An Inspiring observation, I suppose, when applied optimistically in your life.
I find it very important today being the 10th Annual National
Prayer day to focus today’s topic on an inspirational note I noticed at KICC.
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| The Gorge through which Thomson passed through on September 1883. |
“In 1883, Joseph Thomson, a European explorer became the
first explorer to pass through the Maasai land.” Reads a sign board at 26th
floor of KICC.
Let’s think through
this together, I’m of the opinion that traversing across Africa during 1800s
would arouse the wrath of fierce uncivilized communities who would not
entertain a trespasser. Mind you this was not just a stranger but a white
stranger. I wonder what sought of questions ran through the minds of African
native chiefs who witnessed a man of different color trespassing through their
land, full of courage though deficient of an army. It was definitely an act of
bravely that saw the birth of civilization in Africa.
During this time it was noted that the Maasailand was a no
go zone not even to Africans. Surprisingly, this particular discoverer was
determined to go where he was warned of danger. I want to believe that the
African assistant who accompanied Thomson must have categorically warned the
discoverer of the dangers posed by some communities such as the Maasai. But it
seems Thomson’s determination to discover was too hard for him to listen to
discouragements.
It is my opinion that Thomson was also aware that as far as
Africa was concerned, the native guide was more knowledgeable than him. I would
think Thomson didn’t buy warnings from this native guide because deep down his
heart he remained true to his word- discover. I am not sure how many white
strangers had attempted the journey before and got stuck forever in the
maasailand. But I’m sure Joseph Thomson was not the first and he knew it. I am
also sure he also knew the danger he was putting his life through. He probably
must have told the African guide who was enlightening him on the dangerous
community, “I came from all the way from Europe not to stop here.”
He was determined. He knew what he wanted and could not
allow anyone – neither the African guide nor the fierce Masai community- to
stop him from achieving his dream-to explore. He wanted to find out what the
unknown holds for him.
Today the story of Joseph Thomson can teach us to hold
ourselves as the best. Believing in oneself and excluding doubts from our
mentality is seen as a critical key to achieving goals in life. Thomson’s
single step from the East African coast heading towards the inland was a seed
that he watered with determination. Least did he know the seed would grow into
a civilized country – Kenya today.
If you know what you want and you conceive it in your mind, you
got no option but to achieve it. Do not let anyone stop you from getting it. No
matter the number of similar people like you who’ve attempted the same journey
but were taken out, don’t fear the opponent. You are not your predecessor. Hold
your faith, be true to your heart and take one foot in front of the other and move
on head high.
May our efforts be inspired by the courageous deeds of Joseph
Thomson this Madaraka Day.
