Category Archives: Growth

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!

God Is Not Your Village Elder 🤭

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Yesterday in the course of a crazy day (my body is already in the weekend, by the way), I decided to listen to a session I had missed over the weekend because, time and deadlines happened.

The speaker, a well grounded minister and emotional intelligence coach, was speaking about the many identities and cover ups women need to shed as we seek to perfect his purposes in our lives. She spoke candidly and passionately about our relationship with the Father and while expounding on a particular point, said something that amused me and amazed me in equal measure.

She said that the notion that we should not ask God questions is entrenched in our African norms and values that teach us not to question our elders. She then gave us a serious clap back – “God is not on your village council of elders, neither does he suffer from low self esteem. Your questions will not diminish his sovereignty or endanger his throne.”

Gbam!!

That was something!! Child of God, You and I must realize that God is so big and loves us so completely that we can come boldly into his presence and pour our hearts out to him…and yes, even ask him questions.

I cannot tell you how liberating that was for me. I needed to hear that because, wueh??!! I have many many questions.

Finally, when he called me and predestined you and I, he already knew you through and through. So believe me, he is not in any shape or form surprised when we thrive in foolishness. He does not face palm when we act out or make mistakes or blunder. He does not stop loving you because you messed this morning or 5 minutes ago..

Imagine he factored all that in when he picked you for the assignment. And he loves you completely!!

So, brethren do you have questions?? Ask them!!
The Father loves you completely, eternally, and unconditionally.

Don’t look for me – Leave me at the alter with my Father.

Mombasa Road, Twenty Plenty Two and All.

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I struggle sometimes, no actually, most times, to make sense of what i am seeing around me. I honestly do not think there is a generation that will match this one. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have taken the trophy. In every category. I mean, which other generation is more vocal and opinionated than this one? Which other generation has radio and tv stations crawling out of the wood work? Which generation has totally, and i mean totally lost respect for each other and its elders? You innocently (or not) post about a random topic like how to cut finger nails, or dust a carpet and the opinions come flying in, makombora mzito mzito. Yaani! This generation takes the cup!! – end of rant.

Anyway, the other day as i was sitting in traffic [it’s become a full time-after-job on Mombasa road these days] i subconsciously started people gazing and in the process, i made quite a few observations. But three stood out – a young man to my left whose radio was blaring old school RnB, wachana na hii kelele ya juzi [not the recent noise we are subjected to in the name of music]. This dude was having a ball!! He was thoroughly enjoying the music. Then to my right was loud kigoco [kikuyu praise] music. At first i was waiting to see an elder gentleman, god father hat and all (because the heat), probably headed to his hardware store hapo chini to collect the day’s sales. Never. Ever. When i finally saw the kigoco driven vehicle, it was a sleek, crisp, shinny, silver lady driven mercedes benz who was dancing in her seat like there was no tomorrow!! She was having a ball. Then there was a Noah, with a visibly impatient man, who kept changing lanes only to end up at more or less the same distance relative to where i was – kujitesa na kujigandamiza.

I concluded that the first two had: a) made peace with the fact that we were stuck in traffic and probably would be for a while and; b) decided to make the most of the situation. They had found a happy spot and occupied it well well. The Noah dude was probably calling the gavment, contractors, workers and the sun all manner of names. A quick self check made me realize i was actually very irritated and frustrated at the road hog habits of Rembo and Embassava Sacco drivers. So, i asked self, Why allow them to rob you the opportunity to enjoy this moment? In fact, why was I stressed about a situation i had little power to change? Why was i worried about the next 5 minutes and totally squandering the opportunity to enjoy the peace and (semblance of) quiet? Or using that time to invest in my personal development? After i dismissed my self-board meeting, i pulled up a video of one of my favorite speakers and hit play. I managed to finish a 50 min video over the next 11Kms – totally worth it.

As we start out this year, many people have probably made plans for this year. In fact, many of us have already hit the road running, chasing the clock and calendar so that by 31 December, we can tick off our list of achievement of this, that and the other. I can only imagine how excited they already are in anticipation of the days ahead. On the other hand, some of us are stuck. Unable to move past an obstacle, a bad experience, the pain of loss or betrayal, or in some cases, memories of past victories. We may even be overwhelmed by the magnitude of our plans and are experiencing analysis paralysis, totally unaware that time is doing what it does best – moving.

I want to encourage you to do one thing and one thing only, regardless of your situation ( yesterday i learnt to say “let us situate the situation”) – you are not alone. We are many occupying either or both categories.

If you are already rearing to go, get those that are like minded to keep momentum and cheer each other on. Motivation alone will not win the war. And if you are stuck – reach out to someone who is several steps ahead and ask for a helping hand. Appreciate the fact that all these thoughts and emotions are helping you identify what needs to be sorted and then, get it sorted. And finally, having done all you can – Stand.

In this year of Mombasa Road (almost done, mercifully), I have chosen to make every inconvenience, delay, pause, detour, halt, denial, answer, open and closed door a learning for me. I am determined to find my happy stops and spots and hit play, then i will stand, or sit, and dance like no one is watching.

Twenty Plenty Two, Mombasa Road and all – Let’s dance.

The Soil – Part 4

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As a child, i always looked forward to the school breaks. My dad would take advantage of his business and ministry trips to take us on mini -vacations. And it was mad fun. Our trips took us to Machakos, Nakuru, Kericho, Embu, Meru and Loitoktok [local tourism nani]. My favourite destination at the time was Nakuru. I looked forward to our usual stop over at the Great Rift Valley Check Point to marvel at the wonder that is the Great Rift Valley. Come to think of it, i need to that real soon. The view, especially in the soft glow of the morning sun is absolutely breathtaking. Another habit i had at that young age was lookin up into the clouds and in my head and heart, have conversations with God. Some were as silly as “why that cloud looks like a horse” or “heal those that are sick”. And i know, at the bottom of my knower, that he heard, and he answered. Such precious memories.

I equally loved our 5 hour road trips upcountry. [I was the designated and self appointed singer for the entire journey]. On those trips, i got practical lessons in geography [though i later dropped it like a bad habit]. If you were born before1999 [let’s not argue please], you will remember our G.H.C books had a collection of maps [and we were expected to remember all of them- what for?]. One of them showed rivers and lakes, another longitude and latitude, another the hills and mountain and another, the agricultural segments and so on and so forth. If you remember [no judgement if you don’t], there was one that showed the agricultural segments [arid, semi arid areas, cash and food crops etc], and which crops grew in which areas. For instance, the Rift Valley and upper western region was considered the bread basket because of the predominance of wheat, barley and maize farming [again, i dropped the subject so, just follow my drift. I’m trying to make a point, alright?]. Embu – Mwea was known for rice, the coffee plantations that were common place in Muranga, Kiambu and its environs while Kericho was synonymous with tea. 0

For me, those maps were boring and naturally, i hated having to memorise them. But the truth is, they were extremely important because they taught us which climatic conditions were best suited for what type of crop. For instance, cotton and pyrethrum thrived in regions that had predominantly dark cotton soil, the western highlands were best for tea, maize and bananas and the eastern highlands were best for potatoes, coffee, so on and so forth.

Anyway!! What’s the point of all this banter about Kenya and farming? 😂. The soil.

Let’s go back to our reading in Mark 4.

As you recall, Jesus was telling the story of the sower who went to sow seed. In the process, the seed fell in 4 different types of soil or ground and we have so far, looked at the first three. Now, let’s look at the 4th and last. Yes? Jesus describes this last environment as good ground. Here, we see that the seeds which fell in good ground sprang up and yielded a harvest, some of 30, others of 60 and others 100 fold. As he later explained the parable to his disciples, Jesus described good ground as representative of ones who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit.

By the way, i’ ve just had a flashback – Do you remember the picture used in our Bibles for this parable? The most common illustrations or pictures shown to us during Sunday School had a man, the sower, walking and scattering seed, and all the 4 types of environment were visible in the picture. So, is it safe to say that at any given time, all 4 types of ground are represented in the congregation?

From what Jesus explained, we see that the good ground has 3 characteristics – the ability to hear, accept and be fruitful.

Hearing in this case is not just the physical ability and sense of hearing, no. It speaks of a spirit that is tuned into God’s frequency and is able to pick out from the message being delivered from the pulpit what is specific to him/her. This is a person who is familiar with the voice of God. And has a heart that is constantly searching for God. Acceptance speaks to the ability to allow the word take root and begin to effect change and transformation in our lives. Acceptance creates the perfect environment for the seed to take root and begin to change the “how” we do things. It means the hearer is submitted enough to accept the truth of God’s word and walk in obedience to it. And can i tell you, the faster you accept and walk in obedience, the faster the change is manifested – as fruit.

By the way, this is not just in reference to areas that need to be repented of. No. It touches even those areas that the Lord wants us to grow in. Ubaya ni vile the first thing we think about is sin, eish.

Fruitfulness. Do you know you cannot hide fruit? Do also you know that all trees in the shamba do not produce the same quantity of fruit? And that in one year you can get 55 mangoes and the next 125?

Ok. So why didn’t Jesus simply leave it as, they bore fruit, and instead went on to state the rate or return? In my view, the graduation from 30, to 60 and 100 fold is an illustration of two things – the degree to which we hear and accept the word of God; and the wisdom to remain consistent. So, what should we do?

First, through prayerful introspection, identify your level of fruitfulness in all areas. Yes. You can. A farmer knows which side of his shamba will produce the sweetest maize so don’t try and make an excuse here. If you are honest, you will agree that some areas have more fruits than others.

Secondly, identify why the is less fruit in an area than others. Is it because of what i have set my heart on? My level of obedience? My fears and doubts? And again, this is not simply because you sinned. No. It can be deficiency in understanding, or ignorance of the whole truth in any area.

Third, deal with the hurdles and make a commitment to stay consistent. The Christian walk is not one of perfection but one of repentance. That said, consistency means that regardless of the state of the soil [1,2,3 and 4], we allow the word to continually check us, wash us and restore us to fruitfulness. And the truth is, His word is not a novel. Its alive and well – we jsut need to allow Him to work on us.

Prayer: Search me, I pray and know my hear today. Cleanse me from every sin and make me new. Give me a heart that hides your word, and bears the fruit of righteousness.