Happy Birthday, Nelson!

No, it's not Nelson Mandela's birthday today but on 18th July he will turn 92. The ONE organization is asking peple around the world to honour him on his birthday and thank him for nearly a century of life-changing work by adding their (our) photo to a giant birthday card. I think that's a brilliant idea and the great old man will like it!

When Mandela was born, his father named him Rolihlahla, an Xhosa word affectionately meaning "troublemaker". While the world would later come to know this boy as Nelson—the English name given by his teacher on his first day of school—Mandela has spent a lifetime stirring up an inspiring dose of trouble.

From an early age, Mandela acted boldly for those in need. He battled against apartheid, spending almost 27 years in prison to stand up for what he knew was right. He fought to make sure that every South African was given the honour of a vote, leading the country to its first free and fair election. He turned the tragedy of family death into an opportunity to educate his country about HIV/AIDS. He rallied on behalf of the hungry. He lobbied for equal education. He called for the world to come together and free those trapped in the prison of poverty. He challenged our generation to lead with action, not just words.

He's shown the world what a difference just one troublemaker can make.
Nelson Mandela has devoted his life to serving his community, fighting for his country and speaking out on behalf of the poor. Let's wish him happy birthday and show him our thanks.

Add your photo to the card by clicking on the link below:

http://www.one.org/international/actnow/mandela/?id=1777-2538601-Q6P_5ax&t=5

As Nelson Mandela said on the eve of his presidential election, "I stand before you humbled by your courage, with a heart full of love." Now it's our turn to stand before him and do the same.

[From ONE.org]