Gandhi: A small Man Filled with Faith and Compassion

            The houses are abandoned-looking, however inside women are weaving and the men are gardening in the back yard. The streets are littered and the stench of urine is heavy in the air. When you walk through this very poor area, you get the feeling of despair, but then you hear the sound of laughter. How can children’s laughter resonate from such an ominous picture? Suddenly emerging from the crowd of children is the reason. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

I had heard of Gandhi, but had never read anything about him until recently. The autobiography about Gandhi was amazing. I felt mesmerized while listening to the remarkable things he had accomplished in such a short time. I now want to read everything I can get my hands on about this miraculous man.

Gandhi was from India, a small man with eyes filled with faith and compassion. He was extremely underweight because of the constant fasting he observed in protest for things he believed in strongly. He wore the traditional Indian garb and went barefoot most of his life. He entered many places of honor with this dress and bare feet and was remarkably respected nonetheless.

I am totally enamored by this man. He has the faith, compassion, and patience I imagine Jesus Christ having while here on Earth. Gandhi had the most amazing power with everyone he met. He was consistent with his beliefs whether he was talking to the King of England or a poor murderer who had just tried to assassinate him. He was severely determined to teach the Indians both in South Africa and in India how to gain independence peacefully. He was against violence of any kind and demonstrated civil disobedience. He accomplished more in his lifetime than most people ever attempt or even think about much less care about. His love and respect for others, regardless of their race, religion or nationality was unbelievable.

When my life is finished on this earth, I hope to meet Gandhi in heaven. I picture him waiting with open arms and heart, drawing me to him. In the mean time I want to embrace his knowledge and wisdom and learn to live the kind of life that he lived. I desperately want to find out more about his philosophies and soak up all his answers to life, and apply it to my own. I want to “fly without wings”.