What’s in your hand?

 If you attended Sunday School, CRE lessons or go to church, you are probably familiar with the question above: What’s in your hand? Then, God was asking of Moses what he had that He could use through him in the saving of the Israelites. The answer? A staff. A simple staff, nothing as ornately carved as those of our African leaders (can’t blame them – they got swag, they got style – if only they were more visionary…).

Just a simple staff.

The current status of Kenya, Africa, the world … rising cost of living, rampant unemployment, economic recession, culture clashes, worrying climatic changes, political instability, uncertainty about the future, angry populaces… indeed, it seems as though we are teetering on the precipice. That said, in most of these instances, we are powerless – relatively speaking – as they are beyond our control. But again, that eternal question: What’s in your hand?

Perhaps, you’ve lost a job or a business, lost a child or spouse, fell sick, been divorced… these things happen to all of us, eventually. At the moment, though, you feel all alone, depressed, angry, life doesn’t seem worthy living… You are at your tether’s end. Perhaps, at this very moment, you are googling on ways to commit (painless) suicide and Dr. Google has recommended several helplines where you can get counselling. Then again, that still, small voice: What’s in your hand?

So, you take pen and paper and do a list: Unique skills I possess; cooking, marketing, branding, selling, writing, coaching… Using the neighbour’s borrowed Wi-Fi, you google on business ideas that you could start with your unique skills… Then again, capital to start… bank loans, grants, equity, Hustler Fund… Back to businesses you could start with less that 2K… Your search leads you to KYEOP, KIRDI, KIE, MSEA, KALRO, ATDC-Ruiru, WestMill Concrete, Wylde International, Kua Ventures, IMFact, Pezesha… If push comes to shove, you could sell that sofa, or TV, or talk to that rich uncle or friend for a soft loan as capital… Tough times call for tough decisions… for reaching out.

God’s soft, still voice: What’s in your hand? A laptop, writing skills, some little cash (actually, rent money) to do a book: ‘A Funeral Dress for Nyasuguta’. Ideally, I’d have printed a thousand copies, did a big launch that’s all bells and whistles, invited the media and big personalities, did a serialised launch on a leading daily… Maybe, one day, I’ll get there, for God will so often grant us the desires of our hearts. In the meantime, my ability – just like yours - was limited to getting some copies to Nuria Bookstore, but I promise the book is good. Plus, just like you, I am not one to despise the days of humble beginnings. Order your copy here: https://nuriakenya.com/product/a-funeral-dress-for-nyasuguta-by-mark-mwangi/

What’s in your hand?