Eight years ago, my wife, Kimberly, and I took the StrengthsFinder assessment profile together. I wasn’t surprised to learn that one of Kimberly’s Top 5 Strengths is “Developer.” This means that she intensely believes that it is impossible to waste time on an individual. Everyone has the potential to grow, and she patiently invests in people that others may identify as “low-capacity.” For example, she married me 23 years ago—Ha-ha!
According to Gallup, developers “see the potential in others. Very often, in fact, potential is all they see. In their view no individual is fully formed. On the contrary, each individual is a work in progress, alive with possibilities. And they are drawn toward people for this very reason.”
Saint Paul had this type of assurance when he wrote to the Christians at Philippi that he was confident that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
Another incredible developer that I know is Liz Ingabire. Liz’s impact was noticeable even when she was a child. Her family was affected by the 1959 genocide in Rwanda, and then she was terrorized by armed conflict in Uganda. In the midst of the chaos, she was able to protect her two sisters and lead them to a better tomorrow. Liz eventually became a professor at the National University of Rwanda and used her skills to help teach others how to live and share amazing stories!
I wish I had the space to unpack Liz’s entire story. In 2015, Hope Haven Rwanda produced a 43-minute film about Liz that I encourage you to view.
Today, Liz’s impact continues as she invests in the lives of more than 500 students as our School Director. Many of the parents of the students she serves were unable to attend school, but she gently guides them as they work to lead their families forward. They have intrinsic capabilities and skills that they may not even be aware of, and Liz beautifully develops those resources alongside them, enabling their families to have a brighter hope!
The world is full of possibility, and God has gifted us to see potential in others. What can you do this week to help develop the potential of those whom God has placed in your life?