I’m Divorced: I’m Only Saying This Once , There Are No Re-Do’s 😉

I’ve been divorced for 9 months.

Most of you are shocked to read those words. But they are true no matter how many times you re-read them.

This message has been sitting as a draft on my phone for six months. I wasn’t ready to share this at that time. I thought I could three months ago, but I still wasn’t ready. I made the decision that I would share in December. Symbolic for many reasons. Year-end, holiday cheer, families together, and because I hoped that this December would feel and be better than last year.

So today I share the life-altering news with all of you—family, friends, associates, students, and strangers.

No, I will not share details.

I didn’t share intimate details of our courtship, engagement, wedding, and married life. I didn’t even rush to let people know I was dating, engaged, or married. That’s because I value and wanted privacy. I wanted to protect my man, my life, and what we had together. I didn’t want a bunch of folks all in our “mix” because I know that there are twice as many people hating on you than loving you. So I did my best to protect one of the most valuable relationships I had second to my relationship with God.

You got a highlight reel of my life. So guess what?

I won’t be sharing details about how we got to this point. Because plain and simply, it’s my life, and I value and want privacy.

No, I won’t feed your need to gossip at my expense. Even though some of you will most likely materialize your own content to feed upon. *smile*

We do like “tea” don’t we?

You can ponder and speculate but the end result will remain the same…

What once was is no longer.

I’m only making this statement because I’m frequently receiving emails and comments on my websites, messages through social media, and being approached in public by people who joyfully praise me, him, and us. People make comments about “#MarriageGoals” and I slightly cringe because they haven’t a clue.

Countless times this year I’ve spoken with people who have expressed a level of pride from looking at my marriage, the image that was publicly portrayed and lived, and seeing us over the years at various events. I’ve had people contact me to let me know that they pray for our marriage and the work that we do in the community. I couldn’t bring myself to tell these strangers, “thanks but he’s my ex husband now”. So I always find discreet ways to thank them for their kind and loving words and prayers, and then I leave the rest alone.

I’ve discreetly removed myself from so much but clearly it hasn’t been enough. My absence hasn’t made clear my current status, it’s only made me less visible. People assume they don’t see me somewhere because I’m busy.

There’s so much content of us online that all online searches express and imply the same “message”–that we’re still this visionary powerhouse couple. When the truth is, we used to be but now we are merely two visionary, powerhouse individuals focused on our own separate missions. We are on separate paths. We are no longer a couple. There is no “we”. We can’t erase or rewrite our past, and why would we? It was ours and we lived it boldly and I have no regrets. At the same time we must move forward to what is now the present.

I will not clarify what is most clear. The first sentence of this post can’t get any clearer.

Many who know us personally, professionally, or indirectly through our very public work are or will be shocked by this admission. But just as everything else in life, this too you will get over, get past, and it will soon become a distant memory that resurfaces in random moments and even more random online searches.

But your life will go on, move forward, unscathed, uninterrupted, unbothered—and for those and other more important reasons, I ask that you refrain from further inquiry. There’s no need to dig for what is already at surface level.

If you know me and didn’t already know this big shocker then you should be able to answer your own question as to why you didn’t know my reality months ago.

No offense. I’m good. Really I am. I’m strong. I’ve “got this”—well, God has this and I’m rolling with Him.

Thank you. I love you.

All I want and need right now is peace and the clear space to hear and act on what God is calling me to move forward on. I want to be free to embrace the opportunities that come my way. God has huge things planned for me and I can’t waste His time or mine, because He’s not giving me forever to get these things accomplished.

Please respect me, respect my former husband, respect what once was, and respect what God has planned for our individual and separate futures. Our union is no longer. A seven-year history has ended. Lessons learned, experiences shared, milestones reached, and excellence attained. We built some amazing ideas into real masterpieces.

I’m honored to have served in many roles through Operation HOPE. I’m proud of the work I accomplished, the tireless commitment and sacrifice to seeing an idea become a reality with HOPE Business In A Box, my 7 years as a HOPE Corp volunteer sharing Banking on Our Future with students all over, and my life will forever be changed by the lives that I encountered and embraced over 7 amazing years. Being away from both programs, away from the students and the pitch competitions feels awkward, abnormal, and like a huge void. But I will just have to find a new “home” to connect with, serve, and share my gifts.

I’m glad that my advice and suggestions have led to the start of other programs, technologies, organizational practices, social groups, and organizations over the past few years. No one and nothing can change that. It was, it is, and it forever will be a part of my legacy and the legacy of this great organization and those affiliates that have launched in the past two years. May they all thrive and be successful. I’ve done what I was supposed to and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

If you’re a supporter of the work then increase your level of support, there’s a global mission to fulfill. If you’re not a supporter then consider being one. Support their efforts—or support another organization’s efforts, just do something. Don’t just be a spectator, be a positive change agent.

My job there is done. Sooner than I thought. I wanted to do so much more. But that’s an “oh well”. The season is over and it’s time to move forward.

Now it’s time to end one chapter and begin a new one. Well I’ve already started on my new chapter, I’m just telling you so that you can catch up (*smile*). You can’t keep holding on to the page of this book trying to re-read the sentences, and I won’t entertain you as you attempt to stall. The story doesn’t just pause or remain in your fragmented happy-limbo state simply because you don’t move forward. It’s time to turn the page….

As the saying goes, “people are in your life for a reason, a season, and a lifetime” and the latter just wasn’t in the cards for us. The “reason” for me was and is clear—to see and feel the possibility of giving, sharing, supporting, and believing in someone else as much and in many ways more than myself. I supported the man and his mission while focused on my own. I made it “look easy” (as some have said) because it wasn’t “work” in my mind, for me I was doing my part as a partner, I was doing what it took to help a man fulfill his mission.

Was I perfect and flawless? Heck no. I’m imperfect and have numerous flaws. I did the best I could with the resources that I had. Could’ve done more. Could’ve said more. But coulda, shoulda, woulda doesn’t matter.

For seven years I loved and sacrificed for a man, and I have absolutely no regrets. I was blessed to love so deeply and for as long as I did. If I couldn’t say that, then I would have to question a great deal about myself and my relationship. I put my trust in God and He never fails me. My hurt and disappointment will be temporary because what I have with God is eternal. I keep my eyes, ears, and heart tuned into His station.

For me, my marriage was the commitment to be selfless and to dive in with both feet, dedicated to fulfilling my vows in all ways. I’ve grown tremendously, learned a great deal, and seen (and felt) the joy of giving myself to another while pushing and praying for that person so that they might reach every goal and overcome every obstacle. I did all that I could to protect him, the organization, and the mission.

Marriage is a wonderful union and commitment. I will always honor what it means to be married and to be a wife—both in the spiritual and literal sense.

My ex-husband taught me a lot about life, business, entrepreneurship, perseverance, overcoming adversity, facing fears, the value of building relationships not just networking, having the courage to try anything at least once and to ask for what you want in business—as he always says, “you walked in with a “no” it’s your goal to turn that “no” to a “yes”, if you don’t then it doesn’t matter, you had “no” coming in….”. Those are wise words that I recite when I need a pep talk.

I will take some of the lessons that I learned from observing, listening, and being guided by him, and I will build upon them as I climb to goals yet achieved. I will reattempt things that I failed at, like scuba diving (my deep sea experience was too much for a beginner) and getting back on a scooter (after falling and getting second degree burns from the motor—two weeks before our wedding).

I’m focused on being a better person, servant, woman, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, educator, and entrepreneur. I’m focused on preparing myself as a mother and maybe one day, even a wife again—well, the latter isn’t my focus, but as the saying goes, “never say never” and since I’ve been wrong about my “never’s” before, I will let God guide me.

Let me stop you now—no, I’m not in a relationship. I’m taking this time to focus on healing, praying, and getting stronger spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It would be unfair of me to subject a new person to my post-divorce life. I still have “muscle memory” of living with and sharing life with one man for seven years. I can’t just abruptly jump into a new relationship as though I’m healed, good, and ready to move into something with a new person. That would mean that I didn’t value my marriage and my role in it. That would mean that I had and have no feelings for him and for what we shared and built together. That would be a lie.

It would be cruel and disrespectful to subject someone to that space in my life, when I need to be open and free to give myself without reservations. I’ve grown accustomed to a routine with one person for seven years. That’s not easy to unwind and realign. I’m in no rush.

I need to feel and experience all that God needs me to realize, so that I can embrace, learn, and grow into the well-rounded woman He needs me to be. I can’t be the woman that a new man needs if I’m still wired to what my last man needed. And a new man shouldn’t be compared and contrasted to my last one. I need time and space for a clean slate—or as clean as can be expected.

I’ve spent this year working on me and learning what I want and don’t want, and what I need and don’t need in both my personal and professional lives. I have to work through and push past some fears and doubts. I have to walk the walk as it relates to my faith in God. If I say I know He has me, then I have to walk with my head up and eyes focused with the confidence in knowing that God has already taken care of my needs—He’s just waiting on me to catch up.

All that I want for Christmas is to be surrounded by my family and the peace that comes from knowing “all will be well because I walk with the Lord”. I asked my family for onesie pajamas and a $40 Atari classic game set. I’ve never been about the big, pricey gifts. I’m sentimental, so what is “small” to you is huge to me.

Some of you may be shocked to read this. Shouldn’t I be bitter and enraged? No, not at all. God is constantly blessing me and how ungrateful would I be to wallow in anger and misery when He has blessed me even through this transition. I’m saddened to see a relationship that I valued greatly come to an end—I planned to grow old with this man, and die loving and committed to him— but I know that God has other plans and He has never left or forsaken me. I’m not being punished. I’m being molded, strengthened, focused, and prepared by God. I accept what has happened because I know that if God intended for it to be it would still be.

So although I’m no longer married I am not broken. I am not alone or lonely. God has me in His Hands. I’m surrounded by family and my true friends. My cup runneth over. That brings me absolute joy!

It’s difficult to balance a private-public life and I’ve done a pretty good job with it for several years. I yearn to continue maintaining a semblance of privacy as I look forward on the path God has placed before me. It’s already difficult to remain focused with life’s distractions, I don’t need anything extra coming my way through rumors, declarations, or inquiries. Of course you will see my highlight reels, but the full and complete story of my life is reserved exclusively for me.

Just consider if you were me–try walking in my shoes for a moment and consider how you would want to be treated, and then please try your best to walk, act, and speak accordingly.

Please don’t attempt to be a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys new-age sleuth intrigued by missing puzzle pieces. Don’t waste your time trying to figure out the how, who, when, why, and where. You won’t have time to focus on your own life. Just let us move on with dignity. Please.

Thank you to those of you who have prayed with and for me, been supportive, a shoulder and a sounding board, wiping my tears and holding my hand, and never wavering a moment as my truest of friends. Thank you for never altering your relationship with me, but remaining the same as you have always been. Solid and true to your word. I love, value, and respect you.

Now let’s all get up, get out, and do what God has called us to do!

May He bless each of us abundantly and I pray that we are prepared and ready to embrace those blessings. May your year end better than it started, and may your New Year be better than this year. I know mine will be!

Warmest wishes and deepest respect,

Natasha

Copyright 2017. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.

Memorial in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Postponed

Due to the threat of hurricane Irene fast-approaching the memorial dedication in honor of the late, great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr has been postponed until maybe September or October according to the Los Angeles Times.

Read more here: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial dedication postponed – latimes.com.

Men Can Soon Experience Motherhood in a Unique Way

Ladies, wouldn’t it be nice to share every aspect of your pregnancy experience with your husband/boyfriend? Men, aren’t you interested in connecting with the mother of your child on a unique level where you can feel the discomfort, weight gain, imbalance,  joint pressure, fetal kicks, etc? Now it’s possible with Takayuki Kosaka’s “Mommy Tummy” pregnancy suit. Yes, you read that right.

The suit was designed at the Kanagawa Institute of Technology (KAIT) in Atsugi, Japan, and some says it resembles a bullet proof vest or the heavy vest that is used when you have dental X-rays.  It even has a bladder in the belly that fills up with water, simulating the growth and average weight of Japanese babies. Similar pockets in the chest expand to simulate breasts filling with milk, and yes, there is simulated technology in the stomach that produce the feeling of a kicking baby (which can be calmed by gently rubbing the stomach).

This is definitely an advancement in technology from earlier models by other designers who merely replicated the increasing weight gain mothers undergo. This suit goes for the gusto, and they hope to eventually create a remote device that will allow men to feel the baby kick at the same time mommy does. Isn’t that a cool concept?

Now all they need is to develop a way to share with men the feelings of nausea, those crazy cravings like sardines and peanut butter, starch and chalk, and what’s a pregnancy suit without experiencing the big one…labor?!? To seal the deal, if men can begin to empathize with pregnant women and the ups and downs of carrying one or more babies at one time in a compact space that keeps stretching until it feels like there’s no more room to grow, then those nine months probably wouldn’t feel as bad…probably!

Check out the full story and see pictures of the “Mommy Tummy” for yourself:  http://www.livescience.com/15526-mommy-suit-pregnancy-siggraph-2011.html

 

Copyright 2011. Natasha L. Foreman. Paradigm Life.

 

 

 

Dr. Boyce Watkins Wonders Why Black Women Excluded From Civil Rights Discussions

http://blacknews2.wordpress.com/2011/07/22/note-to-the-obama-administration-women-are-civil-rights-leaders-too/#more-1157

A Focus on Dignity and Non-Violence at Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy

By Natasha L. Foreman, MBA

On April 15th I was honored to lead a Dignity Day session as a HOPE Corp Volunteer through Operation HOPE (HOPE) at the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy (CSKYWLA) in Atlanta.

What is amazing is how the majority of this class of ninth graders were initially completely turned off to the idea of having to listen to yet another speaker that day as they were just returning to their classroom from an assembly that focused on the theme of 100 days of Non-Violence…so they were shifty and closed off. But about 15 minutes into our conversation some of the girls who had crossed arms were soon raising their hands and answering questions.

I started off by talking about the concept of legacy and that that day we were laying the foundation and road map for them to create and eventually leave behind a strong, dignified legacy. I had them define the term legacy in their own words and then share some of their dreams, goals and aspirations. Then as our conversation deepened I shared with them the history of how HOPE was founded, the services and programs that HOPE offers, and I started to weave a story where life included them and their legacy.

I think helping them share the names of empowered and dignified women they see in their family, community, and elsewhere who had similar or worse lives growing up helped them to see that they too could be those same type of women- that they are these women but in-training and with the potential to do more and help more in the long run because they are being equipped with the tools at a young age; and our adversity isn’t an excuse to let life pass us by or a crutch to coast through life doing and expecting the bare minimum, but a reason and motivation to excel and succeed.

These young ladies were shocked to hear that the civil rights movement as it pertained to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and Ambassador Andrew Young was sparked, motivated, and pushed along due to their wives Coretta Scott King and Jean Childs Young- two women who endured and overcame adversity and strife. Hearing this information made many of these girls sit up straight in their chairs and listen intently.

                        

When I spoke about not holding grudges, and that forgiving people is not to benefit the person they were forgiving but to help themselves heal, grow, and overcome- some girls shifted in their seats their seats, a few others rolled their eyes in disbelief; but then when I mentioned Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Iyanla Vandzant and their ability to forgive their abusers and using strife as a launching pad towards success- some of the girls started naming other people like Fantasia and Tyler Perry who was sexually and physically abused and how he also overcame and pushed himself to success.

We discussed the concept of family and that it isn’t just our immediate family we need to be concerned about but our neighborhoods, cities, state, our country, and our global family. Because I know that girls can be equally as cutthroat as boys, I made sure that we had a heart-to-heart chat about trash-talking and “clowning” people and how although initially it can be lighthearted and funny, it can also be crippling and tear apart our “extended” family.

We discussed being relevant not only in this country but globally, and that true wealth (spiritual, financial, etc) can only be maintained long term by leading a dignified life, not by living up to the negative stereotypes that are projected globally about Black females. We discussed self-empowerment and not waiting on the government or specific programs to help us, that we have to help ourselves. That we shouldn’t be waiting for someone else to pick up trash on our sidewalks- we should pick it up ourselves.

We shouldn’t be waiting for someone else to cover the graffiti on our walls and buildings- we should paint over it ourselves; we shouldn’t wait for someone else to beautify our streets and parks with trees and flowers- we should plant them ourselves. I explained that they should be volunteering in their community through church or some other organization taking pride in restoring, building, maintaining, and beautifying their neighborhoods.

We had a pretty good time. We laughed and talked about boys and expectations of being respected by males and all people when you carry yourself with respect and dignity. We discussed the language of money and being financially literate, and how this literacy will empower them. It was refreshing to see that many of them have savings accounts and that two of the students had traveled abroad- one to London and the other to the Bahamas. Two young passport carriers living in an underserved and underrepresented area of Atlanta- doesn’t that give you hope? It gives me hope and encourages me to continue my work in the community, and my work through Operation HOPE.

I hope more men and women find it in their hearts to invest one hour of their time at least once per month to volunteer in a church, in a class room, or in a youth center through Operation HOPE. One person can make a difference!

Copyright 2011. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
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>Day 11…Still Going

>I forgot to post yesterday…almost let today slip by because I was extremely busy working. Today was a great day; busy, hot, and seemingly long, but great. I went grocery shopping and picked up more fruit and veggies, yogurt, and a tasty salad mix (with lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, radishes, and bell peppers).

My two-a-day workouts have been going strong… once in the morning and once in the evening… even if it is late, like last night when I was up sweating and grunting at midnight!

Well I’m really tired…too tired to keep typing on here. Just wanted to share the latest, and let everyone know that I’m still doing great, hanging in there, and feeling incredible overall! I also want to remind you not to start this or any fast (or diet) without first consulting a medical professional! Please don’t rely on my results as credibility for you to risk your health and wellbeing. Have an incredible day and be a blessing to others.

Natasha

Copyright 2010. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.

>Natasha’s SWOT Analysis 9.2.10

>Two weeks ago I proposed that we all participate in creating an individual personal SWOT Analysis to look at our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in our personal lives so that we can see how to build upon our ‘pluses’ and turn our ‘minuses’ into ‘pluses’. The goal was to list 10-20 traits in each category, but if we had less than 10 or more than 20… we wouldn’t worry one second! 

Below is my SWOT, as you can clearly see in some areas I have more than 20, and in other areas I’m right at 14 or less. These traits of course are not listed in any particular order; just whatever came to mind first. The ultimate goal is to leverage all four areas to my advantage and overall growth…sooner than later.

We have to be real with ourselves. Don’t hold back and don’t sugar coat this analysis, you will only be doing yourself a disservice. Many of your traits you may initially overlook or categorize incorrectly; but rest assure that family and friends are never far off the mark with their assessments about you. Be sure (if you haven’t already done so) to share your SWOT with me, and if you want you can post as a comment or simply request that I post yours for other readers to see, and find any commonalities. Also take time to share with a few family members and friends to get their insight. It will be interesting to see what they have to say. 

Natasha’s SWOT Analysis 9.2.10     

STRENGTHS

1. Results-driven
2. Efficient
3. Realist
4. Creative
5. Go-to person (get it done type)
6. Analytical
7. Sense of humor
8. Humility
9. Work well with people
10. Great vision
11. Insight
12. Live with multi-cultural perspective 
13. Gracious
14. Huge heart
15. Considerate
16. Loving
17. Organized
18. Trustworthy
19. Trusting
20. Common sense
21. Street smart
22. Can mix and mingle in any setting 
23. Can speak to anyone on any level (communicate with business professionals, academics and the layperson)
24. Effective teacher/instructor/trainer
25. When I’m told I can’t do something I focus my energy on proving that I can
26. Degrees in Black Studies, MBA with marketing specialization, and currently pursuing my Doctorate in Organization and Management with a management education specialization, and a certificate in college teaching

WEAKNESSES

1. Can let fear stop me in my tracks
2. Issues with asking for help (don’t ask enough)
3. Impatient
4. Procrastination
5. Not comfortable ‘networking’
6. Sometimes see the glass half empty
7. Don’t know how to say “no” enough
8. Sometimes struggle with disconnecting from ‘work’ to enjoy life
9. Stubborn
10. Opinionated
11. Don’t put ‘self’ first (second to God) enough 
12. Bite my tongue when I should speak up and speak out (in my personal and professional life)
13. Don’t charge clients what I’m worth
14. Don’t value my time enough
15. Miss opportunities that could propel me to my goals faster and sooner 
16. Sometimes doubt myself
17. May compromise myself into total dissatisfaction 
18. Lower my standards too often
19. Have issues with dealing with loss (never grieve in healthy way)
20. Carry around too much stress
21. Sometimes have difficulty delegating (“might as well do it myself if I want it done right the first time”)
22. In my past, gifts and favors from men came with a constant disclaimer “I got this for you…I did this for you” so I have issues/reservations with accepting gifts and favors from men. I’d rather get/do it myself or not have it
23. Not good with saving and investing money properly (inconsistent)
24. Don’t work out on a consistent basis with the intensity required to reach and maintain my desired goals
25. Not finishing everything I start
26. Control freak
 

OPPORTUNITIES

1. Opportunity to develop and grow my companies to the level where I have several employees handling multiple client accounts with limited or no supervision from me; and operations are so efficient that I can travel for pleasure at my leisure
2. College teaching position (teaching online, distance, and traditional on-campus business classes) 
3. Increasing my patience; notice a significant difference now than two years ago (and especially five years ago)
4. Marriage and family 
5. Regular vacations lasting 7 (+) days
6. Ability to travel more globally, even for business
7. Re-build global client base
8. Live life to its fullest; enjoying all the small wonders it has to offer that I currently overlook because I’m too overwhelmed with the nuances of life.
9. Re-build my nest egg
10. Finally get one of my books finished and published
11. Purchasing several family and income properties 
12. More speaking, mentoring and tutoring opportunities    
13. Meeting prospective clients through referrals
14. Gaining additional mentors and advisors to help guide me

THREATS

1. Other companies/consultants can have competitive advantage because they don’t delay making contact and sharing their services with prospective clients
2. Miss opportunities to excel in career because of my fears
3. By not adequately and efficiently leveraging my strengths and weaknesses towards a truly successful and rewarding career (with considerable financial gains) I risk overwhelming amounts of personal debt
4. My personal hang ups prevent me from having the life I desire (marriage and family; and financial security)
5. Too much planning and not enough action will result in great ideas that never amount to anything but great ideas
6. Losing focus and never getting one of my books finished and published 

Wow now that is quite a bit to reflect on. My next post we will do exactly that and I will explain how to take your SWOT and make it work for you. Until next time have an awesome day!

Copyright 2010. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.

>The Mind is Powerful

>Two awesome quotes by the late, great Napoleon Hill:

THERE ARE NO LIMITATIONS TO THE MIND EXCEPT THOSE WE ACKNOWLEDGE.

BOTH POVERTY AND RICHES ARE THE OFFSPRING OF THOUGHT.

Our minds are extremely powerful tools, they can help or harm, build or destroy…amazing!

Natasha L. Foreman

>Operation HOPE launches metro Atlanta mortgage, credit hotlines

>I announced several days ago that Operation HOPE officially opened its doors to their regional office in Atlanta, and launched their mortgage and consumer credit hotlines last week. Today the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) posted an article on one of their blogs highlighting this momentous occasion. Read, enjoy, and then share this with everyone you know!

Copyright 2010. Natasha L. Foreman

AJC http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-bargain-hunter/2010/08/05/operation-hope-launches-metro-atlanta-mortgage-credit-hotlines/

>Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu: Poetically Highlighted

>I read an awesome article and tribute to the man more commonly known to the world as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, that I just had to share. Unless you’re an avid researcher and reader of African news and articles, then you don’t get the opportunity to read about the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful of Mother Africa and her resilient children.  

The article “Mpilo Desmond Tutu” was written by Tinyiko Sam Maluleke, a blogger, and academic from the University of South Africa-UNISA. Mr. Maluleke delivered the Annual Desmond Tutu Memorial Lecture at the University of Western Cape in 2008, and has proudly watched and followed the Archbishop as he chartered courses that many dared not venture. 

Mr. Maluleke shared some touching remarks about the Archbishop writing that, “Yet it would be wrong to portray Tutu as a latter day ‘action hero’ who single-handedly and heroically defeated the ‘forces of darkness’. The truth is that Tutu is a product of a heroic and resilient people. He is born out of the South African struggle of liberation. He is a product of the church – local and global. Without the people, the struggle and the church there would be no Desmond Tutu as we have come to know him. His story cannot be only about him as an individual. Indeed his story is the story of his immediate family, especially his wife and children.”

Maluleke continues by adding that, “…Another grievous mistake would be to pretend that Tutu is only and merely a South African. He is the definitive global citizen – who has tirelessly fought for the powerless and excluded not just in South Africa but everywhere. Name a worthy cause from anywhere in the world – Desmond Tutu has been there to support it. He was and remains the archbishop without province, without diocese and without borders. Retirement is something he has been threatening for the past fifteen years. Will he really retire this time around?…”

In my opinion, even if the Nobel Peace Prize winning Archbishop retires this October, he will continue on some level and in some realm “in the business of serving the poor, promoting justice, defending the marginalized and struggling for the restoration of human dignity to all” as Maluleke expressed beautifully. 

Copyright 2010. Natasha L. Foreman

Source:
Tinyiko Sam Maluleke. Mpilo Desmond Tutu.  http://tsmaluleke.blogspot.com/2010/07/mpilo-desmond-tutu.html