Yes, it’s time to move on. But first, a few quick things we all can learn from so public a gaffe.
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The stage was set.
The audience waited. The world watched.
The contestants held their breath for the announcer to declare the winner.
The moment came and the announcement was made.
“And the winner is …”
Soon afterwards, the announcer had to come back to the center stage and apologized; he had announced the wrong contestant as the winner.
When he did that, there were murmurs of “crucify him, crucify him, crucify him.” Even though I didn’t hear all that was said, I’m sure there were other phrases and words used to describe the moment that I probably would not be able to repeat.
Steve Harvey had just made a blunder of his life, that reverberated over the canyons, over the mountains, into the valleys, over the oceans and onto the plains.
You would think that he had committed the unpardonable sin.
No one in that crowd or those watching, who were calling for his head, had ever made a mistake. They’ve never blundered in their lives.
Sure it was an international stage. Sure it was a huge event. Sure it was the moment that everyone was waiting for.
However, it gave us all a chance to do one of two things: crucify him or empathize with him. I choose the latter.
I’m reminded of a moment in history where a woman stood condemned for committing adultery. The law stated that she should be stoned to death.
Jesus was asked what he thought about the matter. He said something that I believe is applicable here as well:
“Let him who is without sin, cast the first stone.”
No one was able to. As a matter of fact the crowd slowly sauntered away.
So, for all those who are screaming for Steve Harvey’s head, I say: “Let him who has never made a mistake, cast the first stone.”
I can’t because I have.
Here are 5 Lessons I learned from this:
- The same people who love you today – you’re the best thing that ever happened to them, will be the same ones calling for your head tomorrow.
- When you mess up fess up. Take ownership for you mistake. Don’t try to blame anyone else.
- Request forgiveness.
- No one is above screwing things up even their lives. We all make mistakes both big ones and little ones.
- Move on. Life is more than one event.
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Photo Credit: AP Photo/John Locher