What goes around comes around.

Inspired by The Good Pilot Peter Woodhouse 

Ubi was an ordinary citizen opposed to the war.

“He was a Feldwebel, a corporal, and was the second most senior soldier in the small unit posted in town…The Feldwebel was called Karl Dietrich, but was known, for some reason, as Ubi.” (Alexander McCall Smith, The Good Pilot Peter Woodhouse, p. 101.) 

What started as a wartime romance encouraged me to see how kindness, humanity (Ubuntu) and doing the right thing, even when others around you are doing the exact opposite, can have far-reaching implications that could affect your life as an individual. In other words, the actions you take today when dealing with others have the potential to determine your tomorrow.

The story is set during World War II, when Germany was one of the most hated countries in the world, thanks to Hitler's rule. In all my years that I read history, I don't remember coming across much information that portrayed Germans in a good light. Although Ubi is a fictional character, the way he was being described as an individual encouraged me to read more about WWII, for I genuinely believed the author, Alexander McCall Smith, was inspired by a few truths. My research led me to the profiling of the psychology of Hitler, his upbringing, insecurities and how he managed to rise from a position of "weakness" to be one of the world's influential leaders. I also looked at his followers and how some of them met their death when the chickens came home to roost. You see, actions designed to hurt or harm others often boomerang back to the aggressor, or the one who facilitated the offences. 


My search also took me along another pathway which most people don't often talk about: the plight of the many Germans who opposed Hitler, his policies and his rule. Although many people within the country paid the price for opposing the regime, many people around the world would be quick to judge Germans according to what they know about Hitler.  It made me think about a recent conversation I had with a Muslim woman who hails from a country notoriously known for wars. I'm a Christian, we'd said hello a few times before, and one day, we found ourselves chatting at length. I was surprised to learn that some of her experiences, observations, challenges and wishes were similar to mine. She then went on to say, "My sister, we as ordinary people are often judged according to our leaders, not who we are as individuals." How very true.
 
In The Good Pilot, we learn that Ubi was an ordinary citizen opposed to the war. When the recruiters came knocking at his door, he considered defecting, but only changed his mind after learning about the repercussions for resisting being drafted into the military. Meanwhile, in real life, I learnt more about those who thrived on being Hitler's supporters and cheerleaders. Digging deeper into WWII made me understand how seemingly ordinary people were somehow convinced to rise against each other, creating deep wounds and suffering. Being Hitler's enablers also meant basking in power at a time when life was desperate for the majority, thanks to the effects of the current and previous wars as well as the Great Depression. Those who would have been "nobodies" under normal circumstances were now running the show, flexing power in their swanky military uniforms. It's incredible what people will do to meet basic needs to survive.
 
Back to The Good Pilot. Ubi was stationed in The Netherlands, which was occupied by Germany. Although he lived in the barracks, he knew that there were good people - Dutch locals - who risked their lives to provide shelter for those fleeing Hitler’s onslaught in the region, including Jews. Still, he thought it was none of his business, so he never gave them grief. One day, he discovered that a local man who worked in the barracks had been brazen enough to hide an American pilot, his fellow soldier and a dog known as Peter Woodhouse. The trio’s warplane had been shot down by German forces while on a mission to take aerial photos on behalf of allied forces based in the UK. The three had been found and rescued by locals before German soldiers could locate the wreckage. They drew up an escape plan in the middle of the night and, as mad as it sounds, figured that the safest house would be right next to German barracks! No soldier would suspect that one would do such a crazy thing, they thought.
 
However, their act of kindness came to the attention of Ubi, who was an observant character by nature. He smoked the two allied soldiers out of hiding. Instead of dealing with them the way any other German soldier would have done, he chose to turn a blind eye, and never mentioned anything to his superiors. As the war raged on, the two men and their dog adapted to life in the attic, hoping that someday, word would get to their British base that they were alive and well.  There would be another incident involving Peter Woodhouse, and Ubi again saved his life, although he’d been instructed by his boss to kill him. Despite the war, Ubi managed to preserve his human side while many others were brutal in the name of duty.
 
However, nothing lasts forever. Without warning, The Netherlands were freed from Germany’s invasion by allied forces. The wind of change had blown, shifting the balance of power in its wake. There was great jubilation amongst the Dutch and many others,  although for Ubi and company, their nightmare was only beginning. Overnight, their lives changed from them being in control to becoming prisoners of war, subjected to horrific and embarrassing treatment. A Canadian soldier was heard saying to them, “So you see what this brings you…what goes around comes around!”

The actions you take today when dealing with others have the potential to determine your tomorrow.

​For the American pilot, his fellow soldier and the dog, it was time to emerge out of hiding. But they knew that, had it not been for the kindness of the Dutch locals, and one particular German soldier, they would have perished. Now that they were free, they made it a point to let the allied soldiers know about Ubi, and what he did and didn’t do to spare their lives. The allied soldiers understood that exposing Ubi as a saviour of foreign nationals amongst his German counterparts would prove to be dangerous for him. As every captured soldier marched towards the prison, Ubi was removed from the line-up without making it obvious and found himself on his way back to Germany. Although the allied forces were giving every captured German soldier a difficult time, they made sure that Ubi was safe, and facilitated his return back home as a civilian, not a former soldier. It allowed Ubi to quickly start rebuilding his life and put the memories of the war behind him.
 
Yes, Ubi was a fictional character, but the more you read into WWI and WWII, the more you realise that history tends to repeat itself. So, we see a repeat of suffering around the world at the hands of a few, but they always have support from others who benefit from broken lives and broken systems and would do anything to keep the status quo. I'd encourage anyone interested in history to look into the likes of Hermann Wilhelm Goring and how wealthy and arrogant he was, and how, with many others, made millions suffer while looting and fighting wars, to further personal gains. Even when they were losing against allied forces, the looting didn't stop. As the German military crumbled, Goring and others lost sight of reality, refusing to accept that Hitler's power was coming to an end.
 
Leaders such as Hitler and Hermann Wilhelm Goring didn’t act alone, and yes, they didn’t like each other much and refused to listen to the advice of those close to them that they were losing the war. Somehow, they continued to advance, their mistakes becoming worse by each day. Still, others followed, even though they knew that their leaders were wrong. Ubi served  as a soldier against his wishes but still drew a line to declare, “this I won’t do?”
 
What would you do if you were asked to commit crimes or go against your morals by someone in charge? We've briefly discussed the importance of leadership and teamwork before under The Thoughtful Pilot series and highlighted how people in power often lose sight of the real issues they’re facing because there are other factors at play, usually ego.
 
Here are a few inspirational lessons for people like you and me for when you have to make difficult choices.

1. You have the power to make ethical and informed choices.

It can be challenging to assess how we would have responded to calls to brutalise others in the call of duty (war). Being humane doesn’t stop because we are at war or don’t agree with each other, yet, many continue to be punished for not conforming to other people’s agendas. There will always be different types of leaders such as presidents, church leaders, parents, CEOs, managers and group leaders with the power to influence others. However, just because someone is in a position of authority doesn’t necessarily mean that they are right or know what they are doing. I remember coming across a driver who’d placed a sticker at the back of his car which read, “Don’t follow me, I’m lost too!” How many of us are merely following the lost?
 
Although Ubi followed top orders by joining the armed forces as a civilian, he took it upon himself to save lives simply because he didn’t believe in the doctrine of the war. He didn't have much choice, but when he found himself in a position of power through his military post, he didn’t let the humanity within him disappear because of what his leaders asked him to do. You see, the choice is always yours. The same principle applies in our workplaces, communities or families. Leaders with bullying or narcissist tendencies tend to surround themselves with people who follow orders without asking questions. These people are known as “flying monkeys” in the psychology world. A flying monkey is someone who acts on behalf of a narcissist to enable emotional, spiritual or physical abuse. They are found everywhere: in the Bible, within families, organisations, amongst friends or the highest offices of power.
 
The term flying monkey is harsh, but many people in this situation don’t have the awareness to realise that they are being taken for a ride to inflict pain on others. These minions will fight on behalf of their leader, spread rumours on their behalf, spy on others on social media to keep the leader up to date, harm or hurt others, all in the name of loyalty! A flying monkey, with or without their knowledge, enables the abuse and suffering of a person, having been targeted by the narcissist to do their dirty work; such leaders typically tend to keep their own hands clean. A flying monkey is also a victim and can be discarded by the narcissist when they've served their purpose. As you look at Germany's WWI and WWII history, you will learn that all the leaders cared about was their own skin and ambitions, managing to recruit the weak to advance their agendas, even if it meant sacrificing them.
 
Why? Because a narcissist leader doesn’t care about anybody except being the most important person and centre of attention, whatever it takes. As you read this, take a moment to think about all you’ve done for certain people, the number of times you’ve been recruited to fight wars that THEY started. Think about how this person generally treats you and makes you feel? Do they value you? Do they listen to you when you’re in trouble or is it always about them? Do they see you as a true friend or just someone to reach out to when they’re having a bad day and need rescuing  (especially when being attacked by their demons)?  Do they love you, or is it about you giving a part of yourself, hoping that one day they will truly love you back and value you as someone worthy?
 
These questions might help you find out if you're being enlisted to fight in wars that have absolutely nothing to do with your well-being, except perpetuating someone else's position. I believe in the power of helping one another, that's how we can move forward, but know that certain people will abuse other people's goodness and ignorance in the name of unity. You could be a pawn in someone's hidden agenda. You were created in God's perfect image, to serve HIS purpose and live according to HIS will, not get morsels of recognition after being used to inflict harm on God's children. YOU were created to charter your destiny, not to be a spare wheel to someone's conflicted existence. I pray for a discerning spirit that you may have eyes that see, and dare to listen to your heart, not simply follow instructions from someone. The truth is, without assistance from ordinary people, most evil practices will stop. Those who see the abuse for what it is and do nothing are equally guilty.

Albert Einstein once said, "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." Yehuda Bauer also had something to say about people in the face of morally deficient leaders, “Thou shalt not be a victim, thou shalt not be a perpetrator, but, above all, thou shalt not be a bystander.”
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​I hope that every person reading this will find it in their heart to always do the right thing, even if it means standing alone. May Ubi’s actions help you realise that you too can intervene and stop any abuse or miscarriage of justice, even as an ordinary citizen.

I hope that every person reading this will find it in their heart to always do the right thing, even if it means standing alone.

​2. What goes around comes around.

Although Ubi had power and authority as a German soldier to destroy those who were taking refuge on Dutch soil, his decision to turn a blind eye saved some desperate souls. He could have used his position against the weak and vulnerable; after all, he had the mandate to do so. And he didn't do the right thing because he was hoping for a favour someday. Yes, he could have been charged for treason had his actions been made known to his bosses, yet he still risked his life to preserve the lives of the vulnerable. And his efforts were remembered when the tables were turned.

Doing good when you have nothing to benefit is much like depositing into a goodwill savings account. Nobody knows when their rainy day will come. The Lord blesses those who bless others and will one day humble the proud. It might take a while, but it will happen. Psalm 37 encourages all of us to do good, even when evil people get away with their acts. It's painful when someone gets away with crimes against humanity, not just in the physical world, but the spiritual world. But do not fret, because if you do, you will follow the path of someone already lost. The Lord knows when their time is coming. It might take a while, but he will uphold and rescue the needy. When things are right on your side, help others. Life is a cycle, and you may never know why certain people pop up in your life at any given point.
 
When I was in primary school, I remember acting in a play as a rainmaker called Woyaka. The king and his people were having a good life: rains were abundant, and they had plenty to eat and drink. Then an older woman showed up; she had an arched back and had to walk with the aid of a stick. The king had never seen her before. He called her names and recruited the villagers to laugh at and mock her. She left the scene, disgruntled. What the king and others didn't know was that they had just abused the rainmaker, and so when she left, she unleashed her powers, and it rained and rained and rained! I still remember that scene, and it went like this:
Queen: Woyaka, Woyaka, please wait!
Woyaka: Who are you?
Queen: I’m the king’s wife.
Woyaka? The king’s wife? Your husband was very rude to me. He called me a dirty, smelly, old woman, and treated me like a dog!
Queen: I'm sorry, Woyaka!
Woyaka: You are sorry? What for?
And so, a conversation ensued. The rainmaker forgave the king and his villagers and even taught the queen how to make rain. 
 
I wonder, how many Woyakas have you dismissed in your life, and have you joined in when a ring leader escalated abuse against such kinds of people? Some of the people you’ve chosen to ill-treat might have crossed paths with yours to help you too. I hope we all feel encouraged to top-up our goodwill accounts, even against strangers or the weak. Those immigrants who need somewhere to stay. Those who aren’t as financially well off as you are and need help. The feeble and the helpless young children, the poor or anyone worse off than you are. Do what you can, when you can, with what you have. You never know, one day, they might facilitate your rescue, which brings us to the last important point.
 
I love how Alexander McCall Smith portrayed the scene when Ubi discovered the American airmen in hiding. Even with language barriers, Ubi managed to communicate that he cared. Although he returned to his country as a free man, Ubi later found himself trapped in Berlin as Russia and allied forces attacked the eastern side of Germany. He’d travelled to Berlin after discovering that his late sister had left a child behind. When it proved too challenging to escape Berlin with the child, a miracle happened! Ubi came across the American pilot again who had now been drafted to fly in supplies from Britain.  They were smuggled out of Berlin in the back of a cargo plane because the good pilot put in a word for him. I wouldn’t spoil the rest of the story, but it goes to show that you reap what you sow, be it good or bad. It also proves that love is always around us, despite what those in power put us through. We just have to cultivate it, even without their blessing, for it is such a good thing.  
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The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.
-Albert Einstein 

​3. Nothing is permanent, don’t judge when someone is down.  

I've previously mentioned how situations often change. Let me use actual real-life examples which may not be popular, but it might help us drive a point or two home. I was born and bred in Zimbabwe, at a time when life was terrific by the world's standards. After independence in 1980, the economy was flourishing with an excellent education, health, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and all the good things that accompany a thriving economy. Naturally, Zimbabwe became a magnet for investors and refugees from other neighbouring countries.
 
Although I was too young to understand politics, I remember that a lot of people from Mozambique, seeking refuge and work, flooded the Eastern highlands (Mutare) on the border. Without immigration paperwork, many were employed by locals as domestic servants or to sell wares at the most significant market and bus station in the city. But almost every day, the police would round them up, then detain them. They deported most of them back to Mozambique. There were so many jokes about how the police identified who was who. Nobody knew that one day, the same people who used to laugh at these poor Mozambicans would flee their own country in pursuit of greener pastures, and subjected to xenophobic attacks. Don't get me wrong, nobody deserves to be inhumanely treated, but had anyone suggested that the situation in Zimbabwe would deteriorate causing many to flee the country, nobody would have believed it. Things were so good, what could go wrong? 

​It doesn't stop there. I also vividly remember the media coverage of the terrible wars in Rwanda and Ethiopia, and a few others. I raise my hand, stating that I once laughed at Zambia's currency, the kwacha. Just before the beginning of the new millennium, I crossed over to the Zambian side while visiting the Victoria Falls. I was living the best life possible and had been on a safari in Hwange while partaking in pleasurable activities such as bungee jumping, a flight of angels and a sunset cruise. After my bungee jump, I took a stroll towards the Zambian side.
 
I was shocked by the food prices in kwacha. "He, he, he!" I laughed. Even took pictures of food prices, for I couldn't believe such ridiculousness. Little did I know that less than ten years later, Zimbabwe would break world records to suffer the highest ever inflation rates, and that trillion-dollar notes would be printed out. To this day, Zambians are better off such that Zimbabweans now cross over to buy essential commodities. Today, my fellow countrymen and I watch in amazement as countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Ethiopia and many others take off to become dominant economic powerhouses, while Zimbabwe experiences all sorts of deep problems, from financial to social and everything in between. Remember, nothing lasts forever. Do I believe Zimbabwe will one day rise again? Absolutely! How? Only God knows. But I truly believe it starts with ordinary people doing good regardless of race, political affiliation, religion, level of education and the like. Restoration is on the other side of recognising that ALL lives matter. It starts with one kind act at a time!
 
But this goes beyond politics. Many years ago, someone I knew visited a young couple who were renting a property while they finished their studies. That someone, had a few things to say about the couple's living conditions, not in a sympathetic but a judgemental tone. The way they described the house that the couple lived in was so vivid that it was etched in my mind. Yet six or so years later, I'd be invited by this couple to their new house. Didn't expect what I saw. Now I've been fortunate enough to know amazing people with beautiful homes, but when I visited this new home, I was mind blown. It was exquisite! Think grand hallway, two or three spacious living rooms, five en-suite bedrooms, luxurious carpets and curtains, and so much more! I know they've worked hard to get to where they are, so I'm proud of them. A  part of me wished if only the judgemental critic could see where this couple is now.

Think twice before you judge anyone, for life tends to make a full circle. Most importantly, think again before you laugh or take advantage of the weak or those in need. Their lives too could one day change for better, while you regress (I hope not). These statements are not written to shame anyone, but to remind every human being that nothing lasts forever. You never know what tomorrow may bring. Be kind to each other.
 
And when you see the people who used to laugh at you begin to struggle, do not rejoice either. They might be paying for their sins, but the Bible clearly states that vengeance is the Lord’s. You must never laugh at anyone being punished because HE can turn his wrath from them and come after you. Be humble, especially when your prayers have been finally answered.

Conclusion

Nothing in life is guaranteed. However tempted you may be to laugh at or hurt others because you're better off or have power, don't abuse your position. Don't just follow orders from certain people, because they might be lost. Seemingly ordinary people have the power and ability to bring light into a complicated world, but it starts with how we treat one another. Treat each other with respect and help one another when you can, the way Ubi helped others at the height of the war. Most of us know the story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible. Although Jews despised people like him, he is the one who felt compassion for a man who’d been attacked by robbers. While the priest and temple assistant did nothing to help, the Samaritan stopped and took action. He was willing to put his life and possibly reputation at risk to help a soul with different beliefs. That’s what Jesus asks us to do: show each other mercy, despite the many various labels we use to describe each other. To all Christians, please take note: Ubi was not raving about his good acts to the world, or how much he loved God, yet, he was a good man. I’ve lost count of the number of times that I felt the wrath of people who proclaim to know God and received so much love and acceptance from people who don’t even go to church. You will not be judged by what you declare to believe, but by your acts, especially in secret.
 
Remember God has a way of raising the oppressed to the highest places, and one day, the only person you’ll be answerable to is God himself when the so-called leaders who influenced you are no longer there. Some of you might ask, “how can my acts help shape the world when things are so bad?” Well, it starts with you, and every little helps. I remember when someone I respect explained what he called “the replacement effect”. He said, “If a tub is full of dirty water, the only way is to pull the plug, to allow the dirty water to flow away. Then you continue to pour in clean water.”
 
Maybe not the best analogy, but I hope you get the picture. You don't fight bad with evil. You have to pour in the good stuff continuously. It may start as a trickle, and you may need to call in plumbers to remove blockages and repair damaged pipes, but the only way to fix what looks like a dire situation is by doing good, in your small way. One day, it might save your life. Above all, that’s what we are all required to do as God's children. A friend of mine who read this article before publishing  had something to add. “Authority in itself isn't wrong, just the abuse of it. We should be kind to people whatever the circumstances because God is always kind to us, even though we sin against him. It is true that if we are kind to people, they will often be kind to us in return, but as Christians, I think that the primary reason is because we should be imitating Christ's behaviour to us.”
 
May we be encouraged to act with compassion and be good neighbours, regardless of who we are or where they come from. The world needs healing, and it starts with ordinary people like Ubi, you and me.