Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished. ~ Nelson Mandela

These are the quotes chosen for today in honor of Nelson Mandela....


Morning with Nelson Mandela week : I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying. ~ Nelson Mandela


Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished. ~ Nelson Mandela

What is goodness anyway? Who is to judge what is good or bad and at what point does something or someone become good or bad? Who draws that line? Aren't we all capable of both intertwined with our daily struggles and contradictions as we seek to be true to ourselves? Is it not our individual discernment guided by our conscience or what we've learned or gathered through life's experience ? Do we really fit under one category. An Italian old priest Padre Ferme once said "Our soul is like brass, we need to polish it daily to see Christ's reflection in it" I may have been 17 years old when I first heard that but never ever forgot it and have shared it throughout my life many times.

The meaning of Guru is bringing one from darkness to light...enlightenment. Padre Ferme was one of the many Guru's in my life.

I have found though, " Those whose light shines brightly among others, because of their reflection of God's love can make others see brightly their own fault like any light and they may in turn want to diminish it....
It cannot be done...this light that shines brightly out to others, comes from within...sometimes achieved through trials and tribulations...or sacrifice ...Its a gift as light and love is from God....However you as an individual or congregation see God...as energy maybe, truth, simply one's conscience, a true devotion, service to others or a religion you find solace in... " People like Michael Jackson, Nelson Mandela and many other often misunderstood yet never allowing their light to be extinguished....

I've always been a free spirit...seeking light...my heart always sought to see the good in all mankind, everyone. It was especially a joy to see a sparkle in a soul that no one else could see, the lost cause type of person, the underdog...yet the glimpse of goodness could be so clear ....I think that was a gift from a higher place, and it always brought a silent secret smile to my face. Camilla