What is in a name?

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!

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God Is Not Your Village Elder 🤭

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.