Journeys in Faith

I haven’t had a hard day my whole life.
Recently, while studying for my Doctorate, I had the privilege of visiting Robben Island, South Africa. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned here for 18 years, sentenced to hard labor for standing up to apartheid, a system of white racism against those whose skin was a different color. Mandela had many hard days.
Want to learn more? Watch the sports film “Invictus” or the popular movie “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”
While visiting the prison, I met a former prisoner who served a sentence of 5 years. Sipho was tortured, abused, shackled and tossed away. He had plenty of hard days as he served along the side of Mandela.
I asked him how he found forgiveness. He quickly said, “We MUST forgive to become healthy again.” Powerful words worthy of replication!
Forgive us Lord, all of us, when we complain about the weather or our food, and especially when we take for granted our unbelievable freedoms. Gently remind us of a different perspective when we think life is tough.
Seriously, I haven’t had a hard day my whole