Small Matters Too

I wish I had something flowery or even grandiose to write after my long hiatus but I dont. But I do have this to say "Happy New Month".

Photo by www.roccosphere.wordpress.com

Its not much but its something thoughtful, heartfelt and absolutely sincere

I was almost tempted not to post anything at all until I remembered a saying by the great people of Nigeria "at all, at all na im bad pass" which simply translates to "its better to do or give a little than none at all" and I totally agree.
Every little efforts adds up and tiny rain drops have the potential to become a torrential downpour.
You see that small idea that seems stupid, don't discredit its potential. Test the waters with a tiny dip of your feet and before you know it you will be walking on water.

Remember even the greatest idea started from the bottoms up. All it takes is commitment, resilience, a tad of bravery and you will see the potential you envisaged and amazed at the results. Ignore the negative voices and amplify the positives.
As you embrace this new month, embrace every challenge it throws at you. Never disdain the little, it might not mean much to you initially but it could mean the world to someone.
I hope this means something to you as it matters to me.

The Bravery of Kenny Brandmuse

I have never heard about Kenny Brandmuse at least till this morning. Kenny is a successful  brand expert and founder of Orange Academy  who revealed his HIV status via his social media platform as the world marks World Aids Day. His revelation is highly commendable given the high level of stigmatization associated with the virus especially in Africa.

Kenny Brandmuse.

Coming out as anything anywhere is difficult for anybody moreso in Africa for fear of societal condemnation and criticism. There is something in everybody which desperately craves acceptance so we all blend in with the crowd and live a lie. In some societies people fear to publicly acknowledge Christ for fear of persecution.For some the persecution is even closer to home from family and friends and this hurts the most! To avoid the drama we pretend to be what we are not thereby eroding our true self. This scenario is not uncommon even in churches. I was and I've also met people who have abandoned their core or true values simply because they want to belong, desperately craving acceptance.  You do this when you fail to stand up for your beliefs because you don't want to stir up "the waters". However the water that is not stirred up today would someday burst its boundaries  due to pressure causing untold damages. Have you seen a quiet "person lose it" and the everybody is in shock.well they never just lost it but the anger had been simmering beneath the surface for a long time.
I am not talking sexual preferences here. The word of God is clear on that. Some even hide their sins instead of "confessing your trespasses to one another so that you might be healed" James 5:16. You real self might not be attractive but in being naked and not ashamed you will get the help you so need! Once upon a time I would fear telling anybody about my son's challenges for fear of being rejected but I learnt early that loving me includes loving my son-that's a no- brainer!. In being you, you in turn help others to find courage to be themselves. This takes courage, strength and the help of the Holy Spirit.
I applaud kenny's courage and I would like you to read his inspiring message here.Follow this link

Time to be brave.

I read an interesting post on UCB devotionals and it really inspired me. It’s about living fearlessly. The concept of struggles is not a strange phenomenon to the human existence. Since sin entered man, there has been the constant struggle between good and evil but with Jesus came victory. Sometimes man in his frailties can be overwhelmed by struggles and fears constantly. Have you ever watched a movie that shows a drowning man being rescued? In his fear, the drowning man struggles and flaps his arms but most of his self-efforts mostly drain him of energy. However, as any life saver knows, you cannot save a drowning man unless he stops struggling. It takes bravery to be calm in crisis. It takes bravery to lean on the arm of an unseen saviour and trusting He is able to rescue by FAITH. Fears cripples and rubs a person off the ability to live a full life. It has the possibility to kill before an unlikely or envisaged negative circumstance does. The Irish government has made plans to reduce the number of police men and close stations to curb public sector spending’s. This announcement has left people fearful about security of lives and properties on the back of a waning economic situation. The day I heard the news, I simply prayed and handed my worries to God. Of course fear almost crept into my heart but I refused it access into my heart and home. In past years, I would have had a panic attack and crumbled under the negative news but I realised it was time to be brave and not fearful. My new mind-set did not happen over by night, it was a gradual process and a conscious choice to be brave in times of adversity. In the words of Playwright David Mamet, We all die in the end, but there’s no reason to die in the middle. Sometimes a medical diagnosis has the potential to kill than an actual illness. I did an HIV/AIDS test in 2004 and before the result came I contemplated jumping from the first floor of the hospital laboratory if the report was negative. I almost had a heart attack when the doctor came with an ominous look on his face only to tell me I needed to come back for the results which turned out to be negative. Phew!! I have learnt to exchange every lie with the truth of God’s words and in that I have peace. So can you. It is time to grab the bull by the horn and live the abundant life that is in Christ Jesus. It is time to be brave and that includes the mountain of dirty dishes in my kitchen sink!! "For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment" 2 Timothy 1:7