City preacher and founder of the Christian Foundation Fellowship (CFF), Bishop Harrison, recently sparked conversation with his unconventional advice for married couples. Speaking to his congregation, the pastor discouraged couples from using familial terms like “mummy” and “daddy” when addressing each other. According to Bishop Harrison, such nicknames may inadvertently foster overfamiliarity and diminish the romantic bond between partners.
“When you call your husband ‘daddy,’ he might end up marrying someone else,” Bishop Harrison warned. “How can both you and the kids call him ‘daddy’? Itabidi awaletee mama yao.” His remarks highlight a potential risk of blurred boundaries, where partners begin to perceive each other less as romantic companions and more as parental figures.
A Message to Men
The pastor extended his critique to men who refer to their wives as “mummy” or “mum.” He argued that repeatedly using such terms could lead to a shift in perception within the relationship. “If you keep calling her ‘mum,’ over time you’ll start seeing each other as mother and child,” Bishop Harrison cautioned. “She might eventually seek attention elsewhere.”
By drawing attention to this linguistic habit, the preacher emphasized the importance of preserving romantic and emotional intimacy in marriage. While his statements were met with mixed reactions, they underscored a broader issue of how language and roles influence relationships.
The Intriguing Anecdote
To reinforce his message, Bishop Harrison shared a real-life story of a woman who rekindled her relationship with an ex-partner. The couple initially had one child together before parting ways. However, after the man apologized and sought forgiveness, their interactions led to three more children despite the man being married to someone else.
The pastor used this story to emphasize the unpredictability of human relationships and the enduring connection between people who share children. “Mahali umewahi kugongewa, unaweza gongewa tena,” he stated, loosely translating to “Where it once happened, it can happen again.” He suggested that forgiveness and vulnerability could lead to unexpected outcomes, even in relationships that seem broken.
Young Men and the Rush to Marry
Bishop Harrison also turned his focus to young men, urging them to delay marriage until they achieve greater emotional and financial maturity. “Who told you to get married at 21? By the time you’re 27, you might meet your Mr. Right,” he quipped.
The preacher pointed out that marrying too early often leads to communication challenges and unmet expectations. He added humor to his counsel, noting that the constant interactions and challenges faced in marriage are part of the experience. “Being disturbed by a woman is what we call marriage,” he joked, drawing laughter from his audience.
Balancing Tradition and Modern Relationships
While Bishop Harrison’s comments might seem controversial, they resonate with the evolving dynamics of modern relationships. In an era where traditional roles and expectations are being redefined, his advice encourages couples to critically evaluate how their habits and language shape their interactions.
The suggestion to avoid “mummy” and “daddy” nicknames in marriage is part of a broader conversation about maintaining individuality and intimacy in relationships. As couples navigate their journeys together, finding the right balance between familiarity and romance remains key to fostering lasting partnerships.
Final Thoughts
Bishop Harrison’s remarks may challenge cultural norms, but they highlight the importance of intentional communication and the role of language in shaping relationships. Whether one agrees or disagrees, his candid advice offers food for thought for couples striving to nurture healthy and fulfilling unions.
