My Thoughts

A couple in my ward returned from their mission in Africa. Sister Curtis mentioned the good Nelson Mandela has done for South Africa and rest of Africa. Although apartheid is still alive; Nelson Mandela has done much for uniting Africa.  In Saturday's Salt Lake Tribune, The Associated Press quoted Learoto Moloi, which echoed what Sister Curtis said in church,  "For many years now, South Africans have got along with one another largely peacefully without Mr. Mandela having been active in the political sphere. In fact, Mr. Mandela's passing may be cause for many to reflect on the remarkably peaceful and swift racial integration of many parts of society, including schools, suburbs, universities, and workplaces." Moloi also said "Mr. Mandela will be viewed by many as having played a pivotal role in creating such a society." I like the words Bishop Desmond that were quoted earlier in the same article "The sun will rise tomorrow and the next day and the next. It may not appear as bright as yesterday, but life will carry on."
I was a full-time student at the University of Utah when Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Some of the students protested South Africa's apartheid by constructing shanties on a piece of lawn between the Union and Orson Spencer Hall that faced the Marriott Library. The intent of the shanties was to leave them there until apartheid ended or Mr. Mandela was released, but the shanties were long gone before Mr. Mandela was released. The students may have also been protesting the support that American companies were investing in the South African government. Even though the mission of the student protest may not have been realized, it is a reminder of the global influence that Nelson Mandela had. I hope that Mr. Mandela's work will continue, not just in Africa, but here on American continents and the world. Racial, ethnic and gender inequality anywhere is unethical. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;" Doctrine and Covenants 18:10