The Woman in the Mirror
A few days ago, I had the honor of gathering with a cohort of students from the University of Washington to debrief their recent study-abroad trip to Ghana. The stories I heard were not your typical “what I did last summer” stories. Theirs were powerful testimonies of personal growth and transformation.
I was humbled and amazed. Just a few months earlier, I had witnessed this same group of students before they set off for their journey to Ghana. The students were very excited about their upcoming adventure. Understandably, some students were also a bit apprehensive since this would be their first out-of-state trip, let alone to a faraway continent.
While there, each student completed a service project, working alongside Ghanaian citizens in schools, clinics, churches, and elder-care centers. They also studied leadership, identity development, and spiritual formation. During the trip, all of the students experienced some kind of breakthrough in both their spiritual and personal growth.
I was deeply moved by the stories they shared. I was particularly touched by one young woman who told the story about her service project, which was to assist the staff in a local clinic. For Sumaya (not her real name), this experience was arresting and life-changing. In her own words, she shared:
Ever since I was a little girl, my parents have always wanted me to become a doctor. However, I insisted that I didn’t want to be doctor. I didn’t believe that was God’s plan for me. Maybe I was just being resistant.
While working in the clinic, something happened that I never would have dreamed. During my first week, I helped deliver a baby. I don’t know how I did it. I just did! A few days later, I helped with another delivery, then another. All totaled, I helped deliver seven babies!
When I described to my parents and friends what had happened, they said I sounded so excited. I was excited. Honored. And changed. Assisting with all those deliveries helped me realize that God’s purpose for me is to become a doctor. I really enjoyed helping each woman bring their child into the world. I learned so much. And because of the incredible experiences I had while working in the clinic, I’ve decided that I want to be a pediatrician!
After pausing to collect her thoughts, Sumaya softly added, “And I’m going to do it my way—not my parents’. In my heart I know this is God’s plan for me.”
Sumaya’s story reflects what John Maxwell says in The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth about the Law of the Mirror: we must first see value in ourselves to add value to ourselves. You see, for much of Sumaya’s youth, she was unsure of herself and her gifts. Like many young women, she had low self-esteem and sometimes felt like she was simply drifting through life unsure of what direction to take.
But through her work in Ghana, Sumaya’s self-image changed. Not surprisingly, her self-worth blossomed. By assisting others, she saw herself differently. Sumaya realized that she could make a difference in others’ lives, a difference that brought joy to them and her. Not only did she realize her own genuine value, Sumaya also recognized that she had much to offer and a deep desire to serve.
Sumaya’s awakening gave her a sense of purpose that she had never experienced before. When she returned from Ghana, she immediately checked out the pre-med program and made plans to enroll.
Sumaya’s story captured my heart. Someday I hope to write a book about her story. Perhaps I’ll call it The Woman in the Mirror.
About the Author
Gloria Burgess is an inspirational speaker, best-selling author, and a featured writer for the John Maxwell Team blog.
About 20 years ago, she left her corporate career to launch her leadership consulting and executive coaching company. She loves nothing more than inspiring organizations and individuals to dig deeper, reach higher, and achieve the impossible.
The author of several books on leadership and legacy, Gloria is a member of the John Maxwell Team.
Contact Gloria at: http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/gloriaburgess/