NAVIGATING FAILURE, AND DREAMING BIG DREAMS.
I refer to myself as a “Failure Navigator.” Now, before you begin to judge my self-deprecating title, you need to hear me out. I understand this gives the impression of Eeyore, from Winnie the Pooh. If I’m not careful I can become too passive-aggressive. At times, I act with impulsive instincts. I am the polar opposite of a pragmatist. Too often my emotions are on full display during setbacks and failure. There is a huge part of me that loves to gripe and complain about circumstances and situations. I wade too far into the river of “it’s not fair,” or swim in the lake of “why always me.” I often use the comparison template, comparing myself to others. Failure can keep me up at night consuming my spirit. However, do not underestimate an innate drive within my soul that comes alive, proclaiming to charge forward, Navigating Failure, and Dreaming Big Dreams.
The definition of success can be defined in a plethora of ways in the 21st century. Such as, how much money an individual makes, or how many people know your name. Those with thousands and thousands of social media followers can claim a high level of success. Individuals who have built companies and live in sizable houses are considered to have obtained success. Success is relative to the subjective values of an individual. I am in pursuit of an inner drive that compels individuals. We are taught and persuaded to chase after passionate dreams in life. Most of the time Dreams are self-appointed. As a whole, we dictate the terms of success and failure. I understand choices and decisions bring about consequences; sometimes good and sometimes bad. Navigating Failure and Dreaming Big Dreams is something an individual walks through daily. We get too enamored with material possessions and personal accomplishments of notoriety. I don’t desire to make assumptions about anyone and what they have accomplished in life. I believe good things and blessings come to individuals who work hard and understand wealth creation. Many times it comes to both individuals who have made sacrificial and ethical decisions in their lives, as well as individuals who have taken another path. This isn’t my point today. I believe when you live your life with honesty and integrity you can live out a purposeful passion, knowing you are sowing the seeds of success in the world as a whole.
In 1912, missionary Dr. William Leslie embarked upon a campaign in a small part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He served for over 20 years in the dense jungle. However, he returned to the United States believing he had failed.
Dr. Leslie was born in 1868, in Ontario, Canada. His initial career began as a pharmacist. In 1888, he decided to become a follower of Jesus Christ. Upon his conversion, he moved to Chicago. During these five years, he claims God began to stir a passion in his heart to be a medical missionary to Africa. After exhaustive research of where he could best use his talents to serve Christ, he was convinced he should move to Banza-Manteke, a small jungle area in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Dr. Leslie fought through the initial challenges of missionary work. He built relationships with local tribal leaders. He learned the necessary skills to survive in his new surroundings, as well as how to acclimate to the challenging climate. However, a short time after his arrival he developed a serious illness. He was fortunate to receive help from a young missionary named, Clara Hill. His sickness turned out to be a blessing. During William’s recovery, the two developed a strong friendship. Their friendship eventually developed into a romantic bond, both sharing a passion for the ministry, as well as a deep desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. They married in 1896.
Shortly after their marriage, William and Clara began a new work in Cuilo, Angola. During their initial time living there, they had to overcome various obstacles together. Jungle life proved to be extremely difficult. Everything from a hurricane to swarming insects made life uncomfortable, and challenging. They experienced wild animals, and physical threats, as well as warding off leopard attacks. However, they stood resolute in their faith and their calling with a passionate purpose.
In 1912, the Leslie’s built a new center of operations on a small plateau near the Kwilu River, near Vanga. This was psychically exhausting work. Much of the jungle had to be cleared to establish living quarters, a medical clinic, and a small bible school. Not only was clearing the jungle proving to be intense and taxing work, but they also had to once again be vigilant to unsuspecting wild animals who could strike at a moment’s notice. Life in the jungle brought about an array of challenges, from insects carrying a vast assortment of diseases to individuals who practiced witchcraft and cannibalism.
The Leslie’s poured 17 years of their heart and soul into the work in Vanga. Unfortunately, unexplained circumstances caused a falling out between Dr. Leslie and some of the tribal leaders. The Leslie’s were threatened with physical harm, they experienced property damage and were asked to leave. They returned home to the United States, defeated. Dr. Leslie lived his remaining 9 years discouraged, believing he never accomplished his mission. What he didn’t know is, the legacy he left has been enormously fruitful.
Over 84 years later his legacy was revealed. A new team of missionaries reaching out to the same group of Yansi people in the DRC made a remarkable discovery. The team was astounded to find a vast network of churches throughout the area in which the Leslie’s ministered. It has been reported that thousands of people have decided to follow Jesus Christ because of their work. These followers then planted several other churches throughout the area. Dr. William Leslie, died proclaiming his failures and disappointments, however, his life and his work bore amazing results for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Your work and your purpose will not be the same as others. We each have a purpose to pursue. It can be difficult because the definition of success will vary among different people. You might be falling short of the goals you have set for yourself in life. You might be like me and have made poor decisions with heavy consequences. But I insist if you get up every day and Navigate Failure, you can continue to Dream Big Dreams! There are people whose lives you will create a positive impact on. You will have a great influence on your community and those around you. You will cultivate goodness and challenge others to live out their greatness. Unfortunately, you might never be aware of the change you have planted. It seems we are always made aware of our failures. Failures are an obvious manifestation in life. However, the awareness of failure can spark you to greatness. It’s true a bad choice, an unethical decision will carry extreme weight on an individual’s life. But you have an opportunity to not stay there, you have an opportunity to Navigate Failure and Dream Big Dreams.
Rich Binning is a researcher, investigator, and freelance writer based in Southeast Asia. He supports missionaries in spreading the message of Jesus Christ and works towards ending child trafficking and sexual exploitation. Rich is well-educated in Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, and Political Science, which equips him to comprehend the intricacies of cross-cultural missions and anti-trafficking efforts. He applies his research and investigative skills to offer effective solutions to complex issues.
Become a monthly supporter or give a one-time gift to help Rich continue to serve vulnerable and exploited children in Southeast Asia. All Gifts are tax-deductible.
https://www.equipnet.org/missionaries/rbinning