by Rev Chuck Currie
This day we give thanks for the life of Nelson Mandela.
He led a nation on a long walk to freedom.
He fought for reconciliation and not retribution.
He argued for peace in place of war.
Lord, we give you thanks for Madiba.
When other surrendered to darkness he kept faith with the promise of tomorrow.
He envisioned a path to “heal the wounds of the past… ”
…with the intent of constructing a new order based on justice for all.”
His work inspired the world.
Lord, we give you thanks for Madiba.
In his time, the powers and the principalities reviled Jesus.
The leaders of great nations in our time called Mandela a terrorist and a communist.
Powerful interests stood up for white supremacy during the Apartheid era.
Mandela stood up for the least of these.
Lord, we give you thanks for Madiba.
Death is not the final victory.
Nothing can silence the voice of Nelson Mandela – not Robben Island, not death.
His words are eternal.
His voice will echo throughout time.
Lord, we give you thanks for Madiba.
Let us have an ounce of his courage.
Let us have an ounce of his faith.
Comfort those in South Africa and across the world who mourn.
Let the work of Nelson Mandela continue in us.
Lord, we give you thanks for Madiba.
Amen.
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