According to reports, 70 percent of the U.S. is either covered with snow, or affected by recent winter storms. This has led to cancelled flights, school closings, and several highway accidents. Indeed, Mother Nature has put a wrench into many a Christmas plan.
So with plans in a holding pattern, early December becomes a time of reflection. The world's attention is focused on Mandela memorials, people are criticizing Carrie Underwood's acting, and pajama-clad shoppers are lighting up online stores. The storms of December will provide a backdrop for the season of Advent as we usher in a new year of hope.
Mandela's death reminds us of the importance of hope and its driving force of our being. But does Mandela deserve the glorification? Was he a terrorist in his early years? No doubt when he was released from prison he became a great man, an embodiment of peace and forgiveness. But why did he refuse to renounce terrorism for 27 years when renouncing would have led to his release? What about his wife, who reportedly engaged in "necklacing," murdering by placing a tire around a person's neck and lighting it on fire? Certainly, Mandela was a complicated man, a man who stubbornly stood by principal before profoundly giving his heart for his country's, and now, in death, the world's reconciliation. But his death makes me ponder the life of Martin Luther King Jr. King was a man who abhorred violence and terrorism. He fought fire his entire life with a peaceful, non-violent response. He preached love and understanding. His message wasn't complicated. Perhaps we were drawn to Mandela because of his friendly demeanor, because of his bright smile. Out of prison, he made us feel good. King made us reflective, he made us face our sins. How many world leaders came to King's funeral?
It's been said that everything in the Bible is true, and some of it actually happened. This is the season of hope, this is the time to put the brightest spin on Mandela's death. With climate change apparently on hold in the U.S., maybe the recent snow storms gives us an opportunity to access our past, and look forward to a peaceful future.
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