What has paved the way on the Straight Path is that a man, a beneficent benefactor has taken me under their wing. That expression just came to me. I think in idioms for some reason. Cannot understand it, it is quite recent and only occurs when I am writing this blog.
If you take someone under your wing, you start to protect and take care of them. Used in a sentence: “Her boss took her under his wing after fully realizing her potential.” It is usually defined in this manner: to help, teach, or take care of (someone who is younger or has less experience. That is not true in this instance – I am not younger, and I have had a lot of experience. But he has connections, knows all the right people, is respected by them
It is fascinating and comforting to read Psalms 91:4 “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.”
That is powerful language with imagery. Is similar to the language found in the Quran.
Another Biblical reference is Psalms 17:8-10 “Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings 9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me 10 They close up their callous hearts,
and their mouths speak with arrogance.”
Taking someone under your wing is compassionate and caring. It strikes me that this is the opposite of arrogance. Arrogance is the exact opposite of what is valued by our Creator: humility and modesty.
But back to the beginning, do let us define beneficent benefactor.
A benefactor is a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause. The origin pf the word os ate Middle English: from Latin, from bene facere ‘do good (to)’ (see benefaction). Two unusual synonyms are angel and fairy godmother. He would be appalled to be called either of those names.
Beneficent as many kindly synonyms: altruistic, humane, generous, bountiful humanitarian, neighborly, unselfish. .
What is SO fascinating is the benefactor’s given name Rohan means spiritual, gifted, kindhearted, compassionate, ascending, good character. It appears in the Quran in verse 42:52, where it is translated as “an Inspiration, and a Mercy. His given name reflects his qualities. He has twelve siblings, spread across the globe.
My BB has not given me money, often I pay for dinner. This was one gift, a most surprising one. We were sitting at a table in his restaurant. A young teenage girl rushed over to the table giving him a hug. She was wearing t-shirt saying Colorado USA.
He: This is my granddaughter, she is a Muslim.
Me: You will never believe this. Even I do not!I once had a granddaughter, Sara. She one of eight was probably my favorite. Although one is not supposed to have favorites. She is lost to me. BUT she went to university in Boulder, Colorado. You seem like a divine gift.
The conversation continued. She learning I was a lawyer
She: I want to be a lawyer, that is my ambition.
Me: Being a lawyer wsa the best thing I ever did. I will help you in any way I can.
That is not exactly true. Becoming a Muslim was the best thing I ever. Did. Allah is the Greatest Planner.
BB has arranged a meeting with the manager of Lyft Hotel, my present abode We will speak of a special rate so that I can stay here for a month. Alhamdulillah.
Indeed I am blessed to be here, particularly when learning about the Los Angeles fires. Went to Al Jazeera for truth, knowledge and insight. Found it. The article examined whether climate change were the cause of the raging fires, which now know no season. Looked at other factors “Besides this, Los Angeles has an abundance of other flammable materials in its infrastructure, such as low-hanging power cables and wooden telephone poles. Hot Santa Ana winds have also gusted in from the interior of the region towards the coast and offshore, further dehydrating the vegetation, say experts. When vegetation is so dry and conditions are so flammable, any spark can start a fire, be it a burning cigarette butt, vehicle or power line.Are other natural disasters linked to climate change? Yes. The changing climate coupled with poor urban planning and management has exacerbated natural disasters globally, including cyclones, hurricanes and floods.”
Looked also at comments in Instagram
He: They send billions of dollars to burn Gaza today they (Los Angeles) are burning themselves without any expense. Surely Allah is the best planner
Then some amusing tidbits:
He: Climate change deniers James Woods and Mel Gibson have lost their homes due to climate change.
Kathleen my Jordanian Instagram friend posted two photos with this caption. ‘The difference lies in one being funded by unlimited US funding. While the other is being hindered by the lack of US funding. Here is the link to her post. https://www.instagram.com/stories/katherine_rashdan3543096099498905650utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=MWtoa2twaXcwczM2cg==
That is so absolutely true. US taxpayer money is not being used for much needed infrastructure improvements, not public services, urban planning, affordable housing, assisting the poor.
Contrast Los Angeles with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which I have visited over the past two years. It makes the US look like a third world country. The LA fire is exposing the truth to the world. Alongside the terrible truth of Gaza. Such a time to be alive.
This has been an adventurous morning. I am now enjoying breakfast at the Malaysian Hotel in Georgetown, Penang Malaysia – a few steps from Lyf Hotel. Posted a video of the view making comments on Instagram. This is what I said on my Instagram post.
Breakfast at the Malaysian Hotel in Georgetown, Penang. Such a contrast with Los Angeles California. Lived in California for fifty years. It was a great place in 1967. Not now. I a here because I became a Muslim. Alhanduillah.
Then did another reel which shall go on my YouTube channel.
I am continuing my foodie ways. Had lunch yesterday at the Izahaya Japanese Restaurant. Pictured is the Salmon Sashimi Beieto Box , Then stopped at the Olive Restaurant and had the best club sandwich I have ever tasted. Photo is of Jay, who was born in India.
Joked with a man about my becoming consumed with, and b, y food recently.
He: You are eating a lot these days, truly being a foodie. Don’t go and get too fat Hahahah
Me: I am SO fat. I can get fat because I am not going to have a young handsome husband. Phew. Alhamdulillah. Besides that Ramadan is coming soon. I will soon count the days.
