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“Call upon the name of the Lord; the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” — Proverbs 18:10

Today, I stand at a crossroads. I had to make a choice: give up my dream for my children, or press into God’s promise and ask Him to bless me, enlarge my territory, and protect me. (Jabez prayer) I cried out, “Lord, don’t let me settle for less than what You’ve purposed.”

If you’re reading this — perhaps you, too, are weary, stretched, and wondering how to carry on — this is for you. Don’t Give Up: The Cry of a Single Mum — Claim Blessing Now.

When you’re operating in the tension of provision and promise, in seasons where your bank account is empty but your faith is full, that’s when the real stories are born. Today, I want to share my own journey, the lessons I’m learning, and how I lean into God when it feels like the world is pressing in.

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The Stress That Pushes You to God

They said it couldn’t be done — or at least, you couldn’t do it. A school event needed 3,000 shillings. In many homes, that’s nothing. In my world, it loomed large.

Working in a place where pay is uncertain often means living in constant anxiety. As of October 16th, I had not been paid for September. I had hoped that today would bring relief. Unfortunately, when I realized it wouldn’t, panic rose inside me. I reached out to friends; one came through, and for that, I’m grateful. Yet afterward, I felt hollow — like my strength had been drained completely.

At that moment, I ran to God and whispered the Jabez prayer:

“Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory,
Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, and cause me to avoid evil…”

I needed more than a quick fix. What I needed was a God who could stretch His hand over my life, protect me, and empower me to say yes to the dreams I had for my children.

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The Quiet Place: Finding Solitude to Hear God

When life noise becomes deafening — with people’s opinions, impossible expectations, bills, and responsibilities — silence becomes sacred. One afternoon, I walked into a grove of trees, away from people, where the wind rustled the leaves, and I could finally hear my own heart.

There, I told God everything.

• “I love my children. I want them to grow and flourish.”
• “I don’t want them to miss opportunities because of my lack.”
• “I can’t keep borrowing hope from others.”
• “If people tell me to give up — help me stand firm in Your purpose for me.”

That quiet conversation wasn’t dramatic; it was raw. Yet God didn’t leave me hanging. He reminded me of His promises: provision, enlargement, protection.

As I sat there, Proverbs 18:10 came alive: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” I ran, I hid, and ultimately, I surrendered.

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When Others Say “Let It Go”

One of the hardest parts of this journey is hearing people around you say your dreams are too big. Comments like, “You don’t have capacity,” or “It’s too lofty for your situation,” sting deeply.

However, I’ve learned this truth: God’s dream for you will always stretch you beyond your comfort zone.

While those voices can wound, they don’t define your future. They whisper, “You can’t.” But God whispers louder: “I’ve called you. I will equip you.”

So to every single mum who has been told to shrink her dream because of lack, remember this:

• You are not too much.
• Your children deserve the best your faith can produce.
• God Himself will defend your purpose when others misunderstand.

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Lessons from Past Reflections

Sometimes, looking back helps us move forward. I’ve found strength in my earlier reflections on Lobby Reflections:

• In The Cost of Leadership, I talked about the burden that comes with leading — especially when resources are scarce. Leadership demands sacrifice and a vision bigger than immediate comfort.
• In Faith in Desperate Times: Trusting God to Fill Empty Jars, we explored the seasons when our “jars” feel empty, yet God still fills them.
• And in Redemption for Families: Judah and Tamar, I shared how even broken stories can be rewritten by grace.

These reflections remind me that every trial is part of a larger redemption story God is still writing.

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Strategies I’m Embracing: Practical Steps While You Wait

Faith without works is dead, so I try to balance prayer with action. Here’s what I’m doing while waiting on God:

1. Small Gigs and Side Hustles
   Even a small income stream helps. Maybe you can tutor, bake, deliver, or offer a skill you already have.
2. Budget Tightening and Priorities
   I now focus on essentials — food, school, rent — and review everything else carefully.
3. Community and Accountability
   Staying connected to friends who pray and speak truth keeps me grounded.
4. Daily Retreats
   It doesn’t have to be dramatic. Ten minutes of journaling or quiet prayer realigns my heart.
5. Speaking the Word
   Each morning, I declare scriptures: “God will supply all my needs” (Philippians 4:19), and “No weapon formed against us shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17).
6. Learning and Investing in Myself
   Books that build faith and capacity have been my lifeline. (See my Amazon picks below.)

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Amazon Picks to Strengthen Faith and Courage

(Affiliate links — thank you for supporting Lobby Reflections!)

• The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian — a guide to interceding for your children.
• Kingdom Woman by Tony Evans — embracing womanhood in purpose.
• Rich Woman by Kim Kiyosaki — building financial independence.
• The Blessing by John Trent & Gary Smalley — how to give your children what they truly need.
• The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson — learning to pray bold, faith-filled prayers for breakthrough.

While none of these are quick fixes, they are powerful companions for your soul. Let them ignite hope as you wait for God’s provision.

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Holding Your Dream: Keeping the Vision Alive

• Write it down. Use a vision board or a simple notebook. Seeing your goals reminds you of what you’re fighting for.
• Celebrate small wins. If you save even 100 shillings or get a word of encouragement, rejoice in it.
• Protect your mind. Avoid the voices that limit your belief and feed on the Word daily.
• Choose consistency over intensity. Slow faith is still faith — one prayer, one act at a time.
• Share your story. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s ministry.

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A Single Mum’s Prayer of Claiming Blessing

Lord,
You see me. You know me.
I ask — bless me indeed.
Enlarge my territory — in influence, in provision, in wisdom.
Let Your hand be upon me.
Keep me from harm. Protect my children.
When the voices say quit, speak louder.
When my heart trembles, remind me You are near.
Strengthen me to hold my dream.
I trust You.
I believe You will move.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Final Encouragement and Call to Action (CTA)

Dear single mum — you are not alone. Your tears are sacred, your prayers are heard, and your faith matters. Today, make a decision to claim blessing now. Don’t resign or shrink. God is working even when you don’t see it.

Read, Pray, and Act:

• Choose one of the books above and read a chapter this week.
• Revisit my posts The Cost of Leadership, Faith in Desperate Times, and Redemption for Families.
• Share this post with another woman who needs to hear: Don’t give up — claim blessing now.
• Leave a comment below: what’s one thing you’ll do this week to stretch your territory by faith?

I believe in you. God sees you. He’s not done yet.

On Sunday, I casually told a friend who owns a shop, “By the way, I’m selling deras…” and just like that, I got a customer! She agreed to take one and pay lipa mdogo mdogo. On Monday, she gave me Ksh 100, then Ksh 200 on Tuesday—hopefully she’ll finish today or by Friday.

That one “by the way” taught me the quiet power of a soft pitch.

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What’s a Soft Pitch?

It’s a relaxed, low-pressure way of marketing your business with no money. No big posters, no shouting—just you, being real.
And guess what? It works!

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Soft Pitching in Business: Simple but Powerful

1. Be in relaxed spaces – Conversations flow naturally, making it easier to talk about your hustle.
2. Make more friends – Your circle is your first market. Growing your business network in Kenya is essential.
3. Wear your product – Selling deras? Wear them with pride—visual marketing works.
4. Tell short stories – Storytelling is one of the best casual marketing techniques.
5. Post online – Share small wins and moments on social media. That’s free marketing for small hustles.

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Marketing Strategies for Small Hustles:

• Stay consistent – Whether online or offline, visibility is key.
• Use free tools – WhatsApp status, Facebook groups, and word of mouth are powerful.
• Rebrand your offer – Don’t just say “I sell deras.” Say, “Bring comfort and colour home with my unique deras.”

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Keeping Connections & Customer Follow-Up Tips:

• Build a real relationship. Befriend more people so your soft pitch feels natural.
• Check in with clients even when you’re not selling.
• Follow up gently. Most sales are in the follow-up.

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Lipa Mdogo Mdogo – Pros and Cons

Pros:

• A committed customer who really wants your product.
• A guaranteed sale, even if it’s delayed.

Cons:

• If they don’t pay up, you bear the cost.
  • I once gave a dera on lipa mdogo mdogo and never got paid—6 months later and still chasing.
  • Another client paid half after 4 months. Still following up on the balance.

So yes, selling on instalments can move stock, but be wise and selective.

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🧠 Creative Financing for Small Businesses:

• Start small – One product is enough to kick off.
• Reinvest profit – Build slowly with what you have.
• Pre-sell or collect deposits – A smart way to finance your hustle with no capital.
• Consider partnering or sharing stock if you’re really stuck.

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Final Reflection:

You don’t need big money or a billboard to grow. Just:

• Share what you do confidently
• Use soft pitching strategies
• Stay visible
• Build real relationships

Every small move counts. One dera, one smile, one pitch at a time—we’re going somewhere.

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This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Lobby Reflections!

A Teenage Lesson in Respecting Customers’ Time

When I was a teenager, my mother would often leave me in charge of her shop. If she said I should be there by 2:00 PM, she meant ten minutes earlier—not on the dot.

If I showed up even five minutes late, she’d be five minutes mad—the “Why are you not here already?” kind of mad.

For her, respecting customers’ time wasn’t just good business—it was a way of life. She never kept customers waiting, and she expected the same from me.

That’s when I first learned:
👉 Time is more than a number. It’s a statement of respect.

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How It Feels When You Don’t Respect Customers’ Time

Have you ever walked into an office or shop and felt invisible?

Staff are around—chatting, typing, moving—but no one even acknowledges you. Even if they’re busy, the silence says:

“You don’t matter right now.”

But with one sentence, the whole experience changes:

“Hi, I’ll be with you in five minutes.”

Suddenly, you’re not ignored. You’re expected.

This is what respecting customers’ time looks like—communicating, acknowledging, and prioritizing their presence.

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Respecting Customers’ Time in Real-Life Situations

In a Restaurant

You sit. You wait. No one checks on you. You wonder if anyone’s working.
But a simple greeting like “We’ll be right with you” keeps the waiting bearable—and respectful.

In an Office Queue

You line up. You explain your issue. Only to be told you should’ve gone elsewhere first. No one informed you. Now you start over.

It’s not just a waste of time—it’s frustrating and disrespectful.

I once queued at a public hospital, saw the doctor after a long wait, only to hear, “You were supposed to pass by vitals first.” I didn’t even know where that room was.

That could’ve been avoided with one sign or sentence.

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Simple Tips for Respecting Customers’ Time

Here are practical, respectful ways to manage customer time better:

✅ Plan Ahead

Anticipate busy hours and staff accordingly. Don’t let customers suffer due to poor planning.

✅ Be Ready on Time

If you open at 8:00 AM, systems should be up and running by 7:55—not still booting at 8:15.

✅ Place a Knowledgeable Person at the Enquiry Desk

Customers should get clear direction from the first person they meet.

✅ Use Signage

Clear posters, checklists, or arrows save customers from unnecessary back-and-forth.

✅ Set Expectations

“Kindly visit Room 2 with your ID before returning here.” That one line prevents wasted time.

✅ Prevent Common Mistakes

If many people forget a document or step, display a reminder or have someone check at the door.

✅ Always Acknowledge Presence

Even a warm “I see you, I’ll be with you shortly” means a lot. Don’t let customers feel invisible.

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Final Thought: Time Is a Form of Respect

From shops to hospitals, how you handle a customer’s time says everything about how you see them.

Respecting customers’ time is respecting their dignity.

When we value people’s time, we show them they matter. And that is the soul of excellent customer care.

Bonus Resource: Build Habits That Respect Time

If you’re committed to respecting customers’ time, the journey begins with how you manage your own.

One highly recommended read is Atomic Habits by James Clear—a powerful guide to building small, consistent actions that lead to big results. It’s especially useful for anyone in customer service or business who wants to become more reliable, responsive, and time-conscious.

👉 Check out Atomic Habits on Amazon (Affiliate link)

Mastering your own habits is the first step to creating better experiences for others—starting with how you respect their time.