Amazing Grace in My Journey

A True Story

by Thuita J. Maina

on Jul 29, 2018

Picture related to the title of the story — *Playing "Amazing Grace".*

Composed in 1779 by John Newton, "Amazing Grace" is an old hymn. A very old hymn indeed. But it always sounds new to my ears when I realize it's God's grace that has brought me this far.

Before I started changing my ways in 2016, my sinning was on another level. I overate, overslept, had lustful thoughts, reacted in anger and plagiarized other people's writings.

What's worse, I hanged out with the wrong people. Not that they stole or abused drugs. They just weren't smart enough to sharpen me as iron sharpens iron. (Proverbs 27:17)

As if that were not enough, I did some things that exposed me to danger. Yet here I'm, hale and hearty, which makes me relate to this third verse of "Amazing Grace":

Through many dangers, toils and snares / I've already come: / 'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far / And grace will lead us home.

Now that the first three verses of "Amazing Grace" resonate with me, I can't help but believe in the fourth verse which says the Lord will be my shield and portion as long as life endures. That makes me feel free.

********************
Also check out "A Hymn for Life's Journey".

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Spread the Love

Remembering Dr. Griffin

A True Story

by Thuita J. Maina

on Jul 26, 2018

That evening as I sat in the assembly hall of Starehe Boys' Centre, I was impressed to hear Dr. Griffin speak with eloquence. It was my first time seeing him live, having reported to the school that day: 17th January, 2002.

And he was no ordinary man. He was famous in Kenya for founding the exceptional school that is Starehe. Some would even ask me about him when they heard I was in Starehe.

But he didn't get to know my name, even though I caught his attention when I played the piano and gave speeches during evening assemblies. He was understanding of me all the same.

During one 2002 evening assembly, for instance, he requested Miss Church - a talented volunteer teacher from England - to help me out on the piano when I became nervous while accompanying a hymn.

Two years later when I started accompanying the school again, he complimented me for playing the piano well. He did that on his way out of the assembly hall. I must have felt honored to receive a compliment from such a great man.

As for the speeches I gave, I remember one when students started clapping as if to suggest I wind up what I was saying. Dr. Griffin came to my rescue by silencing them with this command: "Let him finish!"

Now that he's gone, I'll embrace his spirit of service and live by the advice he gave Starehians: "If you are given a coffee cup to wash, wash it cleaner than any other cup that has ever been washed before."

********************
Also check out "The Week Griffin Died".
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Spread the Love