Dignity

David Cooperrider describes the following as three universal needs of all people:


• Have a voice and be heard;


• Be viewed as essential to a group; and


• Be seen as unique and exceptional.


I would like to put all three into one condensed statement: to be treated with dignity and respect.


People who are valued, who are listened to, complemented on their performance become loyal to those from whom they receive respect. They are energised to perform better, work harder, all in order to be the person that the others believe they are.


We are destined to become the person who others believe we can be.


Not to say that it is not possible to rise against all odds, to rise above criticism and adversity. Yes, there are those people who are doing that, but they are few. They are the ones who can write a book about their lives afterwards and live off the profit. Unfortunately I am not one of those. God has been very generous to me. He has blessed me with wonderful supporting people, or rather mentors, along my life path who have blessed me with their insight and invaluable contributions.


All I can say – this has left me in debt, in debt with so many people. I realise that the only way I will ever be able to pay off that debt is through the investment in the lives of other people.


Because I was treated with dignity, because I was heard, valued and praised as being exceptional and unique, I have the insight into the power that this can have on the lives of others.


You can never fight to gain respect, you gain respect through being patient, stepping back sometimes, listening, without judging.


You might say – but nobody has ever treated me with dignity or respect, why should I go to lengths to do the same to others?


Because even if nobody has ever listened to you, valued you, Jesus did all of that for you. Jesus valued you enough to; while you were still a sinner, lay down his life for you. He did not ask if you deserved it, He did not ask if you will return the favour. He just did it (without any Nike sponsorship). Everything, so that you will never, ever have a reason not to feel valued.