Proverbs 3:3-4 (ICB)
“Don’t ever stop being kind and truthful. Let kindness and truth show in all you do. Write them down in your mind as if on a tablet. Then you will be respected and pleasing to both God and men.”
I love Pastor Myles Munroe, and one of the things he teaches about is character. He describes character as being like a statue—unchanging, no matter the circumstances. Whether it’s hot, cold, rainy, or stormy, the statue remains the same. If someone slaps it, it doesn’t move. If you punch it, it stays exactly as it is. That is its character. He also compares character to the alphabet. The letter “A” doesn’t decide to be “A” when things are good and then switch to “P” when things are bad. It remains “A” through it all.
When I read today’s scripture, verse 3 struck my heart: “Don’t ever stop being kind and truthful. Let kindness show in all that you do.” The other day, I told you that I don’t have the strength to be unkind or dismissive toward someone. That’s because kindness isn’t something I switch on and off depending on the person—it’s part of my character. Whether someone is a matatu conductor or a CEO, I treat them the same. That’s why I’m so passionate about domestic work. I can speak to employers with respect, and I can speak to workers with respect, even though they’re on different economic levels. My character remains the same, regardless of who I’m interacting with.
You’ve probably noticed how people save domestic workers’ numbers as So-and-So Nanny or So-and-So Watchman. I have never done that. Since I was young, I’ve always saved people’s contacts using their two official names. I remember once it even caused drama because someone was shocked that I had saved their number with their full name instead of a title. I use people’s real names because, for me, they are individuals first. That’s why when I talk about them, I refer to them by name—it’s not pride or showing off; it’s just how I see them.
Even in simple interactions, I hold on to kindness and respect. In campus, whenever I got off a matatu, I would always say thank you to the driver or conductor. Even today, whether they hear me or not, I never leave without saying thank you. It’s part of me. I live a quiet life, full of peace, in my little world. My social life is basically the videos I share with you here. These are the only conversations I have outside of my daughter, my nanny, and my gardener. Physically, I rarely interact with people—maybe during kesha or church on Sundays. If you met me in person, you’d probably think I don’t like people, but the truth is, I just don’t know how to interact much. And honestly, I enjoy my quiet, unexposed life. I live in a way that makes me happy, and that’s enough for me.
Character is who you are. You can’t pretend to have good character with one person and bad character with another. Who you truly are will always show. If you check the referrals page on our website, you’ll see a pattern in what people say about us. There’s something consistent in all their testimonials. That’s character. And for all of it, we give God the glory.Another thing my dad instilled in us is truthfulness. If there’s one thing he hates, it’s a lying tongue. We were raised to always speak the truth, no matter how bad the situation was. The truth will always remain the truth, even 100 years from now. But a lie? You have to keep adjusting it to cover the last one, and that’s exhausting. How do people live their whole lives lying? When you speak the truth, it never changes. And if someone tries to accuse you falsely, it doesn’t bother you because even 50 years from now, the truth will still be the truth.
Many people don’t understand the freedom that comes with being truthful. But look at what the Word of God says: a kind and truthful person will be respected by both God and men. There’s nothing more beautiful than living a life that is pleasing to God. And when you do, He gives you peace like no other.Someone once asked me if I feel exposed sharing my life online. I said no, because I share my truth. If my experiences help even one person, then I’m glad. If someone can learn from my mistakes and avoid making them, that brings me joy. Lying about how perfect my life is would be out of character for me. I don’t think I’ve ever shown you my “wins” because that wouldn’t help you. I share my struggles, the real side of me, so that someone else can learn from them.
I don’t even know if today’s word makes sense, but in conclusion: Let’s learn to be kind and truthful in everything we do. It brings respect from men and, more importantly, it pleases God. And when you live to please God, you live in His perfect peace.
Have a beautiful day. 🖤