Stories that Make A Difference

  There's nothing like a mother's love for her children. It's the kind of love that covers and completely decimates the morning sickness, hormonal changes, cravings and labor pains previously endured. It amuses me to see the things a mother does when playing with her baby after all of that; the "apuchu"s and "googoo gaga"s. It's cute and heart warming to witness. Gusa nyine, many of the children grow up and remind them of the labor pains endured. It's not easy raising a child. However, a mother's love grows through it all as well. And it goes beyond just cuddling and taking care of your every need, being there for you in any possible way. It goes all the way to the spiritual realm. Ever since my mother got saved, to this day, she prays every single night. She tirelessly prays for her family and loved ones without fail. She presents her pleas to God, naming each and every one she's praying for. I know that my journey to Christ was majorl...

  It was a Saturday evening and I'd just got home, exhausted and looking forward to relaxing. I'm not sure but I think I watched a movie or something. What I remember is seeing a WhatsApp notification make its way onto my phone screen. I wasn't excited about receiving it and just tossed my phone to the side, along my bed, and refocused my attention to my computer screen. The message that had come in was from a lady from church. The first few words read, "Hey Gael. Super last minute but do you mind..." The reason I didn't open to check the rest of it was that I knew what I was being asked to do. She was asking me to lead service the next morning at church. Now, those who know me very well know that I'm highly reluctant with that last minute request stuff. I function best when I've been mentally prepared in advance. I tried to ignore it for a bit, deciding I'll think about it later. However, I wasn't at peace after that. My spirit couldn'...

  The year 2020, the start of a new decade was one that many started with high hopes for. For some, it was the year in which they'd finally get their breakthroughs. For others, it was the year in which they'd been determined to make a much needed life change. Everybody had their expectations. However, in different places around the world, the year didn't begin as well as people would have liked. In Australia, the wild scorching bushfires were still blazing, refusing to spare millions of acres of land and millions of wildlife. In the Philippines, the effects of the devastating floods wouldn't allow for a joyous celebration. In our very own, Rwanda, floods claimed lives, and destroyed the homes of many. Let's not forget those around the world who've been suffering for God knows how long, with no food, homes, healthcare, living in extreme poverty, or under a harsh political climate. Oh... Kobe and daughter, Gianna died too, affecting many who idolised him around ...

  I was on a taxi moto/bodaboda one Thursday evening, on my way to church for cell (small group meeting). Prior to that, Lyse, my lovely wife (still dating then) and I were on a phone call and as usual, I’d enjoyed every minute of it. Even better, she’s the one who’d called me, which is something that makes me feel so special.  However, as the moto wound down and up the road, through the chilly swamp that sits between Nyarutarama and Kibagabaga, I couldn’t help but wonder why I didn’t call her as much as I could, especially considering the fact that hearing her voice actually lightened up my heart. “Then why don’t you call me as much?” I remember her asking me once, to which I had no answer. Little did I know the answer was patiently waiting for me, at church. As usual, it all started with some catching up with friends over some snacks, sharing some news about ourselves, how the week has been, the highs, the lows and what not. And then, the pastor shared the verse God had pl...

  It's a new year, new decade, and I'm looking forward to what God has in store. I'm also looking back at the lessons I learned that have made me even more excited for what's to come. However, some of them have left me with a bit of sadness inside. See, God has always been good, but walking in His ways and growing more and more in Him will gradually renew your mind, transform your heart and build you more and more into His image. Becoming more like Him means you'll be more loving, compassionate, merciful, empathetic, caring, considerate,...and also less tolerant to sin and its effects. One will begin to hate it, especially one who's been bound by it and has experienced its consequences. Or, one who has witnessed someone else suffer its consequences. It does not just affect the person committing it, but also the closest people around him/her. One of the sins that enrage me the most is that of adultery. Having cheated in some of my past relationships only adds...

  Is it just me or does every new year pass by faster than the last? It's crazy how so much can happen, how many lessons can be learned, or even how much time can be wasted, in little time. Also, it's crazy how we can get caught up and forget to take a minute to breathe, relax and just reflect on what has been, so as to prepare for what's to come. The year has already come to an end, and fortunate ones are enjoying the festive season with family and friends, food and drink. Alarm clocks have been turned off indefinitely, people won't get fired for going to work late on the last few days. Diet plans have been thrown out the window, it's a cheat week. And, new year's resolutions are being drafted and what not, some that were already made in the past year. Now, I'm not so big with new year's resolutions. I usually don't get to fulfil most of them. Some I fail to, and others I may shift focus from according to some of life's unexpected seasons. L...

  A good friend of mine always says, "I want to be like you when I grow up," even to people way younger than him. All it takes is for him to be inspired by them in one way or the other. They could speak words of wisdom or simply share a fascinating story about themselves. Also, I guess that's his way of encouraging them to keep doing what they are doing.  Most of them however, I know are people he has known for a long time and whose growth in different aspects of life he has witnessed. They are people who have traced paths that carry valuable life lessons anyone can follow. Their steps taken draft a blueprint for others to build with. They are role models looked up to. I recently watched a two-part series from my fav, Bishop T.D Jakes, called 'Model Homes'. So informational and inspiring they are. He and his wife talk about how we approach our marriages and handle our homes based on what was modelled before us in our childhood. And also, how important it is to p...

  It was a Friday night, and I was at church. It was a special service. Our lead pastor was excited to have his leader, the Bishop at my church’s parent church, visit from Nairobi. He was coming to officially give us the news we’d already heard; our lead pastor’s assignment in Rwanda had come to an end, and it was time to hand over the baton. But that’s not what I’d like to share. What God had in store for me that night caught me off guard. I can’t blame Him, however. I brought it upon myself. As always, we had a great moment of praise and worship before our pastor happily introduced the Bishop and his wife. And then came the sermon. The Bishop, one of the most eloquent speakers I’ve ever heard, preached on “Confession.” Many of the things he preached about, I’d heard before. But his amazing storytelling and so many precious gems he added to my prior knowledge had me hooked. Towards the end of his sermon, he threw in the scripture that shed a bright light on what God had done for...

  It was early morning and I was not in the best mood. The very first words that came out of my mouth were, “Oooh I hate you,” as I lazily turned in my bed after being awoken by the sound of fist to metal as the house help banged on the gate, coming for work. I can bet even the birds were mad at the rude interruption as they sang to the risen sun. As my brain warmed up and mind slowly revved up, it immediately picked up where it left off the previous day, on the slight friction that found its way between my lovely lady and I, out of nowhere. I’d said something that made her feel a certain way, that made her respond a certain way that made me feel a certain way. Dang! I had to pump the brakes before I lost them, and figure out what in the world just happened, and how. I had to hear her out as she shared her feelings and thoughts on what just happened. I had to say, “I’m sorry,” despite not quite understanding what I’d done wrong. With a clearer mind in the morning, I contemplate...

  A few days have passed since Valentine's, a popular day around the world in which people celebrate romantic love. Couples get to spend time together and appreciate each other, go out for a nice candle-light dinner, exchange gifts, give flowers, chocolate, you name it. Red becomes the theme/colour of the day and love hearts are seen everywhere, from cards to gift boxes. For some people, it's just another day to celebrate their loved ones. It's not as special as the world makes it to be, in their eyes. They already do it regularly. For others it's the day, apart from birthdays and wedding anniversaries, in which they go an extra mile to see their spouses smile. And for some others, it's a day in which they use the former statement to not do the latter (hehe...Yeah..I just had to). Don't ask me or wonder where I fall. I'm just saying all this because it's the "Month of Love" and it's a pretty cool intro to what I'd like to share about wh...

  It was another morning and I anticipated listening to the VN my lovely wife sends me before she goes to bed. As always, it was a joy hearing her voice in the morning, listening to her tell me about her day as I anticipated the awesome toasted, sunny side up eggs and cheese sandwich I’d be having later. Something about her was different, however. Her voice was low as she shared her heart about how I’d made her feel the day before. She wasn’t as joyful as I’m used to hearing her. Her voice was cracking as she fought back tears, telling me, “I didn’t like your tone. It threw me off. I think it triggered memories of people really close to me using the same tone, though some of them stopped recently. When it comes to you, I just shut down.” Later that day, as we talked over a video-call like we do everyday when she wakes up, I apologized, “Baby. I’m so sorry for my tone. I didn’t even realize it.” We explored further, “I guess my tone changes depending on the mood I’m in. It cha...

February, the "Love Month" has come to an end. But Love hasn't though. And since it's still the theme, I'd like to share something God brought to my attention, and need Him to constantly remind me about. We all know that disagreements and arguments are a part of relationships in one way or the other. I mean, there's no perfect human being, and where two or more are gathered together...well...some heads might bump into each other. It's easy to let go of and overlook some flaws/offences/grievances, but it gets even more interesting in a romantic setting or marriage, because humility must be put on to replace pride, in order to deal with the problem before continuing to build and move forward. Despite all the sunny and rosy days, some days or seasons aren't pleasant. Our insecurities get activated, our defenses get shaken, our flaws get exposed, scars get poked, and all sorts of negative emotions get triggered. For a moment, things seem like they'...

  My wife, Lyse and I were in a long distance relationship and marriage for a good while. "How do you handle it?" people asked me often because of that. And I tried to reply honestly, "It's not easy, but by God's grace we're pushing through and handling it well. Believe it or not, there are things we're learning that we maybe couldn't have so well if it weren't for the long distance." For example, as crucial as it is in any relationship, communication is an art that has to be learned. How well and effectively it's done is unique to every individual and couple, especially when it comes to serious matters. I remember my former pastor telling us one day during some marriage counselling, "You have to talk every day, no matter what."  See, it was easy to do so when everything was all good between us. But how about when we bumped heads and ran into conflict? When we're together physically, we still have to sleep on the same bed ...

Years ago, I remember telling myself after a bad breakup, “I’m done writing and singing songs for girls who won’t end up being my wife,” and vowing that the next and last lady I’d sing a song for and about would be my wife, otherwise I’d keep on singing to any and everybody. I’d gotten involved with yet another girl and it didn’t end well, leaving me heartbroken yet again. I remember breaking down in my bedroom one night. Luckily, no one was home then. I believe God intended it that way to give me room for a much needed release, for I bawled my heart out in a fetal position before finally falling asleep. I slept like a baby that night, and I woke up feeling much lighter the next morning. I was actually healed. With time, after that episode, I slowly realised that the pain that had been ran much deeper than just a love story not going the way I’d wanted it to. At the roots was all the heartbreak in the past that I hadn’t dealt with, and that particular situation was the trigger that...