Nelson Mandela

The Light Within

Nelson Mandela’s life captured so magnificently in his autobiography; “Long March To Freedom” has served as a tremendous source of inspiration to many prisoners.
That he was a convicted “terrorist” who served 27 years in prison for his “crimes” and who became one of the great moral leaders of the world—fills prisoners with hope.
His transformational words, his ability to forgive and his enduring love for humanity inspires these qualities in us all.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that
we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness
that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be
brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about
shrinking so that other people wont feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.”

—Nelson Mandela