That was the bromide that came to me during Fajr prayers this morning. We first need to examine the word bromide.
Bromide is a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate.
God works in mysterious ways is actually a profound saying but its often, in fact continually used as a bromide. People use it as a way of soothing or placating themselves or others when an unfortunate hardship, or test, occurs. It can have intense meaning – this I shall first illustrate from my former life experiences; and then from my current, very unique, life events.
We shall now step back in time, not that far so it is not necessary to put on your space traveller’s outfit. It was May 2021. I was scheduled for left knee replacement surgery. The surgery had been delayed for over a year because of the pandemic. The preparation for knee replacement surgery is daunting as there must be absolutely no infection. Just prior to the scheduled surgery, I was showering with special soap, as per instructions but then slipped getting out of the bathtub landing on my left knee. Was driven the few blocks to Marin General. Went through the complex admission requirements, was about to enter the surgical ward when I discovered that my surgery had been cancelled. Wrongfully, by an evil woman given far too much power, but that is not the focus of this true story. In a state of rage went home, the surgeon said that it could be immediately rescheduled but I was thoroughly disgusted with the arduous pre surgical procedures and arbitrary hospital rules. Time went on, a huge bruise appeared on my left knee from the bathtub slip and fall . Later at a follow up visit with the surgeon he confirmed what I already knew. If I would have had the surgery as scheduled there would have been a massive infection, the surgery a complete failure. I would be in terrible pain, there would be no remedy. The surgeon was from India, extremely competent. He shook his head, and said:
He: God works in mysterious ways.
Assuming he was a Hindu, not sure what God he might be referring to. I, of the Islamic Faith and having only one God, knew who to thank, to praise and be in awe of. I never could understand the Hindu faith – they are the prime example of polytheists. It is God by committee. I once spoke of this to a man of the Hindu faith.
Me: How do you know what God you are praying to when you are either asking for assistance or thanking for a blessing?
He: You just pray and the Gods decide?
Me: What if the right one is not in the meeting at the time?
He: Hahahaha
But do let us explore the concept, not the bromide: God works in mysterious ways: “In our minds, the way God weaves remarkable events in and through our lives may seem illogical and beyond our understanding” Its etymology is perhaps, literally from a poem by William Cowper (who lived 1731–1800), whose first stanza reads, “God moves in a mysterious way / His wonders to perform; / He plants His footsteps in the sea / And rides upon the storm.” It is a combination of assertions about God’s goodness, sovereignty and wisdom along with commands to take courage and trust in him. Cowper’s use of the metaphors of storms, mines, smiles, and flowers illustrate this meaning in a timeless way.of that power.
Here are more quotes, provided by the Internet.
- Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous. … (Albert Einsteins) He also said: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” He also said: “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” AND “Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.”
All I can say is this: That Albert Einstein sure was a wise guy. But, as usual, I have digressed. Two other relevant quotes:
- Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right. …
- Do not let your hearts be troubled. …
The origins of God Works in Mysterious Ways is from a Christian hymn – need I remind you that the Christian God is Allah (SWT). We of the Islamic Faith disagree only about the divinity of Jesus. To us, Jesus is a Prophet, but not the Son of God. God has no progeny.
Progeny is a descendant or the descendants of a person, animal, or plant. Synonyms are: offspring, children, young, family, brood, issue, spawn.
Synonyms often clarify: Allah (SWT) has no brood, no family, no offspring, no spawn.
Onto other more recent examples of God Working in Mysterious Ways. This I call: The Miracle of the Bread Pudding.
Place: Breakfast Bar. Medina Oberio Hotel
Time: December 19, 2023 Breakfast time.
I am serving myself, being rather undecided but suddenly am reminded of the delicious bread pudding. A Muslim woman is sitting at a table adjacent to the bread pudding. We smile at one another.
Me: I just love the bread pudding, It is so tempting. It is good for you, with the eggs and all but also yummy, sweet with just the right amount of fruit.
She: I agree. It is my favorite.
We fall into conversation. She asks me to join her. With help from the fantastic waiting staff I do. Soon we are joined by her husband. They are from Indonesia. I speak of my fascination with the practice of the Islamic Faith in Indonesia, the faith molded itself to the existing culture, it is unique. Her husband tells me of the history – the dominant religion was Hindu but there was a massive conversion to the newly developed practices of the Indonesian Islamic Faith.
We spoke of Ramadan. I explaining the necessity of finding a new venue. Not returning to Edmonton with its twenty hour tortuous fasting time. We spoke of Indonesia, and an island near Bali. The woman had originally come from Bali.
Me: The greatest place on earth to observe Ramadan is, for various reasons, Australia. I have a first cousin twice removed living in Australia – during the desperate Edmonton Ramadan days I asked him if he had a spare room. I almost got on a plane and travelled there. Best place in the world is Perth.
He: Interesting you should mention that. There is a Muslim community near Perth.
Miraculously he tapped into his mobile phone and showing the location. They were leaving for Mecca but we quickly exchanged our Whatsapp numbers. We have corresponded three times. When my plans are solidified he will speak to the mosque to make arrangements.
I have many Dryburgh relatives in Australia – not met any of them. My father was the seventh son of eight born to George and Janet Dryburgh. One of his brothers, went to Australia to head a meat packing company. He was immensely successful. That family lived in Sydney. Of course my aunt and uncle are dead but many cousins live in Australia . I have been in recent contact with two. My Vancouver cousin lived there – married an Australian but raised her two daughters in Canada after the divorce. Already contacted her through Instagram. She was most surprised, even shocked, that I would be considering such a trip. She said she did not want to join me even though told her she did not have to go to Perth and fast. Still No. Next texted AK asking him to look into travel arrangements.
That is the Miracle of the Bread Pudding.
Recently learned, been confronted with the fact, that evil lurks in the hallways, in the restaurants, in the lobby of the Medina Oberio Hotel. A blog photograph displays a magnificent lobby flower display. Return to the opening words of this blog,“Cowper’s use of the metaphors of storms, mines, smiles, and flowers illustrate this meaning in a timeless way.of that power. “
The flower arrangement speaks of that power. Flowers are so ephemeral. They are temporary. The Quran reminds us that life on earth is only temporary. Christians do not have the same assurances. There is a heaven in both the Protestant and Catholic faiths, but getting there is not guaranteed or even proscribed. A recent Instagram post tells all that the Islamic Faith removes the fear of death. Here is the link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0aHZkxupAn/ Islam is a religion that removes fear, This wisdom came from the Autobiography of Malcolm X.
This blog will also be accompanied by two other reels recorded the other day on the grounds of the Grand Mosque in which discuss my rather unique forms of worship, speak of new understanding and tolerance. But then laugh at myself and my foibles.
Foible is a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone’s character. I certainly an eccentric, admit it freely and voluntarily. These are the synonyms that I enjoy: quirk, kink, idiosyncrasy, eccentricity, Achilles heel, chink in one’s armor.
My favorite? Chink in one’s armor. I rather enjoy the thought of having a chink in my armor. A chink is a narrow opening or crack, typically one that admits light.
I remember a Leonard Cohen song speaking of that, I shall try and find it now. Did not succeed I thought it was Hallelujah, It was not but you get the words to that song anyway. Love him, and love the song. Leonard Cohen died, I was heartbroken. Now I am a Muslim and I am convinced he is in Jannah. Therefore I do not fear death, but rather eagerly anticipate it.
Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you dont really care for music, do you?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor falls, the major lifts
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew her
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Well, maybe there’s a God above
As for me all I’ve ever learned from love
Is how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
But it’s not a crime that you’re hear tonight
It’s not some pilgrim who claims to have seen the Light
No, it’s a cold and it’s a very broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Instrumental
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Well people I’ve been here before
I know this room and I’ve walked this floor
You see I used to live alone before I knew ya
And I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch
But listen love, love is not some kind of victory march, no
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
There was a time you let me know
What’s really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And I remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove she was moving too
And every single breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Now I’ve done my best, I know it wasn’t much
I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didnt come here to London just to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I’ll stand right here before the Lord of song
With nothing, nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
Hallelujah means a joyous praise in the first part, hallu, is the second-person imperative masculine plural form of the Hebrew verb hillel. The phrase “hallelujah” translates to “praise Jah/Yah”, though it carries a deeper meaning as the word halel in Hebrew means a joyous praise in song, to boast in God.
