Yesterday, I had the chance to see the wonderful new film "Invictus"
with Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.

The film chronicles Nelson Mandela's release after 30 years in prison, his election as South Africa's president and passionate efforts to unite black and whites in the radically changed country. It tells the story of how Mandela made forgiveness and reconciliation a part of his public policy. It also told the amazing story of how Mandela encouraged the Springboks, South Africa's Rugby team, to win the World Cup in 1995 --a triumph he was sure would create healing among his people.

"Invictus" is the name of a poem by William Ernest Henley (1849 - 1903) that helped Mandela withstand three decades of imprisonment.

Most of us who read this post are not in prison. Likely we never have been and never will be. But we live with movement disorders that may at times make our lives feel terribly restricted and lonely.

I hope this poem helps provide you with strength for your journey and appreciation of the fact that even in the midst of adversity, you have have "an unconquerable soul."


Invictus
by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


Blessings,

Lindsay