Honey have you Stirred!

In my family and surrounds, I am often referred to as a "Sugar Honey Ice Tea" stirrer as I often tend to raise topics or conversation, in a manner that draws people into a debate and results in a conversation or argument in which the tension and sensitivity is relieved.  However, it is my intention to raise debate and in general to lighten the mood or the atmosphere which may be stifled or difficult at the time.  I try to poke fun at myself as well, in a way that others too are not too embarrassed to laugh, but do not have to do so at someone else expense.  Sometimes,  I admit that I go a little far and may leave a frown on my family's faces, but I think that much of what we hear and see in life today  needs to be "humoured down" a little and taken with the proverbial 'pinch of salt'.  The world has borne testimony in the last week of sad reactions to comics and cartoons and the media has been under attack for the way religions and the like are depicted.  But having fun with family, is a far cry from the serious and stupid comments made by one of our politicians in South Africa today, relating to land grabs and property occupations.  How can one accept that these comments are aimed at drawing debate and invoking positive responses in a way that something may be learnt and mistakes not repeated.  People with influence, should really use their opportunities to make points, which although sensitive at times, may bring about further improvement or change.  But making ridiculous and inciteful comments has no place in our country.  We are a nation with a past, but certainly historical events, like World Cup 1995, the Bafana African Cup of Nations win, gold medals at the Olympics and the celebrated life of Madiba, have shown that when this country is determined to change and stands together, then no amount of history, will stand in its path to success.  Many South Africans are in love with this land, from its beauty, weather, resources and especially it's people, so why do we have to tolerate insane ramblings from so-called leaders.  A leader is one who can stand up for a cause and his people, but who in doing so, takes into account the effect on others and humbles himself, to accept and embrace the glory of joint success and fruitfulness.  A leader does not seek to divide and destroy, but rather stands in the gap, for those who do not always have a voice.  Therefore those in leadership have additional responsibility to lead with integrity, trust and servanthood.  I hope that we can build a strong generation of men and woman who have the total success of this nation at heart, so that we can continue our path in this unbelievable place we call home.