Thriving Through Trials

Inspiring Resilience and Building Hope

The three lenses of wisdom

Yesterday, my pastor introduced a new series titled “Get Smart,” inspired by the book of Proverbs. While she explored various paths to gaining wisdom, it was her mention of three particular words: insight, foresight, and hindsight that truly resonated with me. These concepts lingered in my mind long after the sermon ended, prompting deeper reflection.

Life is undeniably complex; navigating it with wisdom and purpose requires that we cultivate three essential lenses: insight, foresight, and hindsight. True wisdom lies not in knowing everything but in understanding the essence of what truly matters. These lenses help us perceive the present, anticipate the future, and learn from the past, guiding us toward a life of greater clarity and intention.

Insight, the lens of the present, empowers us to see beyond the surface and grasp the true essence of any situation. It’s more than just knowledge; it’s the ability to understand what truly matters. Insight helps us see the invisible and create the impossible. I have witnessed this strength countless times in Dzaleka refugee camp, where individuals turn past hardships into opportunities, despite overwhelming challenges. Their ability to find hope where others see despair exemplifies the profound power of insight.

Foresight, the lens of the future, equips us to anticipate what lies ahead and prepare accordingly. It’s about planning for the unexpected and envisioning possibilities beyond the horizon. Foresight is our compass in the stormy seas of life. Unfortunately, many African leaders fail to cultivate this skill, leading to decisions that lack vision and perpetuate cycles of corruption and inequality. Without foresight, we lose our way in the turbulence of life, unable to steer toward a better tomorrow.

Hindsight, the lens of the past, allows us to reflect on our experiences and extract valuable lessons from them. It transforms past mistakes into treasured lessons rather than prisons of regret. Too often, we overlook this treasure until it’s too late to make meaningful change. Yet, mistakes should not be viewed as failures but as stepping stones to growth. We must embrace hindsight and let our journey be one of continuous improvement.

Why do we struggle to harness these three lenses of wisdom when they are so readily available? Why do I sometimes worry about the future, knowing that worry itself achieves nothing? How can I teach my three sons the importance of these principles when I still wrestle with fully applying them myself? Despite these challenges, my determination to grow keeps me moving forward. Life’s journey is a dance between the past, present, and future. I strive to master the rhythm with these lenses. After all, wisdom is not just knowledge but the ability to apply it with insight, foresight, and hindsight.

Innocent Magambi's avatar

Posted by:

Innocent Magambi

I was born a refugee in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Burundian parents, my first 27 years were spent navigating the challenges of five different refugee camps, forging an indomitable spirit and deep empathy. The pivotal moment came when the opportunity for a university education presented itself, leading me to found There is Hope. For 15 years, I led this non-profit organisation with a visionary approach to impact thousands of people through education, vocational training and job creation. As a refugee rights advocate and CEO of Inua Advocacy, a human rights organisation fighting for the dignity of refugees in Malawi, my commitment is both professional and deeply personal. My book, Refugee For Life, not only recounts my personal journey as a refugee, but also highlights the transformative power of individual action for entire communities. From surviving as a refugee to shaping the destinies of others, I stand as a beacon of empathy and adaptability. I have been privileged to be interviewed by respected outlets such as Voice of America, BBC World Service and The Guardian. Beyond the media, I share my insights in a variety of forums, including churches, charities, schools and prestigious institutions such as Oxford University. As an Obama Fellow and participant in respected fellowships, my life’s journey reflects the profound impact one person, driven by a compassionate vision, can have on the lives of many.

Leave a comment