Victim: To Be Or Not To Be

Published by Paul on

Ever been a victim?  robbery;  assault;  falsely accused; bullied; family “conspiracy;” an unfair boss; or who knows what?  Remaining as a real or perceived victim is not good for physical, mental or spiritual health.  There is always a way out.

We are never too old to get a fresh perspective on a subject.  Jeanne and I have been reading a book: The Power of TED.  The author’s solution to escape “victimhood” is to move to the status of “creator.”  Creator is a role, and not meant to be mistaken for the Creator of the Universe.

A personal story:  For eight years I had a boss that I believed did not appreciate me, held me back and did not focus on my talents.  I saw him as a “persecutor”, and Jeanne heard my regular complaints. In my mind I was a victim.  In year 6, I became a follower of Jesus.

In time, Jeanne reminded me of  bible verses* that pointed me toward  achieving “creator” status (and in a loving way indicated I had been acting counter to my new faith).  I changed my thought process and vision of what a positive relationship with the boss could be.  I began to give a good report to others about him and chose to listen and learn. I killed thoughts of being a victim.  I was becoming a “creator” with the help of God, Jeanne and a new attitude.  I saw positive change in my manager’s attitude towards me.

The result:  The two of us developed a lifelong friendship.  He, his wife and family  eventually accepted Jesus as Lord.  All this happened because I moved from “victim” to “creator.”  Jeanne did not criticize me or rescue me-she became a coach not a rescuer.  The “creator” is freed from “victim” status — no longer controlled by a person, event or life situation.

The Power of Ted is not a Christian book but has a spiritual component and the concept is very biblical.  I suggest reading the book or sharing the You Tube link.

*Transformational Verses assisting us to move from victim to creator:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…..Romans 12:1-2

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.  II Timothy 1:7

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Paul        Have a wonderful, victim-free day                                                                                        35th Anniversary Verses 18-19-20/35

 

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Paul

Paul founded his consulting practice, Career Life Institute, in 1992, and the Living Perspectives ministry in 1982. He has mentored hundreds of life coaching clients and assisted numerous organizations with strategic planning. Paul holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and has written a book, How a Man Handles Conflict at Work. Paul has ministered in E. Europe, and in Ethiopia since 2004 (microfinance, education, and prisons). Currently his active mentoring ministry is in Seattle to individuals and Christian non-profit organizations. He spent 16 years as a leader/volunteer with Congregations for the Homeless in Bellevue and is currently involved in working with those praying for revival in the Greater Seattle area and bringing opportunity to different populations in S. Seattle.