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

Know your limits, RUN FOR HELP

I am adept at the doing a lot of things  despite my obvious physical challenge. I drive, cook, clean, wash and only glean myself off certain chores by pretending my arm is aching(which it does sometimes but not enough to make me an invalid). In all, I am downright independent and celebrate that fact with gusto.

Lara Croft

In as much as I appreciate my strengths, I also know my limits. I know when its okay to ask for help in areas where others are more proficient. In fact I gladly ask for help without thinking twice, no shame, no pride, just common sense!

I walked into my house today only to find a bird trapped in my chimney. After getting over the shock, two things came to mind. 1. Abandon the whole building and let the bird take over or 2. Run for help. In the scheme of things, option 2 seemed better. It never crossed my mind to chase the bird myself because 1. I am not an animal lover, can't bear to come near any or even touch any. 2. I was downright scared. Without much ado, I ran to my neighbour's, explained the situation and got the help I needed.

 Well he did the work while I was jumping round the house like a banshee.

It didn't matter that I was barely familiar with my neighbour. He is an animal lover and the best person to handle my "bird" problem. It would have been foolhardy to have called any of my other friends in that particular situation as they were all scaredy cats like myself.

Asking for help in difficult situations is not foolishness but simple common sense. Unfortunately according to my dearest pastor "common sense is not common". The truth hurts but denial doesn't lessen its efficacy.

Pastor Olumide Emmanuel(Truth of Calvary ministries)

 In the face of life's many challenges its wisdom to turn to God. It's the absolute right thing to do. There is a scripture for every situation, a solution to every problem and answer to every question, if only you'll make the effort to seek it out. "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you with my victorious right hand" Isaiah 41:10.
Running for help is not a sign of cowardice but recognition of ones limitation. Admitting a need for help saves one from stress and frustration in the long run. It takes courage to admit you are neither Superman not Wonder-man even they have areas of weaknesses. Moreover they are fictional characters, figment of somebody's imagination.  Be a good sport and stop stressing out! Run for help, you'll be amazed its just a prayer away. "now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us.And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask,we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him", 1 John 5:14-15

Trusting God through Emotional Trials

Editor's Note: If  many of us would have our way, life will be a smooth journey  and not a roller coaster ride!  If you ask me, I could do without the bumps and sudden, unexpected turns on the road. In fact, I'd prefer if everything was predictable but that would be downright boring wouldn't it? Where would the adventures be? Unfortunately Life indeed is a roller coaster ride but our attitudes and emotions do not have to be a hell-of-a-ride. I have a friend who has the most amazing attitude even in the wake of challenges. Coral smiles at everything and in everything. You'd never know she was a victim of domestic abuse or had a child who was wheel-chair bound! Despite the turmoil in her personal life, my dear friend was the go-to person when other women had issues as she always had a shoulder for others to lean on. At first I thought the years of beating had knocked her brains out but NO!  P.S still waiting for an opportunity to prick her with a needle to see if she's human! But Coral is as human as the next person but she'd only learnt to trust God and SMILE in all situations. Her attitude is that of praise and gratitude in the midst of challenges. What about you? Kindly enjoy this amazing devotion by Joyce Meyer.