Man of the Century

As 1999 rolled to an end, there was lots of discussion between my friends as to whom the man of the century ought to be.  Whom was so important to the century that history would have been changed were it not for this man (or woman!).

Some thought Margaret Thatcher, England's prime minister during a very troubled time.
Strong support was shown for Ronald Reagan was voiced by many (and he DID what?).
Sports figures and movie stars all made the list as well (vacuous culture we live in!).

And there was the quiet voice of Kris, opinioning that Winston Churchill may well have embodied the man of the century.  No one agreed.  Ronald Reagan won that one!  Gees!

But I have continued for 15 years to ferret this out.  Whom had a positive impact on culture and society in the 20th century?  I may have an answer now: Nelson Mandela.

Make no mistake, this man is not a favorite of mine!  But, as I wrote several years ago (<- click hyperlink to read the post), he under went a massive change in his heart and became a leader worthy of following.  Jointly with Le Klerk, a white man whom hated him beyond compare, they worked to unite and heal South Africa.

No, Mandela did not change the world, nor impact it.  But he did change the fortunes of a country and was able to stave off a civil war which would have decimated Africa.  Through wisdom of God, he implemented a system of tribunals to document the apartheid crimes and murders, try those whom were guilty and seek healing.  It was all televised, no one need have asked if there was a conspiracy or if something was going on under the table.  It was out in the open for all to see ... and to take part in the healing of a nation.  And more importantly, it was all voluntary - they really wanted to get their crimes off their chests!  Judgements were not innocent or guilty, none were hauled to prison, it was a time of apology and forgiveness between the killers and the families they destroyed.  Not a dry eye in the house!

Winston Churchill is still my vote on the world stage.
But, Nelson Mandela had a greater impact on a nation.