Invictus

Latin, meaning: 1. unconquered, undefeated.

Today, Julie and I went to see Invictus, the movie that tells the story of the South African Rugby Team’s victory in the 1995 World Cup.   Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, it was simply outstanding.  Having had the privilege of visiting South Africa in 2005, I was taken back to the streets of Johannesburg, the dusty roads of the outlying townships and beauty of the countryside.  I was also reminded of the power of forgiveness, the need for reconciliation and the truly remarkable events that unfolded following the release of Nelson Mandela from prison and his election as President of South Africa.   I also became intrigued by this strange, but exciting game of rugby.

Mandela discovers early the role that rugby could play a significant role in uniting the country.  South Africa’s National Rugby Team, the Springboks, are scheduled to compete in the 1995 World Cup.  They are in the eyes of most people a dismal failure with no chance of winning.  In many ways they are South Africa reentering the world stage seen by many has having little chance of success.  But Mandela sees things differently.  He convinces the team that the fate of South Africa is intricately tied to the fate of the Boks. He shares with the captain, Francois Pienaar, the poem, Invictus,  by William Ernest Henley.  This poem was significant for Mandela.  He recited every day of the twenty-eight years he was in prison on Robbin Island.  It goes like this,  

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

That poem strengthened his resolve and sustained him throughout his years of imprisonment.  It also continued to guide him as he struggled to lead his country to places few thought they could go and in directions many did not want to go.  This poem became the inspiration for the team, so much so that they won the World Cup. In many ways, it has been the inspiration for the nation of South Africa, while being far from perfect, has reentered the world stage. 

While there is no over religious significance of the poem (Henley was an agnostic), it does encourage each of us to see ourselves as powerful and able to conquer any foe, win any battle, defeat any enemy, and never give the fight.   And most importantly, we have the power to forgive, to move on, the get up and get over.  We have the power to transform the future by letting go of the past, claiming the present as a new day and a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. 

In that sense, we are the masters of our fate and the captains of our souls.  No matter what comes our way, we possess the power to choose the way of reconciliation and pursue the path of peace.   In doing so, we will not be defeated.