Book review: From Adversity to greatness Zenzile Rens

When we associate purpose it is often difficult to embrace that it is also birthed through adversity. We go about our day to day living seeking to fulfill purpose from positive encounters. It is human nature to have that approach to life. I believe because the word itself ‘’purpose’’ ignites a fire from within. Purpose gives meaning to life. Purpose is what wakes you up every morning. Purpose keeps you fighting to stay alive, even when your mind whispers give up. We hope for a better tomorrow because of the purpose that we need to fulfill. 

Zenzile Rens embodies fulfilling his purpose in the face of adversity in ‘’From Adversity to greatness’’. Well, I don’t know him personally. However, Zenzile is very authentic. He is confident and very bold. He is relatable, passionate and a God fearing man. He has had to under the circumstances embrace adversity to fulfill his purpose. His book is a testament that it is okay to give purpose a chance and to confront adversity head on. As the year begins, I want to leverage on his book to remind you that you matter. Give purpose a chance this 2025.

However, before, I briefly review my encounter with the book. I am here to remind you that I will not retell his story. However, I will use this as an opportunity to insist that you purchase the book. We have different encounters with books and it is my desire that you have your personal encounter. Therefore, I am gently whispering please read ‘’ From Adversity to greatness’’.

My encounter with From Adversity to greatness 

Every January, I am on the lookout for faith-based, purpose driven and uplifting African literature. I believe it counts for something when reading an uplifting book especially at the beginning of the year. You automatically feel alive and renewed. There is a sense of hope that is deposited into your spirit. I personally feel very encouraged and ready to take over the year. Yes, books have that impact. As with Zenzile’s book, it just reignited a fire in me to press on and trust the process when purpose is being fulfilled. 

However, sometimes purpose has you questioning why a two month old baby was left unattended to awaken as a burnt survivor. A very difficult question I asked myself and could only imagine Zenzile’s life. 

Let me pick your brain a little here 

How does one comprehend circumstances that find you powerless and choose you? With the case of Zenzile, he was just a two month old baby innocently sleeping. There was ‘’auntie’’ instructed by his mom to light a candle in the room. ‘’Auntie’’ could have had good intentions because the room he was sleeping in was near dark. But what we don’t see coming is not only the wildfire however, a Zenzile catching the fire.  

Unfortunately, life is mysterious and unfolds in ways we don’t see coming at us. It just so happens that tomorrow is not promised to us. I believe what Zenzile’s book revealed to me is that because tomorrow is not promised, we need to look to find our purpose. Sometimes more often, finding purpose comes with enduring the pain of affliction. Pain through affliction makes it highly impossible to remember the essential principles that we need to weather the storm.

Reading Zenzile’s book reminded me of the fundamental principles of acceptance, adaptation and intentional living. Acceptance is very instrumental in embracing circumstances as they are, especially if we cannot change the outcome. Zenzile did not have the power to reverse the third degree burns he was subjected to as a baby. He had to accept the circumstances. Acceptance does not mean giving up. It is simply making peace with the circumstance for what it is. 

Once we accept what we cannot change, it is there we learn to adapt. Adaptation is a very difficult process. I think because the mystery of life exposes situations where we ourselves  find difficulty understanding. We have to ease our way because the environment forces us to adapt. I think this because when we adapt we learn to understand how the environment can benefit  or cater to our uniqueness. Zenzile had to adapt to his scars and learn to see the beauty in his scars. The power of adaptation grants one the liberty to confront the reality for what it is and find ways to coexist. 

Lastly, intentional living is understanding that your uniqueness has a place and purpose in society. Always remember whether affliction or challenges in your life, your life is worth living. As long as there is still breath, the purpose is worth being fulfilled. Zenzile, you were born for such a time as this abuti. 

A refreshing read.

Book 2 of 2025.

Phiwe Mncwabe is storyteller, blogger and voice in Africa.

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