Whenever I struggle with the challenges of life I often sit back and think about the life of the great Nelson Mandela. I have read his autobiography twice called the “Long Walk to Freedom.” I often wonder how someone who had been denied their basic rights and freedoms because of the color of his skin, put in prison for 27 years just because he spoke out against racism, and being denied the rights as a father to see his children grow could put all that anger aside to unite his country and become the first Black President of South Africa. I believe it comes down to this quote from Mr. Mandela “Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.” He believed that you must move towards forgiveness in order to move forward. He believed this because he understood how important honoring dignity was.
When Dr. Donna Hicks created the Dignity Model Nelson Mandela was the driving force because he understood the importance of honoring his own dignity, honoring the dignity of others, and connecting to something greater the end of Apartheid in his country. He said “No power on this earth can destroy the thirst for human dignity.” His belief in elevating dignity has led to what Dr. Hicks calls the “Mandela Consciousness.” This is the belief that no one can take from me what is rightfully mine and that is my dignity.
It seems so easy but so often our dignity is violated or we violate the dignity of others. It is the reason we struggle through the most difficult times. Dignity doesn’t mean we agree on everything. It also does not mean we compromise on our principles. When we honor dignity, it allows us to have those open and honest conversations which could lead to a better understanding and possibly a solution to our conflict. When we honor dignity, it creates the opportunity for open honest communication. It helps when we have to have those difficult conversations when our dignity is violated or we violate someone else’s dignity.
I strive every day to live a life that honors dignity and is defined by the “Mandela Consciousness.” which reflects on what Nelson Mandela said when he arrived at Robbins Island Prison “Any man or institution that tries to rob me of my dignity will lose.” When we think this way not only do we honor our own dignity but the dignity of others. It seems all so easy but it is not. We live in a world where dignity is violated every day. It is why Dr. Hicks does her work with conflict resolution and why she created the Dignity Model.
I was asked to speak on Dignity to a group of providers in November. First, I am truly honored to be asked. My vision is to share my knowledge and my belief in elevating dignity and how it can change a person, a group, and an organization. I am going to go back to a quote from Dr. Shirley from the movie Green Book, “You Only Win When You Maintain Your Dignity. Dignity Always Prevails”
A friend and colleague gave me a journal with this quote from Nelson Mandela:
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
There is no simpler way to say it than that.
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 