Can the “little people” of the world become “great Giants”? Can the despised “nobodies” prevail over limitations imposed on them by society? Yes, they can! Enabled by the grace of God, “nobodies” can triumph. They can put to shame the wisdom, might, and power of the Somebodies in their world. A West African saying illustrates this fact: “I serve a God that can crack a palm kernel with an egg just to disgrace the stone. A God that fetches water with a basket to disgrace the bucket. A God that uses a stick to bring forth iron from the sea to disgrace the magnet.”
No one wants to be a nobody, let alone nobody. Though often used interchangeably, there’s a slight difference between “being a nobody” and “being nobody.” To be “a nobody” means you’re not of importance (i.e., you’re not as prominent as a public official, expert, or dignitary, etc.). But to be “nobody” means you’re of no importance at all. You’re completely unimportant, insignificant, or irrelevant. You don’t count or matter. You’re invisible, and are perceived as if you don’t exist.
It’s painful to be viewed and dehumanized as nobodies. For various reasons, nobodies are sometimes treated as worthless, often mistreated, and in some cases regarded as disposable objects.
For example, on account of their low status in society, their lack in education, or their failures and failings in life, nobodies are often humiliated, insulted, mocked, bullied, or ostracized. At times, because of their disproportionate physical size or weight, their fragile age, marriage status, and health condition, nobodies are demeaned, exploited, patronized, and abused. Also, because of their plight as refugees, illegal immigrants, and prison inmates, nobodies are looked down upon, put down, and even treated as throwaway objects. And, because of their impairments and limitations, people with disabilities also suffer the same painful experiences as the other groups of nobodies.
It really hurts to be nobody in the world—to be treated as a thing, and not as a person. It’s why no one wants to be nobody. It’s why it’s good news to know that God can enable nobodies to triumph over their limitations. He uses those whom the world perceives as “things” to confound those recognized as “persons.” Writes the apostle Paul:
“But God chose the FOOLISH THINGS of the world to shame the wise; God chose the WEAK THINGS of the world to shame the strong. God chose the LOWLY THINGS of this world and the DESPISED THINGS—and the THINGS THAT ARE NOT—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29; NIV).
There are two powerful facts that I take away from the pregnant passage above: First, God can choose the nobodies (i.e., the foolish, weak, lowly, despised, & non-existent THINGS) to confound, amaze, or put to shame the Somebodies (i.e., the wise, powerful, & outstanding PERSONS).
Second, the triumph of nobodies is an act of God’s grace. The threefold repetition of the words “God chose” in 1 Corinthians 1: 27, 28 emphasizes the deliberate and sovereign action of God’s gracious will. When God “chooses” anyone, no power can overrule Him, nor stand in His way. And, since God has graciously chosen the nobodies, it doesn’t really matter what other people think about their value or worth. What matters is what God thinks and has done.
Do you sometimes feel like nobody? Have the Somebodies in your world treated you as a thing, and not a person? Don’t be discouraged!
Though you may be “a nobody,” you’re never “nobody.” True, you may have no possessions, position, nor power; you may have no degrees nor pedigrees; and you may have no great looks nor abilities. But none of these mean you’re worthless or incapable. No, you’re not! Created in God’s image, and redeemed by Christ, you are God’s masterpiece. You’re valuable, precious, and dearly loved (cf. Isaiah 43:1-2; Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 49:16; Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:6, 7; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:10; 1 John 3:1).
Enabled by God’s grace, you can triumph over the limitations and treatments you suffer; you can make a difference that would confound or put to shame the Somebodies in your world. It is this grace alone that can transform little people to become great Giants.
It’s why I believe in “the little GIANTS”—“the little people of Ghana” whose representatives visited me on November 21, 2018, to officially request our EAGLESonline organization to partner with them in changing the face and plight of “the little people” of Ghana—and Africa. Stay tuned on what we’re about to do!—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
(PS: For photos of “the little people”—the little Giants of Ghana—who inspired this article, see: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10218723425135419&set=pcb.10218723431255572&type=3&theater.
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SAMUEL KORANTENG-PIPIM,PH.D. , is a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and an advocate for youth empowerment. He was trained in engineering and systematic theology, and has authored more than twenty books. They include his bestselling works Hope Through the Dark, Six More Chances, Healed Wounds but Ugly Scars, and Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions. Dr. Pipim currently directs two Centers for Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). www.EAGLESonline.org. He also serves as a special consultant on Bible projects for Remnant Publications. 