Dreams, Detours and Destiny

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I have been thinking about Joseph of late. Let me share my many thoughts – just stick with me to the end, yes?

In Genesis 30:22 we read that Joseph was born to Rachel after many years of bareness. Remember Rachel was Israel’s darling – I mean, this man worked a whole 14 years to pay off her dowry. This man looooved Rachel. And, we read here that Israel loved one more person – Joseph! And he made no effort to hide it. Rachel has fought many years with Leah, and then now on top of that, he picks her child as his favourite?? Can you sit with that for a moment and imagine the resentment this child faced from his siblings?

And then, either Joseph was clueless or in denial– because, tell me why he never saw the resentment especially after he started telling them his dreams? Anyway, at least his Father took time to think on his wild dreams, yes? Which brings me to Lesson Number One: Your dreams, your visions and aspirations need to be “told” but you need to be careful about your audience. Not everyone will clap for you, cheer you on, or support you as you go along. Some may get so insecure that they will stop at nothing to kill that dream.

If brothers could sit and plot to eliminate their own flesh and blood, then concoct a lie to tell their father about it, what makes you think that everyone around you wishes you well? Or is really genuinely invested in your success? I mean, really? Man, that is betrayal that cannot be adequately described. He moved from beloved son to slave….and as fate would have it, he landed in the house of Potiphar and his nutty wife. Ahhh there are people who will not rest untillll… anyway, you know the story.Said Nutty Wife framed him for the worst crime imaginable and in no time, he was off to prison. Let us pause for Lesson Number Two: Not everyone who you cover for, is covering for you… even Paul said here that it is a dog eat dog world out there.

Back to Joseph. I often wonder: did he pray for deliverance? Did he wonder how the circumstances would fit into the dream, you know, of people bowing to him and all? As in, he was to rule, so how is he now planning day shift and night shift for fellow prisoners? In which world was this meant to be the road map? Make it make sense. Please. I mean, that must have been difficult. I look at my 16 year old son sometimes and wonder if he is ready to face the big bad world out there – coz that is how young Joseph was…..Yet……. Yet, the slavery and prison were all part of God’s divine orchestration and plan. Why? Because what he did not see or know while in the midst of that turmoil and pain is that God was working behind the scenes. Joseph needed, actually, had to be in the King’s prison by design, so that he meets the King’s Baker and Butler, interpret their dreams accurately, and then…. wait a little more time for Pharoah to dream so that he and only he could interpret it. Lakini si God angesema tu? Ahh!

My friend, here is Lesson Number 3: 2026 may not look anything close to what you imagined, declared, or even prophesied. You have your vision board up, your faith confessions, your prayers – all of which started off with some sense of direction. But now, looking back, you can only see one story line – from pit to slave to prison. Yaani, you moved from dark to darker… and when you look back, you cannot make sense of it.

On the other hand, you may be like the Burtler who was restored, or Joseph, walking out of a wilderness into your Palace season – and if this is who you are, we celebrate you — Ariririri! Yaani, in a matter of hours, Joseph had been summoned, shaved and changed, and he was standing before the Pharaoh, being installed as teh second in command in all of Egypt!!

Regardless of how your last 10 months have been, the good, the bad and the ugly, may Joseph be a stark reminder of this one thing: the one who gave you the dream knows how to bring it to pass. And last time I checked, He did not ask for our input. Yes?

So, go on…. step into the next, with your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. There is a pharaoh who’s yet to dream: no matter how dark the prison seems, hang in there….soon you will be needed. Get ready. Your dream may seem delayed or completely impossible. Just remember Joseph. He had no control over how the dream would be fulfilled. His sole attempt at clearing his name was also forgotten. But it was all in God’s plan.

I am challenged – to trust his heart and not his hand. And believe that the days ahead will only end in one way – with shouts of joy.

Change or perish… For Real

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God speaks to us in so many ways, so many times, but because we are looking for the spectacular, hair raising experiences, we actually miss it. Let me explain.

I was meditating on the power of the transformation of the mind. It is not uncommon for me to come back to this every so often for two main reasons: one – I have been on an intentional journey to understand how the mind works and how my internal wiring, disposition and posture shapes my world, and, two – I believe we have grossly underestimated the mind especially as believers. I think we focus on the salvation of our souls and heaven so much that we miss out on living out loud our transformed life.

So, because i think in pictures, let us paint using Romans 12:2 as our canvas, yes? From Romans 1 to Romans 11, Paul starts by explaining to us our fallen state and how God makes sinful man right through faith. He reminds us that none of us is righteous and that we have all sinned and fallen short of His glory. He moves on to show us that despite our fallen state, God loves us – He demonstrated His love for us by loving us while we were still sinners, and that through Christ, the last Adam, we are justified. Paul however warns us that justification is not license to sin – no. It is to help us walk free of condemnation, with the right posture and mindset knowing that nothing can separate us ever again from the love of Christ.

On this premise, we land in Romans 12 where Paul gives us the standard we must live by: Offer your life (your entire existence and everything that comprises it) as a living sacrifice – surrendered, holy and pleasing to God; and, to make a concerted effort not to live like the world – let your mind be renewed so that your life is transformed and in so doing, you live in open display, the will of God for your life. Yes? Ok.

Now, imagine with me the life cycle of a butterfly. I was taught in my science class that it has 4 main stages. It starts off as eggs that grow into a caterpillar (and if you are like me, that gave you goosebumps). It then goes into a chrysalis – hidden and protected – for a few days before it breaks away the shell and out comes a beautiful butterfly. If your teacher was as good as mine, then you will remember they told you that if you interfered with any of the stages – eggs, caterpillar or the chrysalis, you would have aborted the process of transformation and lost the butterfly all together. Yes?

When we come to Christ, our lives are infused by the seed of the word of God. We receive the unadulterated word of God so that we may grow by it. As we read, meditate and work the word of God daily, we grow. Those around you begin to see the change in more ways than one – after all, your growth is multidimensional. So, the evidence of your renewed life and the power of God’s word is seen in more areas than one – it is seen in how you relate with people, your work ethic, your language, choice of friends – in everything. While some change may not be significant, the subtle, incremental changes build up and one day you look back and realize, wow, see how far I have come!

However, this journey also has chrysalis moments – yes. Those ones when it is evident to you and all around you that God is leading you by the backside of the desert, or meeting you alone at the top of the mountain, or allowing you to land in prison. Those moments when you and only you, must walk through as we all stand and watch. Those moments when you are in a service and the instructions you hear are not the same as your neighbor’s and you know you must obey. Ahh, those ones even if we gave you a full day, we will not understand or even offer a solution for what you are going through – the most we can do, is watch. Because just like the chrysalis, any external interference will abort the process. The caterpillar must go through metamorphosis and emerge as a butterfly, it must shed some parts, grow wings, filaments and compound eyes – fully – before it breaks the shell by itself and spread its beautiful wings and fly.

Can you imagine what would happen if the caterpillar decided it must remain a caterpillar, because it is a comfortable state of being? Or if the chrysalis decides it wants to bud and be a flower instead? Isn’t that confusion surely?

But again – isn’t that what we do, when we insist on remaining in our comfort zone, or fighting the catalysts of change that God brings our way? Ati “No Lord. I am not ready for this isolation and silence – i want to keep being a caterpillar coz the leaves are really sweet.” or, even worse “I don’t like the darkness and silence in this cocoon – please break the shell so that I come out” yet the wings are not fully formed. Oh men…. imagine just observing the caterpillar makes sense? You can’t cut short, hasten, jump or wish away the stages – the butterfly is only revealed once the entire metamorphosis cycle is complete!

So, if I were you, I would trust God even in the process. Because believe it or not, we are supposed to change. And if you do not – you will perish. For real!

Chadash – Renewed

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I love the smell of rain especially after a dry spell. It gives me such delight, my inner child leaps up and down and once in a while, I stand in the rain to feel the first rain drops against my face and bare arms.

Of course my joy cannot compare to that of the farmer whose next crop depends entirely on the adequacy of both the former and latter rains. Or the mama mboga who will soon have an abundant supply to sell, or the mkokoteni guy who will help you cross the trenches when they flood. However, what is a joy to you can easily be devasting to someone else – I have watched my mom stand at the window and look out over her shamba as she anticipates her next harvest. I have also seen the devastation when too much rain destroys tender crops or when insufficient rain affects the eventual harvest. So your new joyful season could be one of untold pain for another.

Daniel said here that it is God who changes times and seasons. Can you think on that for a minute?

The times and seasons of your life are not determined, governed or set by anyone – not even you. My friend – this to me is both fascinating and comforting: Fascinating because it means that I have a very little to do with the timing, intensity and duration of my current and future seasons. I can make my desires known to God, I can pray for preparedness and sensitivity, I can ask for His mercy to cover me and help me through the intensity of it – but i cannot wish it away, neither can I wish it away. And Comforting because it means that the author and finisher of that season is in complete control – He is running point. As long as I follow His lead, I cannot be blindsided, I cannot be overwhelmed by the flood, I will not die of thirst, and I will definitely make it safely to the other side.

But let us be honest – when we are stepping into the new – we think we are prepared – till we realize we are not. Do you always look at the thick clouds over head (El Nino warning and all) and just rejoice at how many hours you will spend in traffic? Do you look forward to the hard work of turning and tilling the soil, then sowing, weeding and harvesting? No – not always. Stop looking at me like that – No. You do not always wake up with a hop skip and jump. Aiii – there are days you will be so delighted by the pitter patter of the rain drops, and others you will jump in dread at the sound of thunder and lightning. But guess what – its part of the package.

So – just know – renewal comes with work!! Hard work!! Promotion comes with responsibility; expansion comes with greater demand on your time and resources. And the only thing that keeps you going? The joy of the coming harvest. The thrill of seeing the fruit of the new season. The satisfaction that you put in your all – and it will yield a harvest. The peace knowing you are not doing it alone – that the author and finisher also has the instructions manual. You only need to keep looking to him for direction.

So, step into the new – Step into the “now” of the great, amazing refreshing rain as it soaks the earth with one expectation – that you will need to put in the WORK. Rebuild, Refire, Standards Raised – Work. God is with you – He will reward you. He has prepared you for the next – so, like the new crop pushing through the soil – push through and thrive.

It will be worth the wait. I promise.

2025- My “Wueh?!” Year: 12 Jewels from 12 Months – Part 4

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Doing this last installment has made me quite reflective. When you pause long enough to process 12 months and all the highs and lows, praise will rise from your lips. I can see God in the details – every step of the way. Well, lets land this.

10. Give Thyself Wholly

If you will do anything, then do it with your whole heart and mind. I agree, some of these will be what I call “Thankless Tasks”. Just give yourself wholly. When I reflected on this verse in 1 Tim 4:15, (here you will find it in many translations so dig in) I noticed a few things: The Word is commanding us to give total dedication to what He has placed in our hands – not the half baked, barely visible, hardly working attitude. No.. Full dedication – like what we say in Kiswahili – “Kujituma” – loosely translated “To Send Oneself”! There were assignments that just felt overwhelming and burdensome and because of that, I will be honest and tell you it took all of me to get it done. In hindsight, thankless as they were, I grew in the process.

And that the other thing about giving myself wholly – you grow – your progress will be evident. We all joke about how gyms are full in January… everyone is on the floor! But it is the consistent ones who see progress after 4 weeks, 6 weeks etc. We all start off with a reading list – 10 books this year. Wuehhh.. by March, book 1 is still unopened! By the way, 2025 did a number on me guys. I did not finish a single book. Yoh!? But as you give yourself wholly, the compound effect gives you a reward.

Therefore, whichever the case – give yourself 150%. I love the song Jesu by Eunice Njeri, especially where she urges us to dance “Kabisaaa!”. So, Jitume Kabisaa….. At a personal level, I know that if I had applied the same attitude to all I needed to do, I would be very far. So – this gem is being carried over intentionally into 2026 – I will give myself wholly. In all fronts of my life – physical, spiritual, financial, intellectual and social. Some thoughts:

a. Make the list of areas you flopped in – once you know the gaps, you are half way there.

b. Determine what needs to change to ensure a better outcome – also, you will need to get over that “meh..” feeling very fast to move into action. Otherwise, you will just nurse emotions that will not push you in the right direction.

c. Do it – not just plan it, dream it and write it – No…. Do the Do. Otherwise we shall be here in December 2026 nursing regret.

11. Don’t Forget to Remember

The Bee Gees sang that song – yes I know them. I don’t live on the 4th Rock from the Sun please.

But on a serious note, there were moments in 2025 when I willed myself to remember. Ahh – don’t get the wrong idea please. You remember how in the last part I mentioned the high highs that can get you off track, and that you need to remain focused? Yes. In the highs and lows, it is very easy to forget who you are, what you are about, and whose you are. In those moments – don’t forget to remember that:

a. You are a Child of God – and that comes with its privileges and expectations. He will keep you as the apple of His eye, but He will also demand that you do all for His glory.

b. You are called for a purpose – that purpose will sometimes take you through the leeward side of mountain before you face the windward side. He never promised days without rain, He simply promised to walk with you through all the seasons. So trust Him – not the process, yes?

c. You are loved – I remember many years ago, I was facing the monstrous battle called low self esteem. Teenage was cruel to me guys. Wuehh…Anyway, one fine day we were in Nakuru with my parents as my Dad was preaching to Businessmen – He was in the Businessmen’s Fellowship those days. So after the seminars, we went to visit a family and I was somewhere in the house listening to music with the daughter of that home. That previous term had really done me in and I was lost. The song I Have Loved You by Kent Henry was playing on the cassette (Gen Z please google this). And in that moment, I can tell you it was the Lord speaking directly to my heart reassuring me that He loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:1) Nothing I do can increase it, diminish it, eliminate it, or change it. I am loved! Child of God, you are loved! He loves you with an everlasting love. Hold onto that truth.

12. Anchored and Secured

There are two images I need you to hold in your mind – A ship docked at port, tossed around by the mother of all storms; and a tree growing on the side of a cliff defying all the forces of nature and year on year, blooming at the right time. If asked, both will tell you “I am holding on to something deep below – anchored, secured”. My friend, your survival when the waters are stirred up, and when all logic fails is dependent on your anchor and root system.

A downside of the construction boom in many urban centers is the interference with the natural root system of trees. Recently, a huge tree fell in the Nairobi CBD because of this. Was it necessary to put up the buildings – yes. But it came at a cost. One we probably counted and chose to live with. Now, here you are running helter skelter

Of late, we all seem to be running helter skelter to look the part, sound the part and have the highlights. But can I ask you – what’s the status of your root system? Where is your ship anchored? In the Giver, or the gifts? As you are busy chasing and ticking off the list of achievements, please ensure you are well anchored. Because I promise you, the storm will come, and your ground will shift. What will keep you sane is your anchor and root system. So… in conclusion:

a. Get your major premise and minor premise correct so that your conclusion makes sense. Just look that up – its the process of logic. But to make it make sense, you cannot arrive at the right conclusion if your main arguments are off. By now you know – I will send you back to the Word for this. Not self help books, or seminars – no. The Word. Get your logic tested by the Word.

b. Check your soil – My Mom is a small scale farmer and one things she knows is soil. My dear, matoke in Kisii can never taste like matoke in —- (fill in the blanks). The soil not only determines the quality of fruit but also how deep the roots will go. So if your fruits is abit off – repot immediately. Also, your soil will determine your depth and how intertwined you will be with the next tree. Can you sit and look at this intentionally?

c. And finally, a plot twist – if that port you are anchored at is always under a hurricane watch, please set sail and go look for a more peaceful place to dock. Some relationships need to evolve, neighborhoods left, locations changed – just do what it takes to preserve the ship so that you can still reach your destination.

That’s it – my 12 Gems.

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I hope you have found a gem or two to reflect on? Yes? Today we have the first Sunday Service of the Year. May the heavens be opened over you.

2025- My “Wueh?!” Year: 12 Jewels from 12 Months – Part 3

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Sometimes, there are curve balls, lemons, stones and all their relatives – thrown at you. That was 2025 for me. Let’s continue with my jewels.. by the way, I hope parts 1 and 2 were worth your time?

7. Your Personal Board of Directors

I am a firm believer that you need a personal Board of Directors. Especially if, like me, you have entertained the Negative Committee in your head space for very long and after a lot of hard work, you have finally fired the whole lot. And for the record, please know, some members are very stubborn and will keep looking for space at that same table again and again! Just remind them to keep walking – they are not welcome. My dear, I have worked too hard to reinvent that table to let anything take me back to the trenches. So, when I decided to get rid of the Nay-sayer, the Nasty DJ Wahala (who plays your failures in a loop) and Fear from my head, I set out to replace them with the following permanent members:

a. The Challenger – this one asks those questions that sometimes make you want to scream and stomp! Arrggghhh – you know the “Wh-” questions? Of What, Why, Which etc? Yes! By the way their assignment is simple – to question my assumptions, call out my blind spots, tell me the hard truths and push my boundaries. I have a few people who play this role depending on the context. And I love them for it!

b. The Encourager – Ahh – God knows there were days I crawled, days I walked with tears in my eyes, days I sighed so deeply my soul cringed, days I wanted to disappear to a remote island and not return. But for every one of those days, there was someone who had a word of encouragement that uplifted my spirit, or a with a prayer or a verse to reassure me of God’s faithfulness. And then God also showed out – through the silent nods, the online responses during our broadcasts and smiles of acknowledgement that reminded me that the efforts were not only seen, but also heard. There were also the soft nudges that kept me walking – one step at a time. God sent me something every single day, without fail. Look around you and ignore the nay sayers- just behind them is someone with a huge thumbs up in your direction. Get you some encouragers! You need them!

c. The Dream Holder – Eisssshhh – this one must replace several people at that table. Let me tell you something, eh? You need someone to remind you what you dreamt, envisioned and are chasing. This one keeps you fixed on the vision and reminds you to keep it alive. I keep saying the Bible is the original vision board – lakini you don’t believe me. Nothing and i mean nothing, beats the resoluteness with which your Dream Holder will brings to the table. And just to be clear, you need this one on both good and bad days. Because success can also kill a dream – especially when you are living the “high” of achievement. Stay grounded, stay focused – that fellow at the end of the table will occasionally bring out your dream book – and keep you on track.

So, can you sit in your corner and list who you must on board immediately? Please and thank you.

8. Launch Ahead – Always Ahead

Last year, I mean 2024 – we had a Shusha Nyavu wave. You remember? Ok. Shusha Nyavu is Kiswahili for “Cast your nets” and it is a popular song based on this story – ahem, please read the whole passage?

After toiling at something for a very long time and failing royally at it, we will battle many emotions, the least of which is the desire to try again. Infact, I dare say that I can relate with Simon Peter’s response here – “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing…”- wait! Before you quote the next part.

Have you watched a toddler try to “make” a toy do what s/he wants? Mann the tantrum that follows? Yes! That is exactly how Simon Peter was stomping internally at this point. “Please Sir! We have not slept! We have done all we know how to, plus, we are the experts, and you are not! So, excuse us please! We have toiled and caught nothing! We really want to go home to a hot meal and a warm bed and then maybe, just maybe, we can try again tomorrow”. Sound familiar? But Peter must have seen something that made him finish off his tantrum with a declaration of obedience – “…at your word…” we shall try again.

2025 – I learnt to appreciate the taste of that frustration – but still – launch out again, and again, and again! It failed – we tried again! The nets broke – but we repaired and launched out again! We were misunderstood – but we keep throwing those nets back into the water. And with time, a few things happened – our inner muscles toughened, resilience and resolve streaked our brows, we cracked a nail or two in the process, but finally – the fish obeyed! Our nets were bursting. So – errrm – keep launching ahead – always ahead. And refuse to ground your vessel because of a failed night!

9. The Seen – Moved by the Unseen

Have you ever wondered what’s behind the veil? Not the one for a bride please. No. The one that separates the seen from the unseen? I have!

A while back I happened upon a certain ventriloquist with some mad skills. How this man does it is something else. One day as I was cracking my ribs at his jokes, I actually had an aha moment. Do you know that we are all just tools in the hands of God? Imagine the big difference between you and that handheld puppet is that you have the choice to walk away from the puppet master and put up your own act – but in the process, you will miss out on the punch lines the puppet master would have delivered had you allowed him to run the show! Now, surely, which option is better!??

I understand now what it means here that the peace of God will guard your heart and mind, and here – that all things work together for my good. So if I have One who’s promise is to keep me in perfect peace, and to turn all things and cause them to work for my good – isn’t it a no brainer to remain in His hands to so that His Unseen Hand can move the Seen?? Makes sense yes?

So just tell me – why are you running and fighting to prove that point, and steer your life, or even make sense of it. Leave it to God – He has the punchline, He will land it!

Let me look for some coffee I come for the last instalment.

Please leave a comment? I will smile – I promise.

2025- My “Wueh?!” Year: 12 Jewels from 12 Months – Part 2

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Did you deck the halls? Ring the bells? Celebrate Christ? I did – I almost forgot we needed to share the rest of the Jewels! Well, here goes: :

4. Be A Perpetual Student

Nothing is more painful than a wasted opportunity or experience. Every situation we face has a lesson hidden in it – no matter how good or bad. And then, i think that at the end of every day, two fundamental lists must be updated: the “How to…” and the “How not to…” list- each within its applicable context. Having the posture and receptivity of a student is a sign of great humility and is the shortest route to being lifted. On the flip side, walking into any situation with a “know it all” mindset is the fastest way to fail. Why? Because you miss the opportunity to learn from those around you. Everyone can learn something from someone – be open to it and learn.

So, here’s what i suggest you do:

a. Identify the subject matter expert and make them your teacher. Woii!! Imagine you are not the sole depository of knowledge. Someone is better than you at something – learn from them.

b. Ask questions – even the silly ones! Ah!? What is this pride? Please drop it – and ask that question. You will be surprised at how many people around that same table didn’t know but had no courage to ask. So ask – both you and them will be the wiser for it.

c. Share your knowledge and experience. My friend – let me first of all tell you that no one can take away your experience. NO ONE! So the least you can do is share it, and in the process, you also benefit from another person’s experience.

d. Those lists – the “How to..” list and the “How not to…” list are live documents. Update them as often as you need to and most of all – apply the learnings! Otherwise, you have just wasted an experience.

5. Know your irreducible minimums

In other words – what’s your basement? Do you know there are people out here who will take anything and follow anyone/anything? What will you never compromise? Have you defined it, ama I leave you alone? Let me tell you something my friend – you must know your irreducible minimum. Otherwise, you will be sold for cheap change.

Let me add another perspective – what are your values? And please note that values are not set in the midst of a crisis – no. You define them before hand! You cannot say that you are a person of integrity because a situation helped you see that – Hapana. First determine to walk in integrity within your house, then live them out when confronted by life. And trust me, if you do not do the inner work first, you will fall flat! And one more thing, your values need to be anchored in the word of God. Yes – the word of God.

So, as you review those your values:

a. Remember you are a child of God. And if you don’t already have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, here is a good place to start.

b. Make the word of God your lamb and light and then, follow after it. It will shape you and define your irreducible minimum. Stop looking for someone or something else to define them.

c. Your walk is yours – not ours. That means you must invest in building your inner man so that in the day of trouble your strength does not fail. You must put in the work of personal devotion, prayer, meditation on the word and responding to the voice of God – this cannot be done on a Sunday morning – no. Monday to Saturday – -alone – just you and the Lord.

d. Be led of the Holy Spirit – ahhh do you even need me to expound on this? Make the Holy Spirit your friend. He is the might counsellor, the best teacher and the one who knows the mind of Christ to reveal it to you. And when He corrects you, He does it as you do no. c above – in the secret place.

6. Three Important Companions

Yoh! Where do i start?

A few years ago, a suffered a crisis – I had been waiting on God for something and done all that I knew to do but yet – the answer was not coming. I was crawling through doubt and actually got offended at God. Yes – I questioned him on so many levels. But thank God He is God all by himself. That experience taught me that faith is not equal to feelings! Faith is simply faith! When we come to him, we must believe that He IS… and that He is ready and willing to help me… a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. We must first establish this as the truth within us – that God is – He is! Not will be, IS! And that when I come to Him – he is not only ready but also willing to help me. That raises faith in us – not in the prayer – but in GOD. It is about having faith in God not in the action. He IS!

The Bible also calls us Prisoners of Hope. I say many times that Hope is not a strategy – it is what we stand behind after we have the strategy. Look around you and see how many times you almost gave up and the only thing that kept you holding on was hope. We must remember that hope does not disappoint – it just holds us captive when all else fails. By the way, when you are a prisoner, you are subject to the rules and regulations of that prison – when to move, sleep, eat etc. Likewise, when you become a prisoner of hope, you are hemmed in from everything external and live according to the dictates of the prison warden called Hope. So, your language, actions, thoughts – are governed by Hope! Imagine you will not know the events that are happening outside the prison walls – remember you have no such privileges. Being a prisoner of hope keeps you away from the events outside there – I think it’s a good place to be, yes?

Love – ahh. We love being in love, being loved, receiving love and giving love. But do you know that love also means wanting the best for the other person regardless of who or what they are? Imagine loving your enemies? And wanting only good for others? Love is what moves our hearts to overlook offence and believe the best about others. It keeps you focused on good and never seeing evil – because you see through the eyes and heart of God – who has loved you completely and in spite of yourself.

This year has stretched my faith, threatened my hope and tested my love. But God kept me. What can I share? These:

a. Remember the word He spoke to you in private and hold onto it. It will get hard before it gets better – but keep your eyes on that word. That way, your faith is anchored not on events but His promises.

b. God knows you will be tested – that is why he gave you that word, please and thank you! So, get behind the prison of hope and stand there. Refuse to hear the chaos outside that prison wall. Refuse to respond and refuse to react- keep the bars of hope tightly around you.

c. Hehehehe – love them. Love them even when the urge to slap them is stronger than the desire to embrace them. Yoh! Just walk in the love of Christ.

Let’s take a break and return with the next one – lakini si 2025 has been… Wueh?!

2025- My “Wueh?!” Year: 12 Jewels from 12 Months – Part 1

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1st December 2025.

Wasn’t it just the other day we were all wishing each other a Happy New Year? What happened to the last 48 weeks of this year? I am looking back and wondering where the time went? And if you are from Kenya, then join me in simply saying “Wueh?!” – for our international folks, that simply means… well, “What in the world?!” Anyway, we are here! Of importance is that we are alive and kept of the Lord. Of greater importance is that the Lord has seen us through some pretty tough times, and good times, all rolled into what made 2025 – yes, we still have 4 weeks to go and God will see us through.

So as i wind up my “Wueh?!” year and gear up for a “Wow!!” 2026, let me share with you my 12 Jewels from the last 12 months. By the time I post the 12th Jewel, we shall be singing Christmas Carols… I promise.

  1. Transitions are Rough – But God is in it.

In 2020, my family entered a season of transitions that did a number on us. Oh my – it was rough! As we navigated the process, I quickly realised that God, in his providence, had started to turn the wheels in our lives and we were at entering a season where transitions would hit us in quick succession. Looking back, i thank God for that preparation because…. let me tell you Maina…(Kenyans, you know that phrase very well)…. 2025 was a crucible! Everything i thought I knew, knew that I knew, assumed I knew, knew I did not know – was challenged in every imaginable way. I survived and dare say, thrived, because I had the lessons from 2020 to lean into. Friend – transitions are transitions, big or small! So, whether you moved house, changed jobs, got married, became a first-time parent, lost a loved one, relocated – transitions will inevitably transform and change who you are.

What kept me steady ? Glad you asked:

a. A deep conviction that God was in every single detail of every single second of this year – and still is. My friend, there is no other way to keep your marbles in a row – at least for me, I know no other way. Knowing that God is in the detail will give you peace that surpasses all understanding.

b. Keep the main thing, the main thing – if you get carried away by the side shows you will soon be drifting far off your destination, grasping at straws to get back on course. Determine what that main thing is and focus on it.

c. It will get worse before it gets better – getting used to a new city, a new home, a new social status can throw you off by several miles. Don’t be so stuck on demanding normalcy – just ride that wave and before long, the pace will stabilize. Just expect, anticipate and embrace the turbulence.

2. Loose Excess Baggage

Travelling is on my bucket list – I have not yet done it to the extent I dreamt. I am just getting started. Aside from the thrill and adventure that comes with it, is the adjustment to living out of a suitcase. You have to learn the art of efficient packing – number of shoes, accessories and carry ons will shrink or expand depending on where you are going, how you are getting there and what you intend to accomplish. So, your usual 3 suits will shrink to 1 with different tops, or a dress, a suit, 2 pairs of pants and 3 tops that can be create 16 outfits. It gets easier with time.

However, I recall how one time I had to shake the corners of my bags to pay for excess luggage coz, well, I could not leave anything behind. I can tell you, I made it my business never to experience that again.

It is the same with every other area of our lives.

a. Where do you want to go? You cannot operate as if your sole aim is to survive the year. No please. Life must be worth something – that clarity is critical.

b. How will you get there? What will it cost you? You can get to Mombasa either by road (walking, driving, cycling) or rail, or air. Each has a time factor and a cost factor- choose what you can afford to pay for and be on your way. Just move please.

c. What do you need to get there? What must you have on this journey and what must you loose? Excess baggage may be anger, hurt, disappointment. It can be people, relationships, friends; or habits, addictions, excuses, or even good reasons. As long as it is not serving where you are going, loose it. Drop it. Move on. Learn to keep what is absolutely necessary for your next self.

3. God is not from your village

Haiya!! Do you know that God hears all of us when we pray? So when you are busy asking God to deal with your enemies, or teach someone a lesson, or show you favor and not others, or.. that list is endless – what do you imagine he should do? Pick sides?

Jesus told his disciples here that narrow is the gate and difficult is the way. I mean, following Jesus means that you go against what is popular or heck, natural – for instance, loving your enemy, doing good to those who despitefully use you, walking in humility, walking in meekness, preferring others over yourself. That means that as I say my prayers, I cannot focus on what I want Him to do to satisfy myself or my ego – His will, His purpose and plan must remain the focus – That is what the narrow gate and difficult way is.

Let me just add that imagining that God will deal with your enemy just because you have asked him to reduces God to the level of an errand boy – Yes. Please believe me – I have been there in that whatsapp group because once in a while, I have gone to God and just poured it all out. It is in that state of complete truth that I allow the truth of God’s word to shine the way for me. We must never confuse ourselves to assume that God will do what we say – He will do according to the counsel of His will. So focus on seeking to know and do His will. And that will sometimes, nay – many times, mean that you lay down your soulish desire for revenge and anger and pray a blessing…

So, next time you want to “tell the Lord”…. Take a step back and advise yourself – God is not from your village.

Capacity and Growth – 2025

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Hey!! You’ve been good? I know you have. I know, i went missing for a minute without any notice. I was in a place i can only call a crucible. But, I am back, and eager to pick up from where we stopped, yes?

Now, that parable of the talents – can we talk about it for a minute?

Have you ever wondered what went through the mind of the servants who were given talents? I mean these guys here.

Imagine you’re working for a well read, well established and very successful business man who has established a very solid business in the region. Now, this your boss has decide he needs a break – very far away. He has not disclosed how long he will be away, or if he will even check in with you during his absence. All you know is that he has decided that after many long years of toil, he wants and is taking a break. You have many questions which you choose not to ask….I mean, who are you asking? and what will you even ask? As if that is not shocking enough, he calls you and your colleagues for a handover meeting just before he leaves. You walk in expecting to have a detailed discussion of the areas of responsibilities, expectations around performance and reporting, and the timelines – especially, of when he will be back. Where? (Wapi?? in Kiswahili). Shock on you my friend!

All you get on his desk are three piles of files – One has 5, the other 2 and the last 1. He walks over and hands you 5 files and to your colleagues 2 files and 1 file each. He says a few things about the files and then sets the only expectation he has – that you give him a return when he is back. Wait, when is he coming back – no one, including your boss can say for sure. How does he want this done? Figure it out? What if we fail? Stand and keep going – all He wants are results!

And with that, he dismisses the meeting and wishes you the best of luck. Before you can say “Why Me?” he is off and on his merry way.

You look down at the files and all you can ask is – where do you start? The notes in the file are detailed enough to give you only a rough idea of what they relate to, what you need to do and who to contact. The rest of the details are for you to figure out. You quickly realize that you will either win or win – so off you go to start working. Within no time, you get the hang of things and the 5 files grow and multiply in returns. Ahhh – you, you are the one. Meanwhile, you meet the guy with 2 files and he excitedly shows you his progress. You are both so excited because he too has added 2 more files to what the boss left him. Lakini wueh– Unfortunately, the enthusiasm is not shared by your other colleague – wuehh! When you ask him, he opens a drawer to show you where the unopened file lay. He has not moved an inch and from the look of things – has no intention of doing anything. Yet you can see the opportunities at his disposal – now how will this one be helped?

Anyway, as you continue to do business, things really look up for you. You realize the areas you thought you were not all that good in are suddenly easy to handle. Your boss’s customers trust you more with time resulting in more business opportunities that helped you grown the additional 5 files. Very soon – success is leading to even more success! Ahh this is the life!

Then – out of nowhere, the boss returns.

Please imagine with me: the boss rolls into the office, steps into the office and immediately calls everyone for a meeting. Agenda? Catchup and Handover. Yaani!? Remember he told no one he was coming back – so imagine the panic – some teams are ready, others are not. Some have been hard at work, others – hardly at work! Anyway, as we say in Kenya – kuende vile kutaenda – let it go the way it will go!

As soon as he is done with the pleasantries – he gets down to business. First up – you! Yes, you! Please give an account. Now, because you were well raised, organised and always prepared – you quickly compose yourself and step up to present your report. Afterall, your report has been updated daily from the day he left. Your numbers are speaking to each other, your projections have been accurate and you can confidently say you have not only delivered beyond expectations, but the future is all bright. Your colleague of 2 files – reports the same thing. And you can tell the boss is not just impressed, he is excited – wow! You have done well. Now that the bar has been set – he turns to the one handed 1 file. Yoh!?? Let me tell you?! This one steps up and says he has done nothing, zero, nada – and proceeds to hand over the file to the Boss.

Have you heard pin drop silence? Have you seen blood drain from the King’s face? Have you seen the said colleague want the earth to open and he falls through – Yoh- it issnot easy! And what’s even worse? This guy attempts to explain his dismal results and blames the boss – for being austere and reaping where he has not sowed – yaani!! The audacity! After you all recover from shock, the boss directs that the one with 1 file hands over to you – after all, you doubled the last 5! And then – he throws out the dude of 1 file! Now you don’t know whether to be shocked over the fact that you have been added more work, or over your colleague been thrown out? Surely — what just happened? And who are you even asking again?

Now – let us land this: In life, we grow and evolve as the seasons of our lives change and at each stage, we shall be handed several responsibilities, roles, assignments and challenges. Some will make sense while others will completely throw us off. Some will look crazy and some will make you question yourself. But I also know one thing- each is given according to your capacity. Each one is assigned, sent, commissioned, resourced – according to their capacity. However, results will only come when you rise to the fullness of your capacity.

The ones with 5 and 2 talents respectively obviosly stepped out and stepped up and in doing so, reaped the results. Capacity that is not exploited remains just that – capacity. But once exploited and put to work – it will yield results. The worst indictment you can give yourself is making and giving excuses for dismal results and then blaming everyone else for it. My friend, we are all accorded a chance, one shot, one sprint called LIFE– the results we get will be determined by determination, grit, resilience and anchored faith. And the uncomfortable truth we must all face is this – we cannot blame anyone. And, the bigger our results, the more we will be entrusted to do more. I mean, look around you – is there anyone who seems to multiply everything they put their hands on? Is there someone who is handed more and more opportunities, responsibilities and roles? Even when they can hardly get 5 mins to smile? Do you see how focused and resilient they are in everything they do? Yes. And guess what, they have not only grown their capacity – they have demonstrated results and keep demonstrating results.

So, as we wind up 2025 and many of us get into planning mode for 2026, i charge you to ask yourself a few questions:

  1. Are you a 5 talent, 2 talent or 1 talent person?
  2. What tangible results can be attributed to your name this year?
  3. What will you do different if given the same opportunities next year? (1 Talent gang)
  4. If you have seen tremendous growth (5 and 2 Talents gang), what have been your greatest lessons?
  5. And finally, what is the limit you are removing for yourself next year?

Keep increasing your capacity – therein lies your growth. I promise.

SURRENDER

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My car has been my prayer closet for years now. I have made it a habit to make that short or long drive to work a moment of communion with my Father. Something about the endless sky and the horizon connects with my spirit in a way that only my heart understands.

This morning was no different. After I dropped off our first, I hit the road to work and as I made my way, my heart was pondering on a situation that has been the focus of my prayer for years and today, especially today, I was at the “What next?” stage. As i lifted my heart to the Father, I heard him whisper a single word in the depth of my spirit – “Surrender”.

As I paused to consider the instruction, I realized more than ever before just how powerful the posture of surrender is.

  1. You only surrender to one who wields greater power or authority over you.
  2. Once you surrender, the responsibility for your life or death, success or failure lies entirely in the hands of the one to whom you have surrendered.
  3. Having relinquished control, you are completely at the mercy of your captor. And whatever he bids you must do. He knows exactly what he wants to achieve.

For once, I did not fight the instruction (being helpless or losing control is not my default so…it’s an area of growth). Instead, I was relieved. I knew at that moment my “What next” situation was no longer my responsibility. It’s outcome is no longer mine to worry about. Neither would I, going forward, required to develop and implement any plan to deal with it. All I have to do, ney… NEED to do, is to surrender it and myself to Him and follow his direction.

What’s that your carrying on your heart, shoulder, arms?

Surrender. Let him take you and it captive. He’ll work it out. I promise.

What is in a name?

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Hind sight is 20-20.

As an avid student of history, I believe that in looking back, we understand where we are and how we got here and hopefully, prepare for where we are going or want to go. One of the most intriguing things about history is how names, words, symbols, emblems, standards etc. always tend to provide insights into a society’s norms and values, important events, its culture and belief system.

I never paid much attention to my names until the day I reported for a new role in a certain company that was more parastatal than it was private. On my first day, i was taken on a tour to get to know the company and the people. In the process, i was repeatedly asked uncomfortable and unwelcome questions about my names. I think i was too clueless and shocked to read between the lines so imagine my shock when I realized it was all a tribal mapping exercise! I mean, who does that? This was 2009 by the way so the post election issues of 2008 were still fresh in the air! How does an entire organization survive on such a culture? That my tribe would be such a fundamental issue and a huge determinant of my existence and success in the organization was a battle i faced over and over again and by the time i left, i was a sad individual.

In the last few days, i have found myself asking myself many questions around my identity as a child of God vis a vis my tribe in a post election Kenya. How is it that we as believers are always more aware of our tribes especially around elections? When did it become ok for us to refer to each other by our tribes and exalt that above our identity as bond servants of Christ? How is it even ok for us to map churches to geopolitical locations? Shouldn’t we have been the unifying factor for the nation? More importantly, how do we come back from that? Please tell me – I really would like to know.

Anyway – what’s in a name? In Kenya, apparently everything!