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

Bin Em' fast!!

I don't know where the strength came from but  few days ago, I decided to de-clutter my wardrobe. I noticed I had lots of clothes but I'd not worn quite a number in years. According to fashion guru Gok Wan "if you've not worn them in ages, you are most likely never going to wear them"(or something in that order but you get my drift..lol). So our went that Next jeans that doesn't fit any more and that shirt bought years ago on the spur of the moment but doesn't fit any more either and  plenty others soon became a pile on my bedroom floor including the ones I've held unto for sentimental reasons!!.

However in typical Gladys manner, the pile has remained on the floor ever since neither tidily arranged nor bagged for disposal until this morning. In my quest to find something suitable to wear, I found myself drifting towards the pile of clothes on the floor. For some inexplicable reason an old top set apart for Charity became appealing. I quickly forgot why it was on the floor in the first place and wanted to wear it. Already the other day I'd worn a top from my "floor collection" and it had somehow found a way back into my wardrobe. I realised the rejected clothes were gradually becoming attractive because I'd not done anything about them and this got me thinking (thinking is hard work right?)

 amenclinics_photos via

 Anything or relationship in life that does not suit your present situation bin it fast. It does not matter how long you've had it. If its not functioning productively and helping you attain your highest heights-DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND BIN EM' FAST!! Don't just leave them hanging in a corner before you know it, they become attractive again! Remember you set them aside for a purpose. In a fit of loneliness a couple of months back, I reached out to an old boyfriend but thankfully caught myself before things got out of hand. I remembered he was an "old" boyfriend for a reason and I "jejely" severed that connection. I didn't need the emotional drama. In a more positive Gladys fashion" I reached out to the God of all Wisdom who helped permanently shut the door and delete every trace of that old life. Deleting might seem harsh but one's destiny is worth EVERYTHING. Recovering alcoholics and drug addicts are sorely advised to avoid situations and relationships that would drag them back into their old toxic lifestyles. Never assume you are strong enough to resist the pull of certain situations, avoid them all together.
I have cleared space in my wardrobe and dumped the unused clothes. I now only have functional clothes that I wear and easily access without hassle. No more unnecessary attachment or fillers. If it ain't useful, it ain't worth it. BIN EM' FAST.

Live For Today

Today is that tomorrow you promised yourself, LIVE IT.  Many times people worry about tomorrow so much they  forget to enjoy today. Worrying about tomorrow is like exhausting tomorrow's energy today-it never solves anything!!  Life itself is a daily journey-one day at a time. This does not negate strategic planning for future benefits but you don't get tied up in knots over it. When you worry so much about the big things such as tomorrow, you forget about the simple pleasures that make today unique. Living for today allows God to take charge and lead. It is relying on God for daily strength and sustenance in fact EVERYTHING.  So why not take the pressure of yourself and dare to enjoy the simple pleasures of today. You can do that by trusting in Him who lives, controls and created time.