As a country, yesterday we woke up to the sad news of the demise of Professor Wangari Maathai, the first African female Nobel Laureate.
You will agree with me that Wangari never did things half heartedly. She led from the front and did not just say what needed to be done. She had the courage to go out and do it. Her list of achievements and awards is very long and yet, I do not believe that any time she acted it was in pursuit of these accolades. Her message was simple … take care of the environment as nature is unforgiving. I recall in an interview soon after she won the Nobel Peace award someone asked how the two were related. She was quick to point out that many of the wars were as a result of competition for diminishing and / or limited natural resources.
I am at a place in my life where I have concluded that may be I do not need to be learning new lessons. Not because I have reached the epitome of learning but because I am digging up the benefits of the things I have been learning over the years, applying it and am reaping the benefits.
You see, many are the times we get so busy pursuing the latest book, latest movie, latest course, the latest song, the latest inspirational speaker, blogger (hint hint), author and yes, even preacher. We get excited but we never get around to implementing the things we are learning. We store all these knowledge waiting for the “moment” to come when we can implement it. The timing is never right so we do not act. Finally, when we decide our excuses have become old, we begin to look for short cuts, we start chasing the fads.
15 Steps to Wealth
12 Great Ideas to Avoiding Divorce
10 Stages to Lose Weight
8 Ways to Resolving The Past
6 Revolutionary Ideas to A New You
5 Commandments of Parenting
3 Days to Peace
When does this silly chase end?
There is a saying I like, wherever you go, there you are.
Your attitude follows you. You can change jobs, change friends, change partners, change neighborhoods and even change churches but there will be no change in any of these areas until you change yourself. You need to change the man (or woman) in the mirror.
You do not need to hear another sermon, read another book, attend another course or seek yet another mentor because you now need to get up and start implementing the lessons you have learnt so far! OK, you are allowed to keep reading this one blog but not more than 7 times a day :-)!
Do not even get me started on the way we Christians make our excuses sound good by saying we are praying over the situation or we are waiting for a sign from God. I am not saying do not pray nor am I saying do not seek God’s face on an issue. I am saying do not become a collector of prophecies and wear them like charms!
I tell you the truth it does not matter how many times Billy Graham prays for you over the Harvard scholarship that T D Jakes prophesied would be approved the application will not submitted itself!
So this week as many discussions are being held on how best to honor Wangari, a woman who inspired the world in so many ways, it is simple … start where you are and just become a humming bird. Your efforts may seem insignificant but they can make a difference.
Obviously she had faith but she more importantly, it was not a dormant faith, it was a faith backed by action and commitment to the cause. Her attitude and actions were intentional and focused.
For the record, my bible says faith without works is dead. Works means action …ACT!
Infact, that same bible has a book on the ACTS of the Apostles.
Your greatness lies in your attitude and actions.
Rest in peace Wangari Muta Maathai, you who planted many different types of trees so that we may enjoy the shade.
Blessings y’all!
