MY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SEEKING AND EATING RASPBERRIES IN KINANGOP.

MY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SEEKING AND EATING RASPBERRIES IN KINANGOP.

Taking cows and goats to the forest for grazing on the slopes of the majestic Aberdare Ranges was a tedious duty for young boys. 

Yet, even in the midst of hard work, life rewarded us with unforgettable moments of joy and excitement.

One of those treasured moments was searching for and eating wild raspberries hidden among the bushes. 

We would happily leave the grazing animals for a few minutes as we hunted for those tiny red treasures. Their sweet, juicy taste was unlike anything we could buy in a shop.

Even today, many years later, I can still smell their delightful aroma through my nose and almost feel their delicious taste in my mouth. 

Those simple gifts of nature made our difficult childhood days brighter and filled our hearts with happiness.

Looking back, I have learned that tough life has its own fun too.

Some of life's richest memories are born, not in comfort, but in hardship. 

The sweetest joys are often hidden along the rough paths we never expected to enjoy.

"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith." — Proverbs 15:17 (KJV)

Boniface Amani Gichina (CPM)

A BLACK SPOTTED BANANA.

A BLACK SPOTTED BANANA. 

A little boy picked up a banana that had black spots on its peel.

He frowned and said, "This banana is spoiled."

His grandmother smiled, peeled it, broke it in half, and handed him one piece.

He took a bite... and his face lit up.

"It is sweet!" he exclaimed.

Grandmother laughed gently and said:

"My son, never judge the fruit by the skin. Some of the sweetest bananas wear the darkest spots."

Life is much the same.

Some people carry scars you can see.

Others carry wounds you cannot. 

Some may look worn by life's battles, yet they possess hearts full of kindness, wisdom, faith, and love.

Do not reject people because of their appearance, age, past mistakes, or present struggles.

God often hides His greatest treasures inside ordinary vessels.

"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature... for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

— 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)

May we learn to see people the way God sees them.

Boniface Amani Gichina (CPM)

THE TONGUE IS LIKE A LION: IF YOU LET IT LOOSE, IT WILL WOULD SOMEONE.

THE TONGUE IS LIKE A LION. IF YOU LET IT LOOSE, IT WILL WOUND SOMEONE.

One careless word can destroy a friendship. 

One angry comment can damage a reputation. 

One reckless post can leave scars that last for years.

The tongue has no bones, yet it can break hearts, destroy trust, and ignite conflicts. 

In the age of social media, many people type faster than they think. 

Before you speak, write, post, or comment, pause and ask yourself:

👉 Will these words heal or hurt?

👉 Will they build or destroy?

Words once released can never be fully retrieved. 

A lion let loose may attack unexpectedly: in the same way, an uncontrolled tongue can wound people we never intended to hurt.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." - Proverbs 18:21 KJV.

Let your words carry wisdom, kindness, and grace. 

Speak carefully. 

Write carefully. 

Post carefully. 

Comment carefully. 

The fruit of your tongue will eventually return to you.

Boniface Amani Gichina (CPM)

The tongue is like a lion: if you let it loose, it will hurt someone.

New Book - Christian Mentorship

Understanding The Reality of Office Politics

UNDERSTANDING THE REALITY OF OFFICE POLITICS. 

Many people join an organization believing that the official organizational chart tells the whole story. 

It does not.

Every organization has two hierarchies:

The formal hierarchy—the one printed on letterheads, office doors, and organizational charts.

The informal hierarchy—the invisible network of relationships, influence, trust, and access that often shapes decisions behind the scenes.

Some of the most influential people occupy no impressive office. 

They may not have the biggest title, but they have the biggest ears in the room. 

They know who speaks, who listens, who decides, and when to remain silent. 

Their influence is exercised quietly, from hidden corners and unexpected places.

This is not meant to make you fearful or suspicious. 

Rather, it should make you wise, discerning, and respectful. 

Learn the culture of your organization. 

Build genuine relationships. 

Treat everyone with dignity—from the security guard to the chief executive. 

You never know who carries influence that is not written on an office door.

Those who ignore the reality of office politics often become vulnerable without realizing it. 

Wisdom is not manipulation: wisdom is understanding how people, relationships, and influence work while maintaining integrity.

The Bible reminds us:

"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels."

— Proverbs 1:5 (KJV)

Be wise enough to understand the environment in which you work, but be godly enough never to sacrifice your integrity for personal advantage. 

Lasting influence is built on character, not cunning.

Boniface Amani Gichina (CPM)

THE LANTERN AND THE SUNSHINE.

The Lantern and the Sunrise

One cold night, a traveler was walking through a thick forest carrying a small lantern. The flame was tiny, and its light reached only a few steps ahead.

As he walked, another traveler laughed and said, "How can that little lantern help you cross such a vast forest? You should wait until sunrise."

The first traveler smiled and replied, "My lantern does not need to light the whole forest. It only needs to show me the next few steps."

Hour after hour, he kept walking. Every few steps, the lantern revealed a little more of the path. Before long, the darkness began to fade, and the sun rose over the hills.

The second traveler, who had waited all night for perfect light, was still standing where he had started.

Leadership Lesson

Many people wait until they have all the answers before they begin to lead. Great leaders know that leadership is not about seeing the entire journey. It is about taking the next right step and giving others enough light to move forward with confidence.

A leader does not need to know everything. A leader only needs the courage to begin, the humility to learn, and the faith to keep moving.

The little light you carry today may become the sunrise in someone else's life tomorrow.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." — Psalm 37:23 (KJV)

Keep your lantern burning. Someone is following your light.

— Boniface Amani Gichina (CPM)