Every life is relevant

ONE author once said: “Strong people stand up for themselves but stronger people stand up for others”.

Changing Perspectives

Rutendo Gwatidzo

Life has a way of humbling people and uplifting them as well. Things can shift when you least expect it.

Sometimes it is not about being well-organised, as things can happen beyond your control. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many were caught unawares. Some suddenly lost everything while others suddenly made gains.

It is important to treat everyone with kindness because you never know what people may become tomorrow. Someone may be a street kid today and tomorrow that person can become a rags-to-riches story. Look at the story of Joseph from the Bible, in the book of Genesis.

Joseph was taken advantage of by his brothers while he was young and incapacitated. Little did they know that Joseph was going to be their leader and save their lives.

Kindness pays off

When someone seems not to matter to you at a particular time, it does not mean things will not change. Someone who does not matter to you may be of importance to your children, friends or relatives. Thus, everyone matters. As such, it is good to treat everyone with kindness.  I believe kindness is never a mistake, although some people may take advantage of it in one way or the other. It will eventually pay off.  There are inhumane things that are done by some people to others. For instance, xenophobia is cruel.

This past week, I was driving in town. I then saw a driver throwing food to street kids. Sharing the food was good, but the way it was done was not decent, as the kaylite packages would open and some of the food dropped to the ground.

Due to desperation, the street kids picked up the food from the ground.

Oftentimes, when we fail to display kindness, it reflects more about who we are than who the other person is.

Organisational status

Many organisations are characterised by individuals who carry different powers. Some have hierarchical power and others have expert power.

There are yet others who hold resource power. We also have coercive power and charismatic power, just to mention a few. These different powers should be used for good, under normal circumstances.

The challenge in most organisations is that the situations people find themselves in are not normal due to economic hardships and many other adversities.

Many people are becoming self-centred and selfish such that the moment they realise that they possess a certain power, they tend to abuse it.

Many people trample upon others in the workplace using the different powers they possess. Some throw things at others and treat them with disdain, similar to the street kids story I alluded to above.

Sadly, they can even mock or laugh at their subordinates. If you are one of those who use their power negatively, remember that one day, that power will fade away. Those who are underprivileged today may end up holding power over you tomorrow. Treat others well.

The negative effects of what you do today may also affect your relatives in one way or the other.

General facts

Whatever you do to assist others, do so in a humane way, knowing that they too have hearts and feelings. People can tolerate your ill-treatment but when they comply, it does not mean they do not feel the pain.

Think about tomorrow and what might happen if life humbles you and uplifts the person you used to ill-treat.

A few years ago, I joined a team of evangelists from our church who would worship with people living on the streets.

Our church would also provide them with food and clothing at regular intervals.

One day, my car broke down on the outskirts of the central business district and it was towards the end of the day. That spot was known for harbouring thieves and when I saw a group of young men approaching me, I anticipated the worst.

However, when I saw their faces, I realised they were the boys from the street whom we worshipped with. They were very happy to see me and assisted me. My car had fallen into a ditch and before the towing vehicle arrived, the boys had pulled out the vehicle.

I then realised that every life is relevant in one way or the other. Be challenged, encouraged and inspired to treat every life with respect.

Rutendo Gwatidzo is the managing consultant at The HUB HR Consultancy. She is a multi-award-winning leader, consultant, speaker and coach. She is also an author of two books: “Born to Fight” and “Breaking the Silence”. Contact detail: 0714575805/[email protected]/ Rutendo Gwatidzo_Official FB public page