There are two contradictory ways of looking at the issue of racism and tribalism.

1.There are people who either knowingly or unknowingly make statements that are meant to show that his or her race/tribe is more superior than all others. Such an individual therefore feels that he/she or her/his race/tribe should lead out. In some countries such as USA, some have found themselves in big trouble by making derogatory racial remarks. Some have not only lost their jobs but also forced to apologize
2. There are those who genuinely question what they perceive as unfairness. They are not necessarily blaming those in power but rather requesting that they too get a fair share of the cake. This has been the position of the poor and needy in many societies. They feel left out in many ways. This has been the borne of contention in many societies. 

So, the best way, is as follows

1.Let each examine himself/herself to see if there is an iota of tribalism or racism in his or her DNA
2.Let us try to understand what others are saying without labeling them racist or tribalist
3.Let us practice and preach fairness all the time
4.In all that we do, let us try to follow the Golden rule (Matthew 7:12) of doing unto others that which we want done to us. Let us try to put ourselves in other peoples shoes

Above all, let us leave everything to God, who alone knows each one of us better than we even know ourselves.

Pastor Birai

Unlike you and I, God knows what constitutes unfairness. Whenever a leader or a group of people cross His line of fairness by mistreating others (spouse, parents, children, siblings, clan, tribe, race,His chosen servants) God acts shifty and often times punishes. God is actually on record as always intervening at the fullness of time. I'll cite but some examples:

"Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know." (Genesis 18:20-21)

^" During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God.  God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them." (Exodus 2:23-25)

^"The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.  And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:7-10)

^"And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and he departed. When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.  And Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us because we have done foolishly and have sinned. Let her not be as one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother's womb.” And Moses cried to the LORD, “O God, please heal her—please.”  (Numbers 12:9 -13)

So, in our daily struggle, let us not forget that our God is able to step in and change the course of history. Let us not leave Him out in our struggle for fairness. He is the epitome of conflict resolution. He is capable of moving people out of the way for His plan to be fulfilled. Let us continue crying day and night.

Pastor Birai

The saddest thing that can ever happen is for a husband and wife to have the same negative characteristics. What's wrong with that?

1.No one will help the other one
2.They see things the same way and in most cases, they are always wrong
3.They usually end up destroying themselves
4.They loose friends as no one is willing to confide with any one of them

I have come across several couples who behave the same way and the end result is pathetic. Once you realize that both of them behave the same way, please leave them alone. Any attempt to help them might have negative effects on you. Ever come across such? How was your interaction with them?

Pr Birai

Debt collectors are not only mean but very annoying indeed. Here is why:

1.They make their living by threads. Such as? If you don't pay by such and such a time, we'll report you to the credit monitoring agency
2.Most of them are so rude
3.They act as if they themselves are always on time in paying their bills
4.All they care about is that you pay your debt. They don't care what caused the delay
5.They come at night and repossess their product

In all what they do, they are the exact opposite of the Creator of the universe. In what ways?

1.Every time we sin, instead of yelling at us and threatening to kill us, God simply pleads with us to reconsider our choices and turn around
2.Even though the majority of us continue each day to deprive Him of tithes and offerings(Malachi 3:8-10), He still continuous to bless us
3.He is always gentle, kind, caring and loving in dealing with us

Now here is the question: Would you rather deal with debt collectors or the Lord of the universe?

Pr Birai  

Among the worst feelings for any one (spouse, child/children, employees, church members,parents,siblings and citizens ) to entertain is the feeling of either rejection or unfairness. Usually, such kind of feelings lead into more bad things. In all that you do, please make sure that you don't make someone or others feel that way. You might end up loosing them or their support.

Pastor Birai

Whether we like it or not, certain people ought to be blamed for certain things gone wrong. Such as?

1.Some spouses are to blame for the troubles or break up of their marriage. What they did or did not do contributed to the daily quarrels that led into going separate ways silently or publicly. Its very possible that some are still married but long ago divorced in thoughts and actions. Only God understands all the complexities of life.
2.A parent or some parents are to blame for the wrong choices that their children ended up choosing. Their daily dictatorship, yelling, cursing and threatening their children led to the untold. If only they had ruled with love and understanding  
3.The not doing anything, not asking anything, let them do what they want kind of attitude by citizens of certain countries has given an edge to some leaders to do anything they want. Citizens of every country need to stand up to be counted. They must say no to impunity but always in love and with respect. They should not sit and watch leaders do anything they want. They must chose to be actively involved in the running of their country
4.Some of us have contributed or encouraged others to sin. God alone will avenge. Let us be careful

Just take a few minutes and ask yourself if at all you have contributed to anything gone wrong anywhere.What are you going to do about it?

Pr Birai 

While exercising the other day, an anchor on ABC TV news read out the result of a recent survey on the 2011 rudest city in America. And the winner was New York. At first, It was hard to understand why someone would undertake to carry such
a survey. On a second thought, though, it helped highlight a certain concept. Which is? Life is such that there are always people who are good at certain things, whether good or bad. Just take a few minutes and see if you or anyone else you know would qualify for the following 2011 awards:

1.The most unreasonable person
2.The most undependable person
3.The most corrupt country
4.A country whose leaders rule with impunity
5.The most useless leader
6.A president that has done his or her country more harm than good
7.The most caring person
8.A country that you would love to reside if given a choice
9.The most loving person
10.Five people who were a blessing to you in 2011

Pr Birai

The American constitution states that no one is above the law. If anything, all citizens regardless of age, gender, status or religious affiliation are subject to obeying and protecting the law of the country. Its only fair that the same applies to all human beings in whatever country that they find themselves. The law must be obeyed by all without partiality. If say,the rich and the famous are protected by the law while the common citizens are treated harshly, it won't be long before people start complaining.

 

God expects that all His children are treated in the same way. Fairness should and must be the rule of thumb. Let us therefore preach fairness to one and all.

 

Pr Birai

Some Kenyan parents , if not all, have hard time adjusting to the new culture in many ways. Such as?

1.Men find it so hard applying their Kenyan up bringing principles in the new culture.For them to survive and enjoy life, they must have uttermost respect for women, children and animals. A failure to respect the three has landed many into serious problems including but not limited to spending time behind bars, deportation or loosing parental rights
2.Both women and children are quick to buy and apply the new culture way faster than men

To enjoy life in Diaspora, the following is but a must

1.Learn ,adopt and apply the new culture as fast as possible
2.Learn to solve issues/conflicts by talking to either your spouse or children. Avoid dictatorship mentality or threats. They don't work here
3.Pick your fights wisely. Let some things go
4.Be flexible to the new culture by avoiding to fight it.
5.Let Jesus be the head of your family. Read the Bible, pray and go to church together
6.Seek some counseling in areas that you do not understand

Life is all about adjusting and swallowing pride at all times. So, do all it takes to make life enjoyable and not a burden to yourself.

Pr Birai

Just recently I saw a thought provoking ad at a nursing home. It read, "your satisfaction is our passion" Any business, that hopes to succeed or to make an impact must do all it takes to satisfy or please its customers. The number one agenda therefore must be customer service that includes but not limited to the following:

1.A receptionist who knows how to answer telephone calls and satisfy all guests that walk into the facility
2.Dedicated, polite and caring employees who provide quality service
3.Leadership that listens, is flexible and solves issues immediately

Any business that fails to satisfy the needs of her customers is likely to fail. The same is true of any friendship. Any one who has friends must prove friendly at all times.Taking customers and friends for granted must be avoided by all at all times 

Pr Birai