The United Nations has proclaimed today, his 95^th birthday, Nelson Mandela’s day. I know, there will be tons of tributes, speeches, accolades and trombones, marches and volunteer work… I have read it all today, seen many pictures floating but many are lacking and forgetting one of, if not the most important factor of all, forgive me, his resolve. Yes, resolve.

A friend of mine posted a video o President Obama’s speech at the University of Cape Town and he asked his daughter on the post, to pay attention to 12:15 – 12:23 minutes. It caught my attention; so, I did but I wonder how many did.

I paid attention to one particular sentence in the middle of the little speech minute section, “You showed us how bitter adversaries can reconcile…”. Yes, bitterness, adversaries, reconciliation, pardon…

How many of us can say that we have the resolve, are tenacious enough, set aside all of our differences and take one for the team regardless how it cuts to your core value and soul, and unite the team? I mean, how many of us have forgiveness as a word on speed dial?

Yes, it takes a village to raise a child but it also takes a village of emotions to let go of our bitterness and embrace our enemy or adversary, those who have wronged us but not all of us can. Some can but most can even forgive what was said to us a few seconds ago lest 27 years and in prison.

It cuts to the core of a bucket of shuffled emotions; it takes a special kind of person, a person with a resolve, a bigger man. Mandela was that person, a bigger man. There are a few of them out there you know and you hear theirs stories every-now-and-then but no one like Mandela. He was the head master in charge.

So today while giving your propos, writing your tributes to Mr. Mandela, take time and do what he did, forgive those who have wronged you in any way. Be that bigger person and exercise your resolve. Trust me, it only takes one hand.

Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela!