12/9/2013
This past week, the world mourned the loss and celebrated the life of Nelson Mandela, the anti-Apartheid leader and first democratically-elected president of South Africa, who became a hero and an inspiration to many people of every race throughout the world. In media reports, again and again I heard praise for how, after Apartheid ended, Mandela went forward with a vision of healing and reconciliation, turning his people away from what could have become a cycle of vengeance.
But — and now I’m just expressing my own opinions — I was struck by the contrast between this praise of Mandela’s capacity to forgive and the media reports of a typical day, which tell of crimes far smaller than than the systematic oppression and violence Mandela confronted, but speak as if justice meant punishment, punishment was the only road to the victims’ healing, and the perpetrator’s healing was an idea beyond the pale, the stuff of foolish idealists. Mandela was not that kind of idealist — when, during his imprisonment, he was offered his freedom if he would renounce violence, he refused — but in the end he pursued the path of healing and showed us that that path is not the stuff of fools, but the stuff of heroes.
This week’s News and Events:
We’re still raffling a gift basket on the table near the coffee bar, full of Equal Exchange goodies and lots more for you or a special someone. Chances are $1 or 6 for $5.
Those who have been collecting egg cartons for Shanon’s neighbor, she no longer has chickens and doesn’t need them, but sends her thanks for all the cartons that were donated and encourages us all to recycle the cartons.
Monday, December 9th at 6:30 pm, the Worship Service Committee meets at UUFJC. All are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, December 10th is International Human Rights Day.
Tuesday afternoon at 4 pm, the Department of Peacebuilding meets at MRRL. Contact Betty Cooper.
Friday, December 13th at 7 pm at UUFJC, the Reader’s Eye Film Series presents “Persepolis,” an award-winning animated film based on a young woman’s graphic novel memoir of her coming of age in Iran. Contact Sue Gibson.
Next Sunday, December 15th at 4 pm is the monthly Laughter Yoga session, free and open to the public. Contact Jan Harcourt.