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As a performer of literature and music and a teller of stories,
I
find that most often I am involved in a process
of convincing myself and other people about the beauty
that is our lives and the value of the stories therein.
Nelson Mandela alludes to the sanctity and scope of
human life and our collective stories in his inaugural
address.
“Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond
measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask
ourselves; who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, alented,
and fabulous? Actually, who are we not to be? Your playing
small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened
about shrinking so other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within
us.It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let
our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence
automatically liberates others"
Nelson Mandela, President of South Africa. 1994 Inaugural Speech.
In many of our homes and schools, children are learning all kinds of things. They know more about sex, violence, money and image than the most sophisticated adult, but they understand very little about their own power and ability. In the statement above Nelson Mandela challenges all of us to embrace what life offers without fading from its possibilities. It's a great challenge and our greatest purpose as educators, parents and friends. |
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