At times a particular chapter from the Quran speaks to me, directs me, answers my prayers. As usual, it was found randomly.
In the Name of God -the Most Compassionate and Merciful. Wake up Call to Humanity. By the ‘passage of time ‘ Surely humanity is in grave loss., except for those who have faith, do good, and urge each other to the truth, and urge each each other to perseverance. (Quran 103 Al-Asr)
This, I found particularly instructive. The importance of having people around you urging you to the truth and to perseverance, without such people I find myself feeling adrift, questioning, alone.
Truth is easy to define, perhaps more by its antonyms: lies, falsehood.
Perseverance has many descriptive synonyms; resoluteness, staying power, firmness of purpose; patience, endurance, diligence, dedication, commitment, indefatigability. An antonyms: complacency, laziness, carelessness.
It is the lying and the carelessness that is most troublesome. The solution? I suppose make a list of known liars, design a check-list and cross them out of one’s life. When you look at it that way, with the blessings of Allah (SWT) it seems manageable. Many are obvious, not even on the list of associates, but there are others who are not exactly ‘on board, perhaps not telling lies, but refusing to look the truth, using denial. I always did love that saying: Denial is not just a river in Egypt. Of course, Artificial Intelligence has something to say about it:
The saying “Denial is not just a river in Egypt” is a pun that highlights the psychological state of denial, using the Nile Riveras a clever wordplay. It means that denial is not merely a geographic feature, but a powerful and pervasive human phenomenon that can affect anyone, even when they are in the process of avoiding the truth. The phrase also emphasizes the cyclical and elusive nature of denial, implying that someone trying to deny their denial is caught in a paradoxical situation.
Getting back to the truth. The truth is fundamentally important in the Islamic Faith Chapter Seven of Muslim Character is entitled The Truth.
Since Islam respects truth most strongly, it turns away liars very harshly. It admonishes them very severely. Aishah narrates:
“Allah’s messenger did not hate anything as strongly as he hated falsehood..Another narration by her states. “For the messenger of Allah falsehood was the worst habit in a person., If any man told a lie in his presence that man’s thought always troubled him until the time he was informed that he has repented, Iban Habban. “(pg. 52 Muslim Character)
This is not the greatest morning of my life and it is already 11:34. Nesh texted, announcing a blog breakdown and questioning.
He: Good morning Alexis. Latest blog breakdown is up. Cannot wait to meet the dream team later. How are you this morning?
Me: Not my usual self but SO looking forward to meeting you guys. What is that quote? “My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends – it gives a lovely light.” – Edna St.Vincent Millay
Simply put, I am overextending myself. Somewhat taking on the problems of the world, trying to make it a better place in some way.
I am going to ‘lighten up’ – I hope so anyway.
AI tells us what it means to lighten up.
To “lighten up” means to become less serious, anxious, or worried, and more relaxed and cheerful. It is often used as an informal instruction to someone, telling them to stop being uptight or to take a situation less seriously.
Nixon, the Lyf General Manager, instructs with a great phrase: “Go with the flow” AI tells us what that means as well.
“I just go with the flow” means you are relaxed and accept whatever happens, or agree with what other people are doing, instead of resisting or trying to control the situation. It implies being adaptable and easygoing, letting events unfold without trying to force them or disagreeing with others.”
Is going with the flow a good thing? I suppose there might be a difference of opinion. Here is one side: Yes, ‘going with the flow’ can make us happier if it means we are open to new things that come after life change. And if we are not wasting all our time trying to change other people, but are reserving our energy for working on ourselves instead.
The other viewpoint. T”he danger of moving without a clear plan The second reason why going with the flow is not always the wisest thing to do is that if all you do is “go with the flow”, you put yourself at risk of losing focus and allowing yourself to settle for less than what you can achieve.”
I must speak to Nixon, telling him what I just learned. He will laugh, I am sure.
This is now being written later in the day. The Dream Team held their second official meeting, its held in a meeting room at the Penang Lyf Hotel. There will be a photo of the three august members. August is not just the eighth month it is also respected and impressive, That’s us. I am the one with red glasses. Hahaha
It was an important meeting, much discussion concerning the direction we are going. I am, for various reasons, feeling a bit discouraged. Not about the number of readers, goodness knows, but the effectiveness of the message, now being conveyed.
Told Nesh and Shamir of an amazing encounter, I was dining at Mojo. One young staff member, when severing me spoke.
She: I do not know if you remember me. I was here several months ago, met you then. Every since them I have been reading your blog and you have been an inspiration to me.
Me: Oh my goodness! How amazing! I am SO pleased, and surprised even. You see I do not know who reads me. I know by my statistics that many do, but have no idea who they are. Know where they live by the city statistics. But that is it. Any many people close to me, do not read the blog. Strange as that seems to me..
She is returning to school in KL, taking film. We exchanged WhatsApp numbers and will get together in KL. One of the next projects for the Dream Team is the filming of a certain twin tower condominium complex in KL. Artificial Intelligence was consulted and has proven most helpful. More about that later. Not sure when the filming will take place. I have an appointment on September 18 to explore my Malaysian visa – decided to wait until after that interview to travel to KL. .
For some reason I did not make a list of intended topics. Therefore, something was forgotten. Texted Shamir later.
Me: I did forget something. Forgot to ask you if you could get me dates. Not THAT KIND
He: What kind of men do you want. I can find.
Me: I am going to start fasting on Mondays and Thursdays and I need dates to break the fast.
He: Wow is this Alexis??? 911 Alexis phone got hacked. Probably a muslim hacker.
Well of course I laughed., loudly uproarishly in his ear as a left a voice message. He later responded.
He: I can get dates for u The eating kind.
Me: Great.!! Your stupid comments have got to go on the blog. Hahaha If I paid you by the joke I would go bankrupt.
He: Hahaha I would be a billionaire.
Me: Don’t count on it. Hahaha
He then sent a totally funny GIF. I responded.
Me: Looks just like you. Pointed head and all. I am so mean to you. Hahaha
It is good to laugh. Not sure if he is, shall we stay, appreciating the commitment I have made and continue to make to the Islamic Faith. I don’t care. It is not Shamir I am trying to impress, it is Allah (SWT). What do Paper Muslims know of the faith anyway – even if they have been advanced to Bauxite?
I sent him photos taken from the window of my new Lyf room. I have moved up in Lyf. Hahaha
It is amazing – and quiet. I actually have a view. I am totally loving it. There are trees, there are clouds, No idea which way I face so will not know until tomorrow morning if there is sunrise. For many reasons it seems like a new beginning. This is the third room in which I have stayed. This certainly is my favorite.
