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Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandella... a talk former President gave in Edmonton I attended a service in Edmonton last Sunday wherein the pastor spoke of Nelson Mandella who was quoted by Bill Clinton on a recent talk he gave in Edmonton. He said that Mandella had always inspired him when he was a world leader. He was asked who were the two most influential people on his life. He answered that one was Menachem Begin in Israel and the other one was Neslon Mandella in South Africa. Begin was so determined to bring about peace that he even invited Yasser Arafat to the peace talks-- something completely unheard of in Israel at that time. On Mandella’s day of exit from jail after 27 years of imprisonment there were two phalanxes of prison guards on either side as he walked out towards the prison gates. In that few minutes every emotion of hatred and vengeance came to his heart. But he said to himself–unless I leave these feelings here in the prison I will be imprisoned for the rest of my life. At that very moment he felt the divine grace rush into his soul--- it was “Amazing Grace” he said. What a beautiful thought. I know that Bill Clinton left office in disgrace over an affair he had with a younger woman. But I am heartened to learn that his work as a diplomat and statesman continues. I also know that the Lord forgives and he invites us all to not allow our past to imprison us from doing good in the present and future. May God bless Bill Clinton and the work he continues to do! And may the Lord continue to raise up heroic people like Begin and Mandela! |
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I too believe that we have no right to judge others on the Christian walk. We all stand in shame before God. I am not an American but I do watch the news religiously. I have no hesitation in saying that George Bush made a monumental mistake in going into Iraq. But I still love the man. I am commanded by God to love all people including my enemies. And I wish I knew of a way for him to leave there without any more blood on his hands. I truly do-- as we all need to confess and be at one with even our enemies. Perhaps God can make some good out of Iraq yet. Who knows? Thank you "doey" for your comments! God BLess Chris
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4/8/2006 7:43 pm |
Hey Chris, People love to rally to Bill Clinton when he visits here also. He is charismatic and personable - no-one can deny that. I like the thoughts you shared from Nelson Mandela - leaving the hatred in prison. What a great way to proceed in life. Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and see how you were and how your friend's wife is doing? God bless.
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4/8/2006 11:21 am |
I would like point out that many vile and unrighteous world leaders were greeted with open arms and purse strings throughout history. Our most devoted leader however, the one that was willing to give everything He had for our salvation was spat on, beaten, mocked, had nails driven through his hands and feet, given vinegar when he asked for water, stabbed and died for our sins. Just because the court of popularity, wealth or power is seated at someones table does not make them a good or trust worthy leader. More often than not it only serves to fatten them on the rich taste of vanity, greed and ruthless ambition. I pray that Mr. Clinton is convicted in his heart of his sins both public and private and chooses a different path for his future. But I am not at this time convinced of his repentance or devotion to anyone or anything other than the almighty dollar. Thankfully its not may place to Judge him or anyone else.
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Meow33744... Thanks for your comment! I truly do appreciate feedback and greatly admire anyone who takes a different point of view. But let me say this about Clinton: Here in Canada he comes across as a very intelligent and a very well informed past President. He was in Montreal this past summer for the environmental conference and received a very warm welcome from Canadians as he supported the Kyoto Accord and pledged great support for it. Now on the other hand-- it is my view that President Bush is the most hated president ever in this country. Most Canadians completely disagree with Bush on his entrance into Iraq; on his position vis a vis softwood lumber with Canada; on his willingness for a first strike with his enemies; on his plan for missile defence in space; on his views with Iran and indeed on his lack of initiative with global warming. Many here in Canada think that both Bush and Blair should be put on trial for war crimes as the number of innocent people being killed in Iraq mounts daily. In fact- no one here can see a way out for Bush in Iraq. I personally think that he has to get out of there soon as the cost is going to be monumental both in lives and in money. The United States has always been our best friend-- and in my view it still is. Our eceonomy here is very much dependent on a strong American economy. But the American dollar at the moment is being pounded by every currency out there. Sadly-- it will take a huge amount of political apologising to Canadians by President Bush if he wants to regain our favour. Many people in British Columbia cannot understand why Bush has not honoured the Free Trade Agreement's decision on softwood lumber tariffs-- and that feeling is very strong. Here in Canada we have a minority government that could be toppled in minutes depending on its stance on a number of domestic issues-- and one in particular is our relationship with the American government. The fact that Clinton came here and was so warmly received at a $300 a plate dinner says a lot. I very much doubt that Bush would be that well received. Thanks again Meow for your most welcome comments!
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