Where I Was Twenty Years Ago…

12-14pm

Twenty years ago we were living in our current home. Stacey was 6. David was 3.  We stood amazed at the peace and order that surrounded the elections of 1994. We appreciated the graciousness of Nelson Mandela after he became president.  Life under Madiba’s presidency felt safe. The stability of the last 20 years in South Africa is largely due to the solid democratic foundation he laid, and in general continued by Thabo Mbeki during his 9 years of presidency. What happened next pretty much sent a crack through that foundation. I am sure there was corruption under all the previous South African governments. Perhaps the media bringing to light the massive corruption of today is want to leave me with a sense of despair. If the leader is corrupt, how can it be expected for anyone under him to not be?

Corruption is not new. It is as old as the Bible. Look at what  Peter says in the New Testament

2 Peter 2:19

“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved”.

How appropriate is that in South Africa today?  But it’s not only this country. Wherever you go on earth, you will find dishonesty, greed and pride. It’s human nature. You will find violence and corruption the world over.  Living in Cape Town makes a difference. I’m proud of this city because it is the most beautiful in the world. Both rich and poor alike can admire the majesty of the mountains, the wonder of the nearby bays and oceans. Together we  don’t have to go far to see the beauty of the forests, the changing vista of vineyards and the wide open spaces of the nature reserves. Beaches abound, free for all, river walks, country towns, picnic spots and mountain tracks. We Capetonians have a world in one province. I may not approve of how this country is being run, but who could ever want to leave a city encased in such beauty? Yes, the last twenty years have sped by and a the end of them, I can say that we are grateful to God for 2 decades of blessing and stability. I’m really only free because of the One who has set me free.

I open FB and Trish has posted a picture from Milnerton Lagoon…

I rest my case!

It’s taken me 20 years, but I’ve finally started reading Long Walk To Freedom. Up to page 97, I still have some way to go (it’s 751 pages), but it’s been such fascinating insight into Nelson Mandela’s mind. It’s very readable….

…and very appropriate considering the day!

God bless you loads and may you find true freedom in a relationship with Him.

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

Gratitude – another picture from Facebook…

God Frees You                                             Satan Traps You