Small steps, giant leaps

Never give up on yourself and never give up on anyone because anytime they can get their breakthrough as long as they still have the breath of life. No one knew it was possible to walk on the moon until Neil Armstrong did so, and inspired others.

Don't be a shadow of your true self. Never give up.

One of those was an Ankole man whose promising life was being encumbered by alcoholism. This man had waded through several storms to attain some qualifications and scoop an important job. He had lost his father young and as the first-born had to help his mother to fend for his seven siblings. The family migrated to the jungle that was Ankole back then where he worked as a watchman; protecting their crops from vicious monkeys and battling wild beasts.

It was when he was much older that he joined school, wearing a goatskin. After P.6, there was no school fees, so he came to Buganda to work for a chief. There, he admired the way the chief’s children spoke English, and decided to return home and do everything to resume school. In the end, he attained some qualifications and became a district health inspector.

Soon after, he took to drinking like a fish. All his money went into the liquor bottle, leaving him heavily indebted. Then one day, he heard a BBC documentary about Neil Armstrong's adventures on the moon and his famous words: "One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." The words sparked something in the Ankole man, and he swore never to touch alcohol again. It was a decision that turned his life around and made him the inspiration of many.

Last Sunday as the world was celebrating 45 years since the walk to the moon, the Ankole man was celebrating 70 years of existence. His 12 children, grand children and many important people were there to celebrate him. So it doesn't matter what challenges you face, never write yourself off. Continue making those steps forward however small they could change humanity.

It's okay to be "extreme"

When a man goes to the beach it is okay but when another attends a prayer meeting he is accused of taking life too "seriously." A bar plays ear-splitting music and people nod to the beat but a night Christian fellowship in the same neighbourhood evokes endless complaints about the 'noise.' So it is okay to play but not okay to pray? 

  

My Dad made 70 on Sunday. I am what I am cos he didn't raise me with kid gloves

A friend recently said she fears men who don't "speak two sentences without a Bible verse." She said such people are extreme yet "life is not that serious to live as if it depends on only one line of thought." Maybe she is right. But what is complex to you may be simple to me. You think I live seriously when I'm actually living simply and enjoying every bit of it.

It's all about tastes and preferences. After a hard day's work, I relax with a cup of tea and my favourite roadside roasted groundnuts. After a hard day's work, a colleague relaxes by reciting psalms accompanied by instrumental hymns. Does that make him serious, and me easy?

As for extremes, well, the world thrives on that! One should not be ashamed of being branded extreme because all the world's movers and shakers have been radicals. If Mahatma Gandhi had not been a radical he would not have tangibly shown the world the power of civil disobedience. If Mother Teresa was not extreme she would not have loved the unloved street children of Calcutta. If Muhammad Ali was not obsessed with boxing he would not be the greatest heavy-weight pugilist. Without extremity President Museveni would not have spent five years in the bush! If my father, who makes 70 years today, had not raised me with toughness, I would probably have gotten spoilt. 

Show me anyone who has changed the world and I'll show you their 100 percent extremity in their cause, their foibles notwithstanding.

Happy birthday, Dad.

More to soccer than the goals

Tonight [yesterday] the 2014 Fifa World Cup champions were pronounced after a scintillating final. What goal galore; what masterstrokes; servings of geniuses; what crackles of wit have defined this tournament! Sad though that it has ended too soon, I cannot forget what it has taught me about life.

In soccer as is life the race is not often to the swift

Because the golden trophy goes to one nation, it is easy to assume many players went home empty-handed. Yet there are players who before the competition were little unknowns but after some sparkling moves on the pitch they will now be snatched by mega clubs in Europe that pay big money. Thus there's more to gain in utilising the chances life hurls at us than merely focusing on silverware.

I also learned that sheer talent is not enough. Ivory Coast had arguably the most talented team at the World Cup but they were prouder than the peacocks. Then they lacked team spirit as each player sought personal glory. This individualism cost the team dearly, and in the end it is the united, hard-working Desert Foxes of Algeria and the high-spirited Costa Ricans that impressed the world with their synergy and hunger for success.

There was something to pick about the importance of self-belief and good psychology that motivates players to perform way better than they are capable of. Putting in 100 per cent in soccer as is in our daily pursuits pays off with amazing results.

Why do you think defending champions Spain and three-time world champions Italy suffered the embarrassment of getting knocked out in the first round? Because the 'small boys' like Costa Rica and Switzerland refused to be intimidated by the 'big boys' and played their hearts out with solidity and purpose that once again corroborated the saying that the race is not necessarily to the swift nor the battle to the strong. Just give your very best and see how far you will go.

A thousand reasons to give

There is something about giving. Giving of your money, giving of your time, giving a drink of water to a thirsting soul, giving a lift to a stranded stranger, giving a smile, a word of encouragement or a pat on the back, giving your excellence; giving those who ask, blessing somebody when they least expect it, giving with a joyous heart. 

It is more blessed to give than to receive

I grew up in a time when you would stop a woman on her way from the well and ask of a drink and she would gladly bring down her pot of water from her head and let you drink freely to your fill. I also lived with my uncle who was famous in the village for making the best banana juice and many people often dropped by for a free swig.  

Those were the good times when these humble people with hearts of generosity loved to share the little they had. In return their hearts always reverberated with unspeakable joy, and they managed to send their children to school on meagre resources because there is a special blessing that comes with giving that one literally never lacks. 

Today there is much heartache in the world because capitalism and individualism have infiltrated even the villages that used to be held together by the cord of communalism. Recently I asked several people when they last visited the hospital to comfort a patient there. Many genuinely admitted they never think about that unless somebody very close is the one admitted. Others blamed the tough times that make it difficult to visit the sick without "something". 

 

But how can there be a spring in our strides and a song in our hearts when we look on without helping those who are dealing with the challenges of life alone? Giving is a demonstration of our dependence on one another. It is a token of love. Someone who gives you openly without wrong motives captures your heart eternally. 

Give today!