forgiveness.

(nelson mandela's prison cell #7)

from 1961-1994 robben island was used to detain political prisoners during apartheid in south africa.

christina and i toured the island, hearing stories of grave injustice from the mouth of one of the prisoners himself.

but at the end of his presentation, he spoke of something vastly different from the tales of suffering and discrimination he experienced.

he spoke of forgiveness. and it was forgiveness with substance.

he now lives on the island out of choice to show that he isn't angry anymore.

i learned that day that forgiveness is more powerful than evil.

more powerful than discrimination.

more powerful than hate.

more powerful than division.

if only more people had the courage of that prisoner.

“If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.”

-Nelson Mandela