Where is my vision helper?
(Previously published on 22nd December 2014)
Some time ago I was privileged to watch the movie “12 years a slave”. I would not lie to you – I fought so hard to fight back tears. Infact… I actually cried. I have to thank Steve McQueen for that movie. The truth is that each time I watch movies like this and the Butler, it is so emotionally wrecking, that I repeatedly ask myself the question – ‘.. How would I have coped if I was born in that era’.. Hmmn!!! Food for thought… Stories of true dignity and human fight.
For 12 years Solomon (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) struggled to see a way out of his ‘prison’. He knew who he was – he was a free man. But his captors would not listen. They changed his name and subjected him to hostility. But he slaved diligently and in ‘wise silence’, learnt the art of staying alive. Yet he did not give up on who he was. He tried so hard to get someone to just run checks on him and validate his claims (thanks to computers and the internet these days), but no one cared. If anything, it only brought him betrayal, and some more beating.
But then it took one man to change Solomon’s story and stop his pain – A complete stranger. A man who saw his pain and shared his vision. One man who was willing to risk everything to see him set free. That was what Samuel Bass (played by Brad Pitt), the white Canadian carpenter did for Solomon. He did not have to do it, but he did get Solomon his freedom back.
Like wooooooow! After 12 years…
What if Samuel never visited that plantation and so never met Solomon? Could there have been a Dave, a Thomas, or even a Vivian??
Have you ever been in such a position, craving for help? Well I have, and I know the world of difference that a vision helper can make. Truth is – we all need vision helpers, be it in our work, business, ministry or personal life. One strategic person can make a world of difference to our pain or vision.
We all need friends, but every vision needs a vision helper.
I pray not for people that will joy only in my highs. But I pray for vision helpers that will risk it all to see me succeed, and pick me up when the tides are down. What of you?
**Everyone needs a vision helper mindset**
© Dr Vivian O. Ikem, 2014
Dr Viv
Vivian (Dr Viv) is as vivacious and full of life as her name ‘Vivian’ suggests. She is a Certified Coach, People Builder, Consultant, Speaker and Trainer with a passion for helping ambitious Leaders and individuals build resilience, rediscover their value and potential and thrive in work and life. She is also a Chemical Engineer by background (with a PhD), multiple award winning researcher, ex-management consultant with a top UK based Consulting firm and Founder, The Reset Squad. Inspired by her journey as a high achieving professional and recovering perfectionist who overcame major trauma, depression and sudden change, Vivian taps into her invaluable lessons learnt, to empower and help people reset, rediscover and grow through their experiences. She is the author of Shadows in the Mirror - The Many Faces of Depression and contributing author in Unzenable – A Guide to Stress Less and Be More. To know more, please check out the 'About Vivian' page. Vivian is also available to speak on or discuss issues you may wish to take further personally, or at events. Please use the 'Contact' page to get in touch. Thank you.