In 1964, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for his involvement in the anti-apartheid movements in South Africa as well as for his stance on social justice and organizing protests in defiance of the South African government. For the next 27 years he would remain in prison, almost two decades of that being spent at the brutal Robben Island prison.
Subject to inhumane conditions and harsh punishment for nearly three decades, Mandela was finally freed on February 11th, 1990. But as he prepared to be released, Mandela realized that no longer being imprisoned did not automatically make him free. He had a difficult decision to make. He must choose freedom.
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.”
Mandela wrote those words years later, recalling the reality he faced upon his release. The government could free him physically from his cell, but Mandela knew only he could decide to release himself from the bitterness and hatred that imprisoned his soul.
Mandela would have been justified in harboring intense animosity for the cruelty he endured. But he knew the resentment and anger would only destroy him. And that he must continue to fight, not for physical freedom, but to keep his heart free from contempt.
Most of us will never experience the injustice and brutality that Mandela faced. Yet we all face experiences and circumstances that threaten to keep our hearts and minds imprisoned by bitterness.
Freedom is a decision you must make. It may even
be a choice you must make daily. But you hold the key, so choose freedom.
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