'But if needs be, I'm prepared to die'.

The quote above comes from Nelson Mandela's statement given at his trial in 1964. Upon the news of his death this evening, I wanted to find out a bit more of the man that the whole world seems to be praising tonight. Sure, I knew he helped to end apartheid but what did that look like? Find out more in his statement here --> http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/mandela/mandelaspeech.html

Social media seems to have exploded in the hours following the announcement of Mandela's death, speaking of the grace he showed, the life he lived to the full and the 'shining light' that he was to many. All so wonderfully fitting. However, it's this line that stopped me as I read the articles, news reports and Facebook posts.

'But if needs be, I'm prepared to die'

Wow.


This man not only commited himself to peace, harmony and cohesion during his lifetime but believed in his cause so much that he was willing to lay down his life to see equality achieved.

As a Christian, this line has particular resonance. In the Bible, it says 'For whoever wants to save their life will lose it but whoever loses their life for me will find it'. (Matthew 16:25). Numerous Christian writers such as David Platt and Francis Chan have picked up on this theme, the idea that we need to be prepared to radically commit to Jesus. The fact is, it's true.

You may think death is a bit extreme. Maybe we'll be called to die for our faith. Maybe we won't. But perhaps dying sometimes means more than physical death. Maybe dying is forgiving someone who's really hurt us even when we don't want to. Maybe it's loving that person who we find really difficult. Maybe it's choosing to keep going even when our circumstances look unlikely to ever change.

I'm writing this not from a place of sortedness but from a place of brokeness, So often, I need to die to what I want to do, how I feel and ultimately to my self. What a challenge.

Thank you Mandela for your life, your love and the lessons that you leave us.