Bonita J. Robinson
July 2025

Why is it so hard for us to see ourselves, the good in us? Why do we struggle to walk confidently in our talents? Each of us has been given a Superpower. God, in His generosity, has blessed every one of us with a unique gift—an area where we are designed to thrive. For me, it’s writing and teaching. From those two talents flow analysis, wisdom, discernment, stillness, and creativity.

Your Superpower may be cooking or sewing. Maybe it’s planning and organizing, coaching and selfless generosity, or even poise and grace. Perhaps it’s nursing, which overflows with empathy. Maybe you’ve been given the gift of leadership and vision casting. Whatever God has placed in your hands, it’s not just for your livelihood—it’s also a tool to support and minister to others.

Lately, I’m on a Hulu series called The Bear. It’s up for an Emmy—and it deserves it. It’s fast, gritty and real, and at times, soul-crushing. Jeremy Allen White plays Carmen, or “Carmy,” and Ayo Edebiri plays Sydney Adamu. Carmy is a Michelin-starred chef in New York who returns to Chicago after his brother Michael dies by suicide. He comes back to trauma stacked on mental illness, stacked on disappointments, stacked on a lot of unanswered questions. He’s left his family’s rundown sandwich shop. It’s a wreck. But Carmy returns with a vision: to turn the place into a respectable restaurant.

On his first day, Sydney shows up looking for work. A few days later, he hires her as his assistant. The rest of the staff? A group of ragtag misfits who can’t yet grasp the vision Carmy is casting.

What I love most about the show is the structure of the kitchen. Every movement has a purpose. The chopping, the placement of ingredients, the care taken in preparation—it’s all intentional. The goal isn’t just to serve food, but to create an experience. The process is sacred. Pride goes into every detail to ensure the guest feels valued. It’s magic.

One of the first things Carmy does is address everyone as “Chef”—a simple but powerful gesture of respect. Then, he assigns positions. And here’s what I appreciate most: Once you establish your position, it’s yours to protect and perfect. If you’re on vegetables, you’re not rolling silverware. If you’re in charge of sauces, why are you washing dishes?

I found myself drawn to that order. And eventually, the characters do too. Individually, they begin to recognize the significance of their roles. In their positions, they start to feel the power behind Carmy’s vision. Sometimes, others see our talents before we do. It’s not uncommon for someone to point out our potential. Sometimes it comes as confirmation; other times, it’s a revelation. However it comes, the next step is ours and that’s to own it.

Protect and Perfect Your Position

So, what’s your Superpower? And where does it fit into the bigger picture?

As a teacher, my principal is the vision-caster for the school. My role is to teach, yes—but more than that, it’s to build my classroom and curriculum around her vision. That alignment sets us all up for success. I may not always understand or agree with her decisions, but there’s a time and place for those conversations. At the end of the day, I must know my role and what I bring to the table. And if her vision ever falters, she’ll be the one to adjust it.

Some of us stumble in our Superpowers because we haven’t learned to walk confidently in our assigned positions. Some people mistake submission for weakness, but in the proper context, it’s a strength. It allows your Superpower to function in harmony with a greater vision. It brings order. We haven’t learned how to say the proverbial “Yes, Chef” and keep it moving. Instead, we are overly sensitive, quickly offended, and unwilling to stand corrected.

Even if you’re great at what you do, there’s always room to grow. Focus on the good that’s in you. Stop pouring all your energy into doubt or comparison. If you’re handling your position with integrity and excellence, that’s your sweet spot. Let the rest be what it is.

Set boundaries. Protect your peace. Remove yourself from toxic environments and toxic people. Life is short. But while you’re here, I dare you to try it:-“Yes, Chef?” “Yes, Chef!”

Reflection Questions

1. What is your God-given Superpower, and how are you using it to support a greater vision—not just for your life, but for the community you serve?

2. Where in your life are you resisting your position, and what might happen if you chose to protect and perfect it instead?