I have been a vocal activist against the death penalty for many years. Although I accept that many support it. However, the point of this piece, isn’t about the death penalty, I mentioned it merely to provide context. The point is about discovery and finding the positives from failure.
My recent experience taught me a valuable lesson. And that is, in observing us; how we address objections to our case and how we frame our arguments, we often unknowingly have a positive influence on others. Whilst we might have failed in our initial objectives, we may just have achieved something else that is positive.
When Indonesia announced their plans to proceed with executions, I (like so many others) felt like I had let a lot of people down. I felt like a complete failure. I shared this with a group of friends on social media. I was blown away to receive a private message from one of my friends. It reads:
“If I may Kate, can I just say that you and all those who tried, didn't fail one bit. You've opened more eyes to really think about life, repentance, service, forgiveness and caring. At least, that's my takeaway as someone who didn't really pay attention in the beginning. Bless you and all those people, Kate.”
In a world, that is so often cold and unforgiving, to have influenced others to think and to be more forgiving themselves and to show compassion and caring for others is wonderful. I am grateful to my friend for sharing his lessons with me. Next time, I'll do more to find the positives. The following is indeed true.
“For every adversity, there is the seed of equivalent or greater benefit” …
