Marriage In Hebrews 13:4-5

Marriage: A Holy Hand Grenade Against Holy Matrimony (Just Kidding, Kinda)

Marriage is an institution that has been both praised as a heavenly haven and mocked as a ball and chain since, well, forever. But before we dive into the usual sappy sonnets or snarky stand-up routines, let’s crack open Hebrews 13:4-5 and see what it has to say about this whole “two-become-one” shebang.

First off, it throws down the gauntlet: marriage is honourable, yo! Not just for some, not just for the lucky ones who snag the perfect unicorn spouse, but for everyone. This ain’t a competition for the cutest couple or the longest Instagram bio. It’s a dance of two souls, a messy, magnificent tango of love, support, and yes, even the occasional perfectly-timed fart (because let’s be real, that’s true intimacy). 🙈🙈

Now, about that “undefiled bed” business. No, it’s not about keeping your sheets pristine (although that’s always appreciated, honey). It’s about respecting the sacred space you’ve created, the covenant you’ve made. No room for infidelity here, folks(nikusikie na mpango wa kando, msheeew!). It’s not just a betrayal of your partner, it’s a cosmic whoopie cushion to the whole concept of commitment.

But wait, there’s more! The passage then tackles the ever-present gremlin of greed, that pesky “love of money” that can turn a marriage into a battleground for the remote and the last slice of Ingokho. It’s a gentle reminder to keep your eyes on the prize, folks. It’s not about the McMansion or the matching cars, it’s about the laughter shared over burnt barbecue, the whispered secrets under a starlit sky(or under the blue-gum bushes of Emanyulia). Be content with what you have, because trust me, true love is richer than any diamond ring (and way less likely to accidentally drop into the pit latrines of Navakholo).

And finally, the grand finale: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Boom! Mic drop, wapi nduru weweeee!!. This ain’t just a line from a cheesy Hallmark movie, it’s a promise from the Big Guy Himuselefu. Even when the honeymoon phase fades and the dishes pile up, even when you trip over each other’s quirks and stub your toes on your own expectations, remember this: you’re in this together. And guess what? You’ve got the ultimate backup, the cosmic cheerleader who won’t leave until the final curtain call. The big Fella on high.

So, there you have it, folks. Marriage: not a walk in the park, but a hilarious, heart-warming, and occasionally hair-pulling adventure with the person who knows how to make you laugh even when you’re crying (and vice versa 😏😏). Embrace its messiness, cherish its sanctity, and remember, even when you’re tempted to throw a holy hand grenade at your spouse’s annoying habits (figuratively speaking, of course!), that you’re not alone. You’ve got God on your side, and maybe, just maybe, that’s enough to make it work. Now go forth, lovebirds, and make that marriage bed undefiled (unless it’s part of the tango, then by all means, make it a wild ride 🤪🤪).

P.S. Don’t forget to laugh. Seriously, laughter is the duct tape that holds this whole marriage thing together. Laugh at your quirks, laugh at your fights, laugh at those THPPTPHTPHPHHPH disgusting farts under the blanket, laugh until you snort milk out your nose. Because honestly, what’s life without a little bit of snort-worthy laughter, especially with the person who knows exactly how to make you do it?

Happy and prosperous 2024 from the biggest writing clown in town.

THE PARADOX

The Curious Case of Broken Vows and Burgeoning Seminars: Can Celebrity Counsellors Crack the Code?

There's a curious paradox plaguing the hallowed halls of matrimony. Marriages crumble like stale biscuits, divorce lawyers clink champagne glasses like celebratory bongo-players, and yet, marriage counsellors sprout like weeds after a downpour. Seminars promising marital nirvana fill calendars, workshops on "rekindling the spark" sell out faster than Kanye's Twitter account, and self-proclaimed love gurus, more bronze tan than bona fide wisdom, dominate every talk show podium. So, where's the disconnect? Are we a society hopelessly inept at love, or are the shepherds guiding our bleating hearts more enamoured with fame than fixing fractured unions?

Let's peel back the layers on this matrimonial onion. The celebrity counsellor, often armed with a smile as dazzling as their teeth, dispenses pronouncements like confetti at a Kardashian wedding. They're experts in the art of the soundbite, weaving feel-good platitudes that evaporate faster than a politician's promise. Their books, ghost-written by interns fuelled by instant ramen, climb bestseller lists on the wings of hype, not substance. Their seminars, overflowing with PowerPoint slides and audience selfies, offer cookie-cutter solutions for problems as diverse as snowflakes. In their quest for global domination and Instagram followers, they forget the fundamental truth: every marriage is a bespoke tapestry, woven with unique threads of joy, struggle, and everything in between. 

It's not that every counsellor is a charlatan in a cashmere turtleneck. There are genuine souls out there, toiling in the trenches of heartbreak, armed with years of experience and a genuine desire to mend hearts. But they're often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of the "celebrity therapist." Their voices, grounded in reality and devoid of sensationalism, get lost in the cacophony of self-promotion.

So, what's the cure for this epidemic of broken vows and burgeoning seminars? Perhaps a dose of reality, served with a side of humour. We need counsellors who aren't afraid to laugh at the absurdity of love, who understand that marriage is a marathon, not a sprint, and that sometimes, the finish line involves separate bedrooms and Netflix accounts. We need therapists who ditch the PowerPoint presentations and engage in real conversations, messy and unscripted, where vulnerabilities are shared like cocktail recipes and tears are as common as laughter.

And maybe, just maybe, we need to take a step back from the seminar circuit and rediscover the art of communication. Talk to your partner, not at them. Listen, really listen, with ears uncluttered by the static of self-help gurus. Remember, love isn't a problem to be solved, it's a dance to be enjoyed, even when the music stutters and your partner steps on your toes.

So, the next time you're tempted to book that weekend getaway with the celebrity counsellor promising to "reignite your passion," pause. Look at your partner, the one who knows the secret code to your laughter, the one who's witnessed your worst hair days and loved you through them all. Maybe all you need is a shared bottle of wine, a walk in the rain, and a whispered reminder: "We're in this together, even when it's messy. And, hey, at least we're not those people with the matching his-and-hers tracksuits from the seminar."

Because in the end, the greatest counsel often comes not from a stage or a book, but from the quiet corners of our own hearts, where love, with all its flaws and frills, whispers its own unique wisdom. And that, my friends, is a seminar worth attending.

Values Harmony

Navigating the Seas of Values: A Challenging Journey for Christian Couples

In the cryptic web of life, Christian couples often find themselves facing a challenge as daunting as it is delicate – the harmonization of values to impart upon their children. It’s a journey filled with passion, inspiration, and humour, but it also offers profound food for thought.

We’ve all heard that age-old phrase, “Opposites attract.” It’s as if the universe conspired to pair you with someone who, in many respects, couldn’t be more different from you. While this diversity can be a source of strength, it can also lead to some passionate debates, especially when it comes to imparting values to your offspring.

Imagine a scenario where one partner firmly believes in the virtue of early Sunday morning church service, while the other sees Sunday as a sacred day for family hikes in the great outdoors. It’s like trying to blend oil and water, isn’t it? But humour can be the glue that holds it all together.

Picture this: a couple, deep in discussion about their children’s upbringing, one quoting scripture and the other referencing Thoreau or Einstein or some other philosopher. It’s almost like a comedy sketch! Yet, within the humour, there’s a profound lesson – the recognition that differing values can complement each other rather than clash.

But let’s not get too carried away with humour alone. The challenge of merging differing values within a Christian household is no laughing matter. It’s a passionate quest to create an environment where children can grow and thrive, spiritually and morally. This quest often forces couples to examine their own convictions, making them question what they truly hold dear.

In these moments of self-reflection, inspiration can strike. The realization that perhaps both partners have something valuable to offer their children is a profound one. It encourages dialogue, empathy, and understanding. For example, the discipline of regular prayer may coexist harmoniously with the discipline of respecting nature and all of God’s creations.

And so, this journey isn’t merely about the clash of values; it’s an exploration of the beautiful tapestry of human experience. One partner might teach the children the importance of charity, while the other instills a love for music and art as a form of worship. As this unique blend of values unfolds, it becomes clear that love and respect are the unifying threads that hold it all together.

This harmonization is not just a matter of compromise; it’s an evolution of spiritual growth. The process of arriving at a common ground might be painstaking and full of ups and downs, but it is a journey that transcends religious and cultural differences. The outcome is a truly unique, multi-dimensional tapestry of values that can help children become well-rounded individuals.

So, while the challenge of agreeing on what values to impart in your children may seem daunting, remember that it’s a journey filled with passion, inspiration, humour, and profound thought. Christian couples can learn to navigate these seas of values with grace, appreciating the unique perspectives they each bring to the table. After all, in the end, it’s not about what values you agree on, but how you inspire your children to find their own path, driven by love and respect.

COUPLY INSIGHTS

Navigating the Storm: Christian Couples and the Challenge of Non-Remorseful Spouses

In the beautiful tapestry of life, Christian couples often find themselves confronted by a challenging thread, one that tests the very fabric of their relationships. It’s a thread of non-remorse, of mistakes and missteps that a spouse refuses to acknowledge. While it may not be the path we envisioned, this challenge can become a remarkable opportunity for growth, understanding, and transformation.

The Unwelcome Guest

Non-remorseful spouses can be likened to an unwelcome guest at the banquet of love. They may have erred, knowingly or unknowingly, and instead of extending an apology, they stubbornly cling to their stance. This can be perplexing, frustrating, and even maddening for their partners, who often struggle to make sense of the situation.

Walking the Path of Grace

For Christian couples, the teachings of grace, compassion, and forgiveness are central to their faith. It’s easy to apply these principles when your spouse is remorseful, but how do you do it when they stand defiantly unapologetic?

Herein lies the challenge and the opportunity. The true test of faith is not in forgiving the remorseful but in finding it within our hearts to extend grace to the unrepentant. It’s not easy; it’s a journey that can test the very core of your beliefs. But remember, every great saint was once a sinner, and your unremorseful spouse is no different.

Humour as a Lifesaver

In the darkest of moments, humour can be your lifesaver. Imagine humour as a lifeboat in the stormy sea of non-remorse. It can help you stay afloat, stay sane, and stay connected.

When your spouse remains unapologetic, it’s easy to let bitterness and resentment take over. But remember, humour is a release valve, a way to vent your frustrations in a lighter way. Sometimes, a well-timed joke can be the crack in the wall of stubbornness.

Provoking Thought

An unremorseful spouse may not change their stance overnight, but provoking thought through meaningful conversations can plant seeds of change. Engage in thoughtful discussions, not as a prosecutor but as a partner seeking understanding.

Ask open-ended questions, share your feelings, and listen actively. This can be a profound way to chip away at the barriers of non-remorse.

Embracing Self-Growth

In the midst of this challenge, don’t forget the person you are becoming. This is an opportunity for self-growth, to strengthen your faith, your patience, and your capacity for compassion. It’s a reminder that you are not responsible for your spouse’s choices, but you are responsible for your own.

A Thoughtful Conclusion

In the intricate dance of life, Christian couples are faced with the challenging partner who refuses to dance along. Yet, it is within this challenge that the true strength of faith, love, and humour is discovered. The path is tough, but as Christians, it’s a path we are equipped to walk.

Let us remember that our non-remorseful spouses are flawed, just as we are. And in embracing this flaw, we discover the power of grace and the beauty of unconditional love. It’s a journey of laughter, tears, and thought-provoking moments that can ultimately lead us to a place of deeper connection and understanding.

So, let us walk this path with our heads held high, our hearts wide open, and our humour intact, for in doing so, we may just find that the unwelcome guest becomes a beloved companion on this remarkable journey of life.

“Unity in Diversity: Why ODM’s Expulsion of Nyanza Politicians Misses the Mark”

In the vibrant political landscape of Kenya, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has often been hailed as a symbol of change, progress, and unity. However, recent events within the party have raised eyebrows and sparked debates. The decision to expel politicians from the Nyanza region for cooperating with the government on matters of development may seem like a principled stand, but it may just be missing the bigger picture.

At its core, any political party’s mission should be to bring about positive change in the lives of its constituents. This often requires working across party lines and cooperating with the government, regardless of its political affiliation. The politicians from Nyanza who were expelled by ODM may have chosen to prioritize the interests of their constituents over partisan politics, and that should be commended.

Development is a multifaceted endeavor that transcends political boundaries. It’s about roads, schools, healthcare, and economic opportunities. It’s about improving the lives of ordinary citizens. By cooperating with the government on development matters, these politicians were putting the needs of their people first, setting an example that politics should be a means to an end, not an end in itself.

Expelling politicians for cooperating with the government sends a discouraging message to those within the party who aspire to work collaboratively for the greater good. It discourages constructive engagement and stifles innovation in governance. By focusing on the punitive, ODM risks losing valuable talent and potential leaders who could drive Kenya’s progress. First, it creates the impression that only the party leader has the freedom of thought and that it is only him that can engage with and agree with government on any matter on behalf of other leaders. This especially, if you come from the Nyanza region. Is Nyanza, the ODM party leader’s property? He seems to think so.

Inclusion, diversity, and open dialogue are the lifeblood of a thriving democracy. Political parties should serve as platforms for discussion and debate, where differing opinions are respected and deliberated upon. The expulsion of politicians based on regional cooperation raises questions about whether ODM is fostering an environment of healthy debate or stifling dissenting voices.

Rather than expelling politicians for cooperating with the government, ODM should consider embracing a more inclusive approach. Encourage open dialogues within the party, where members can articulate their reasons for cooperation and listen to the concerns of those who disagree. After all, true progress is often born from constructive conflict and compromise.

In Kenya’s ever-evolving political landscape, it is imperative that political parties, like the ODM, remain adaptable and open to change. Expelling politicians for cooperating with the government on development matters may send a short-term message of party discipline, but it risks sacrificing the long-term goals of unity, progress, and a better future for all Kenyans.

As Kenya continues to grow and change, its political parties should reflect that evolution. Unity should be celebrated, not stifled, and collaboration for the betterment of all should be encouraged. In the end, it is not the party’s survival that matters most but the progress of the nation and the well-being of its citizens.

Self Love: Crafting Our Most Powerful Love Story

In the symphony of life, promises made and promises broken dance like fireflies on a moonlit night. It is amidst the fragments of these shattered promises that the human spirit reveals its indomitable strength. With hearts scarred, but not defeated, souls embark on a journey of healing, armed with the needles of resilience and threads of self-love. The result? A tapestry woven with the wisdom of tears, reminding us that the most potent love story we will ever script is the one that we write with ourselves.

Promises, like fragile glass, hold the potential to bring great joy or cause profound sorrow. Yet, when they shatter, they leave behind shards that seem irreparable. It is at this crossroads that we discover our inner reservoir of strength. We recognize that while we cannot control the promises others make, we hold the power to mend the fragments of our own hearts. This mending is not merely a patchwork fix; it is the journey of finding our own worth, embracing our imperfections, and stitching together the masterpiece of resilience.

Resilience, that rare and precious gem, is forged in the crucible of adversity. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we discover that we possess the ability to rise anew, even when circumstances have left us broken. Our resilience becomes the needle that guides us as we weave the fabric of our self-love. Each stitch we take is an affirmation that we are deserving of kindness, understanding, and patience —qualities we often extend generously to others but hesitate to offer ourselves.

And then there are the tears. Oh, the tears! They are the ink that writes the stories of our pain and our growth. In the quiet moments of vulnerability, we find the courage to confront our emotions, to embrace them, and to let them flow. These tears are not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to our humanity. Through them, we cleanse our wounds and water the seeds of self-love, enabling them to blossom into something beautiful.

The tapestry that emerges from our tears and resilience is a masterpiece of wisdom. It speaks of battles fought and lessons learned. It narrates the journey from brokenness to wholeness, from self-doubt to self-worth. Each thread that we interlace into this tapestry whispers the secret of our growth, reminding us that healing is not linear, but it is always within reach.

In the end, this tapestry is a testament to the love story we have with ourselves. It is a narrative that unfolds in the quiet chambers of our hearts, away from the world's applause or critique. It is a story that reminds us that our relationship with ourselves is not secondary to any other, but rather the foundation upon which all other connections are built.

As we gaze upon this tapestry, we come to understand that it is not a result of perfection, but a celebration of authenticity. It is a mirror reflecting our strength, our courage, and our capacity to love unconditionally. It reminds us that amidst the ebb and flow of life, we are our most constant companions, and the love we extend to ourselves sets the tone for the love we both give and receive.

So, let us embrace the wisdom born from shattered promises, for they lead us to the sacred realm of self-love. Let us wield the needles of resilience and weave the threads of our story with intention and care. Let our tears be the gentle rain that nurtures the garden of our growth. And in the end, let us revel in the beauty of the tapestry we've crafted—a testament to the fact that the most powerful love story we'll ever write is the one we have with ourselves.

A CHRISTIAN COUPLES’ ODE

A life of love, a life of faith,

A life with Christ, so full and great,

A life of joy, a life of peace,

A life that’s lived in God’s release.

To love the Lord with all your heart,

And love your spouse as unto the Lord,

A life of service, and a life of giving,

To others and to all, as you’ve been forgiven.

To walk in holiness, live free from sin,

To bear His light in this dark world,

To live an example of Almighty’s love,

And show the world His saving truth.

To pray together, to study God’s word,

To grow in Christ, and learn His ways,

To live a life that’s pleasing to Him,

And to have a home that’s full of praise.

This is the life that God has planned,

For all who follow and in Him trust,

For all who give their lives to Him,

And live a life that’s pleasing to Him.

Do not allow your selfish interest,

And sin and pride, to mar your bliss,

For in faithful matrimony, the Lord is pleased 

And in true fidelity, a couple is blessed 

Thus let us live our lives together,

In love and in faith, and in His peace,

And let us show the world His love,

And let us be His light and His praise.

 A Sir Fred Allan think

© 2023

Oh Kenya My Fatherland

Oh, Kenya, my sweet land of plenty,

How you have fallen from grace.

Your people once so proud and united,

Now divided by greed and hate.

Corruption has eaten away at your core,

Leaving you weak and vulnerable.

Your leaders are more interested in lining their pockets

Than in serving the people.

Tribalism has torn you apart,

Setting brother against brother.

You have forgotten the values that made you great,

And you are now a shadow of your former self.

I beg of you, Kenya,

To wake up from this nightmare.

Reject corruption and tribalism,

And embrace unity and hope.

You are a beautiful country with a rich history,

And you have the potential to be great again.

But only if you can overcome your current challenges.

I believe in you, Kenya.

I know that you can rise from the ashes

And become the beacon of hope that you once were.

So please, for the sake of your people,

For the sake of your future,

Defeat corruption and tribalism.

And together, we can build a better Kenya.

A Kenya where everyone is equal,

A Kenya where everyone has a chance to succeed,

A Kenya where everyone is proud to call home.

This is my dream for Kenya,

And I believe that it can come true.

Together, we can make it happen.

So let us stand together,

Let us fight together,

Let us build together,

A better Kenya for all.