I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.

INVICTUS




My husband and I recently rented the movie "Invictus". When I saw the previews for this movie, I knew that I wanted to see it. I am fascinated with all things involved in the movie...the history of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and rugby. This movie did not disappoint me.

Along with the themes in the movie, I loved the acting. Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon are top-notch! I couldn't even begin to imagine the time that they put into learning their character's accents. Freeman also had to learn Nelson Mandela's movements and body language. Matt Damon had to master the same for a rugby player.

One thing that stood out to me was the role of the President of a nation; a nation like the United States or a nation like South Africa, which at the time was undergoing a major shift and dealing with thick racial tension. It made me think about why a man or woman would want to take on the responsibility of running a nation. I know that there are selfish motives like changing the country to be what they would like for it to be. But on the other hand, they do have to think of the greater good. With that amount of weight on their shoulders, I don't know how they sleep at night.

I have a difficult time understanding why people don't like other people because of the color of their skin. God created us to be so much more than this shell of a body that will rot in the ground. We all have a destiny. That being said, I felt so uncomfortable during the movie just watching the racial tension. The freedom that the majority of the South Africans felt after Mandela became president was probably like a fresh, clean breeze on a hot, sticky day. Well needed and beautiful.

I don't truly believe in the last line of the poem, "Invictus". I am not the only one that controls my fate and that is the captain of my soul. I serve a greater Master. In light of the movie and in light of all that Nelson Mandela went through, this poem served its role and purpose in Mandela's life and political career.

It was very appropriate for us to watch it now, with the World Cup final being played TODAY in South Africa. I know that the movie is about rugby, not soccer. But both are sports that are loved around the world and that can unite a nation...even if it's just for one moment.