gmt":"2013-12-07T00:13:12","slug":"remembering-nelson-mandela","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.chapman.edu\/education\/2013\/12\/06\/remembering-nelson-mandela\/","title":{"rendered":"Honoring Nelson Mandela's Legacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

“One of the most difficult things is not to change society — but to change yourself,”<\/i><\/p>\n

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Nelson Mandela<\/i><\/p>\n


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\"Nelson<\/a>

\n (Source: Wikimedia Commons)<\/figcaption><\/figure>
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\nWith the passing of Nelson Mandela, I am struck with the reality that his actions mattered. His life mattered.  My head flooded with thought, I recognize that some people touch our lives in ways we rarely identify.  His self sacrifice always left me awestruck and I contemplate whether or not I have what it takes to combat injustice.  His actions humble me and cause me to take a bold look in the mirror. I live in a tower of comfort, rarely experiencing hunger, discomfort, or pain. Must one experience these things to make a difference?
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\nI scan my life choices for evidence of a life that is dedicated, at least in part, to service.  There are some promising signs, but they pale in comparison to Nelson Mandela’s actions.  But there may still be time; I have much more living to do. As I ponder this, I recognize that his passing- as well as his life- has served as inspiration.  I have the opportunity to recognize this as an opportunity to make a commitment to live a life that matters, filled with actions that matter. I hope others are inspired to do the same.
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\nHere are some highlights of Nelson Mandela’s life: <\/p>\n