Security Begins With You.

Last weekend's attack on our prestigious Westgate mall left many of us bitter and thirsty for information and answers. In the past three days, I have perhaps read more scholarly journals on terrorism and profiling than I have ever cared to. Why? It hit very close to home this time. My sister and I have a habit of hanging out in this particular mall being it is an 'all under one roof'. It saves us a lot of walking around. This incident left us both shaken and our hearts bleeding for the victims and their families. As my friend told me today, "it could have easily been one of us."

Looking at people's comments and updates in various social networks, I couldn't help but notice the ignorance many of us find ourselves in as far as security matters are concerned. Some of us: openly expressing our newly acquired fears - this in turn fuels the terrorists efforts in perpetrating such crimes as clearly their objectives have been met. 

Others : happily sharing photos of our security personnel. How will the same security officer manage to nab or investigate a terrorist tomorrow undetected. 

Yet others falling prey to the various handles on twitter boosting the criminal's egos. 

Even without reading any literature, these are actions- that if we thought before carrying out-  we would find reckless to our own safety and that of others. 

Another thing that came to my attention watching an interview this morning, is how oblivious we as a nation are to what is happening around us. We could be as well be living next to the most sought after criminal and not know it. Think about this for a moment. Do you know all of your neighbours and what they do? Do you take a minute out of your busy schedule to carry a pie to your new neighbours to welcome them to the neighbourhood and form friendships? I am not one to talk. I have previously and firmly believed in minding my own business. Not anymore. It is the high time we became vigilant. It is the high time we cared about what is happening around us. This simple act could save thousands of lives. 

Take a few minutes to read profiling journals, attend any available trainings. Learn what things and behaviours to deem suspicious. Let's all be prepared should (God forbid) such a thing ever be planned to befall us. Who knows? You could be the one to protect our beautiful nation from such a selfish, tragic attack by noticing the tiniest of things. My loved ones, your instincts will never fail you. They are innately built to protect you. Let this painful experience fuel our zeal to learn. 

My deepest condolences to all those who lost their loved ones in this truculent attack perpetrated by implacable enemies whose sole aim is to cause pain and spread the hate and conflict they experience within themselves. We are a loving nation. Our togetherness is not hinged on tribe, race or religion. #WeAreOne!!

The only source of knowledge is experience ~ Albert Einstein

My Dear Daughter.

Following my recent posts, someone asked me, "Daphyne, if you had a daughter, what would you advise her? " in response to her I wrote the words below. This I dedicate to my best friend's daughter who gives me the warmest hugs. I love you Chel: 

My dear daughter, 

Always remember to define beauty correctly.

Beauty isn't skin deep, beauty lies in your character,

Beauty isn't in dressing, in your heart is where it's beheld.

Beauty isn't in the amount of make- up you wear, 

It's  in the kind words you share and the way you care.

Beauty is a fragile gift, don't ever be an ego-tripper,

And there is always beauty, that lies in imperfection.

My dear daughter, 

Spare a smile for your neighbour, and your enemy alike,

Remember to forgive, vengeance is for the wicked.

Always give whole heartedly, not as part of a trade, 

Receive without forgetting, gratitude is always a virtue.

In humility lies wisdom,  feeble-minded portray pride,

Always wear your dignity, your most precious garment. 

As you climb the ladder of success, be greatful not proud,

Respect to others, will always command you the same.

My dear daughter, 

Failures will befall you, but they won't ever trap you,

If you take them as lessons, and a chance to start over.

Believe in your decisions, but always stand to be corrected,

There is strength in unity, don't seek to be an island.

Don't ever feel inferior, the world is yours to conquer , 

Remember to explore, travel is part of experience .

Face every day with courage, every obstacle with wit,

Find beauty in your dreams, and pursue them tirelessly.

My dear daughter, 

When he says he loves you, remember to discern,

For most will mean lustful, not all will be sheep.

Wait not for him to complete you, you are self sufficient,

So don't lose yourself,  but allow him to complement you.

Remember to nurture him, he'll always be the first son,

Work on your relationship, let failure at it not be an option.

But know when to walk away, you have an obligation to yourself,

Let no man undermine you, you are the best girl there ever was.

My dear daughter,

When you get your own daughter, teach her the same,

For the same was instilled in me, by those before me.

Hold her fathers hand, and teach her to love another,

Look into her eager eyes, and create in her benevolence.

Remember I will always love you, regardless of the outcome,

I will always be your safe haven, as long as I breathe.

My beautiful daughter, let these words be a promise.