Overcoming Hatred

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of their skin.  People learn to hate. They can be taught to love; for love comes more naturally to the human heart." Nelson Mandela

I love the above quote which comes at the end of the movie about Nelson Mandela.  The movie is interesting -- it shows a fully human man, but one who grew more compassionate out of his severe difficulties.  Most of us will not face the severe difficulties Mandela faced, but each of us has the choice in every situation to allow that situation to make us more compassionate -- or more bitter.  Bitterness and hatred hurt - most of all - the vessel who carries them; so, if for no other reason, it behooves us to let our life experiences teach us compassion.  Compassion toward ourselves and others.  I am reminded of seeing my fair-skinned granddaughter, just one year old at the time, regaling people in line at the airport in her play with a very dark-skinned little boy from Africa.  It was a joy to watch, and an inspiration for us all.  We are born to love one another.  We can unlearn hatred and intolerance -- and replace those with love and compassion.  That is the path to freedom.