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and caused quite a stir among the viewers. It was followed up with the expounding of the concept in various ways. One commenter wrote, ‘People just come to realize the power that is in the very thing (that) they thought was a limitation, or even worse, missing.’ This begets discussion of the human condition, redemption, and the nature of God. Another commenter declaringly simplified it, ‘What don’t kill you makes you stronger.’
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It might be easily assumed that Iyanla‘s teachings won’t resonate with many people. However, the opposite proved to be the case. Judging from the audience’s comments, Iyanla was the shepherd leading a flock of sheep that were lying close to his heart. One user shared this remarkable personal story: ‘I honestly thought I would never be able to get over my breakup, until I learned that my girlfriend’s leaving had a greater purpose fulfilled, which was to open my heart for someone even more special.’
Such a lovely story it is indeed. While sharing it, the user may or may not have realized it, but he actually exemplified the heart of the argument made by Iyanla all along: your soul contract offers you nothing less than lessons learned through specific experiences in your life. He/she managed to turn his/her breakup into a heart-opening process—all this thanks to Iyanla’s teachings!
The issue of comparison resurface again in another comment. The user apologized for being blunt but pointed out that the whole idea of everybody being on their own path sounded nice, but for many, sorry to say, it is just a cliché. ‘I wonder how many of us are actually ready to face our gremlins and (in)convenient truths,’ they said. ‘When one is really courageous, i.e., does not compare, he/she sees that there is no true difference among people; they are all simply passing through.’ This comment is a clear indication of the struggle that many people are facing today; i.e. they relate to the message but insist on looking for a universal remedy.
On the other hand, there were some people amongst the audience who would question the concept and fallacy of ‘the right victim’ instead of ‘the wrong victim’ claiming that they hold a dead belief in the impossible and resist the wrong end of a stick. During the course of the discussion, one highly doubting user put forth his argument: ‘I do believe that things happen for a reason, but that doesn’t mean I should be happy and accept everything as is since “I have a soul contract.” Maybe that is a “belief” one can adopt.’ A different user crying out for some spiritual healing, asked: ‘Do we really have to keep insisting on looking for that purpose? Are we not enough just as we are?… I feel a bit drained by the continuous narrative of having to chase. I can no longer tolerate the idea—what else should I do?’
Such takes indicate that the message, even though many can relate to it, is not a universal panacea and that’s nothing to worry about. Discussions are there to think through, not to force consensus.
The one phrase that seemed to have the audience in complete frenzy was Iyanla’s warning about the power not to be missed ‘of what they did get.’ This phrase made its way into the comments and caused a stir among the viewers. It was then followed up with the elucidation of the concept in different ways. One commenter said, ‘People just come to realize the power that is in the very thing (that) they thought was a limitation, or even worse, missing.’ This leads to the discussion of the human condition, redemption, and the nature of God. Another commenter optimistically simplified it as, ‘What don’t kill you makes you stronger.’
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The discussion of purpose and media narratives brings to mind the influential perspectives of Oprah Winfrey. In a similar vein, the conversation about artists and industry challenges echoes recent events involving Olivia Dean. The power of surprise and recognition in the literary world was demonstrated when Oprah Winfrey made a life-changing call to an author. These moments of starstruck fandom are not uncommon, as Kyle Richards experienced with Oprah and Rihanna. Sometimes, public discussions can lead to accidental reveals, much like Oprah Winfrey did during a book club meeting.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
