Actions matter, not words or degrees

Many were put down by people that we love and even by total strangers for not owning a high degree(s). For not finishing our studies; for not owning a PhD; or for not going to school at all. Then they dare ask you, what have you done to this society? What was your contribution? They are so sure of themselves; so egocentric; so selfish; and so Narcissistic to the point that they can no longer see anything but their own pathetic self. What's your degree or PhD worth if you have no manners, if you have no conscious, no mercy, no shame, no feelings, no heart ...

and then I see people, friends, sisters and even my grandmother, who either did not finish their studies, who don't own a degree at all or who can't read or write a single word and YET, they have made such a difference in this world, they contributed in the society, helping the other, the poor, the needy, the weak, the ill or by simply raising good children and making them loving and caring Humans and citizens of conscious ... giving their children they best they have and giving them what they couldn't have themselves; such as education and knowledge, good time, love and true caring and emotions, discipline hope...

To me, you are worth and you deserve way more than a man in a suit or a woman with a PhD. Many people in my entourage who did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education have accomplished so much in this life: small and big projects, feeding the poor, helping the needy and desperate, saving a life, healing a sick person; making someone smile, saving someone’s soul, helping someone understand, making them feel safe and listened to …

you are the true heroes, you are brave, you are beautiful, you are a blessing, you are an inspiration, you are special, you are unique, you are a role model and you will be remembered for a very very long time. I’m sure that many of you recognise yourselves.

Life is not measured by trophies and by the number of degrees on your wall. Life, success and greatness are measured by your actions, good deeds and your ability in making the other smile, survive and live.  

God bless.

Much respect,

Walk in Peace.

 Nermine

Another TAWAKUL Story

Because I believe in God I therefore believe in Miracles and in His blessings. Because I believe in Him, I do believe in his eternal bounty and in His Mercy. Because I believe in Him, I trust His words and His promises. There comes moments in our lives when certain events "hit" us and keep us in great wonder ... and you ask yourself; what just happened? Is this real? Then you realize that Yes it is real because you put your trust between the hands of The AL Mighty the Creator of All things and He who knows and sees and hears All things. Today, I can humbly say that God sent me a sign. And I will tell you more about it later tonight because I'd like for you and me to strongly believe that acts of kindness are always rewarded , sooner or later ... and sometimes it happens right away; SubhanAllah.

True story:

Those who know me well and know my passions and my struggles will know that I have no reason to `` beautify `` a reality. In other words, they will and I pray that you too will, believe me.

There are days when everything seems to be as dark as the deepest sea and every time I try to think of a way out, it just looks ``impossible`` or I don`t understand why certain things are happening and why do I have to deal with certain battles in my life. (just like all of us). And then, ``out of the blue`` something happens, a new door opens, a stranger comes into your life and helps you out, an angel perhaps? Or maybe this is the result of a good action that we did in the past or not too long ago? Or perhaps it`s thanks to the duaa (prayers and supplications) of our parents, grandparents and our loves ones? Regardless of all this, it`s all with the blessings and plans which God has chosen for us.

In the pas days, weeks and up to yesterday, every time I faced a hardship, I was greeted but with a smile and a solution popped out of nowhere. Just to name a FEW examples:

Like in the weekend when I forgot my phone and metro card at home. Once inside the bus, I realized that I didn`t even have coins to pay. I look at the driver and say: `` Good morning sir, i`m sorry I forgot my phone and tickets and card at home, my mom (who`s with me) will pay for both of us.`` He smiles, he blocked the machine with his hand and didn`t let us pay. He said: ``Please Madame, because you`ve been honest with me and told the truth, I really want to pay for you this time. I kindly refused and said: ``We have the money right here we can pay, thank you``. He insisted, we thanked him for his act of kindness and that made our day.

Or like the day I went to a coffee shop and after I placed my order, the cashier said: `` That`s OK madame, someone already paid for you.`` and I kept searching trying to find WHO did it so I can thank him or her.  

Or In the middle of an important battle with all the stress and pain that comes with it, I had no other solution but to give up to my ``fate`` and simply get ready and be prepared to ``fight`` and to be mentally prepared to lose and to survive. Winning this battle in particular seemed impossible. And again, out of the blue, I don`t know what happened exactly until this day, but everything stopped and therefore, the battle too stopped.

Yesterday evening, I was talking with my family about the conditions and procedures of paying my Zakat (Zakat Al Maal) which is (alms-giving) that I must pay for this year. I wanted my mom`s opinion on where should my zakat go this year? We both agreed that I should send it back home for a specific young lady and her family. Converting the money from Canadian Dollar to Egyptian pound, it`s quite an important amount, and I was so happy AlHamdolellah (All praise to God) that this could really change the life of an entire family (InshaAllah – with the Will of God). So after we agreed on everything and I said `` Tawakal 3ala Allah`` ( I put my trust and reliance in Allah), I heard many beeps on my phone, one after the other. (notifications that i`m receiving e-mails).

I ran to my laptop saying to myself, there must be a mistake. Who`s sending me alllllll these emails??? I just had received 12 new emails from work! I thought to myself: This IS a VIRUS. This has never happened ever since I worked with this agency. So I call the secretary and ask him: what`s going on? Is this real or it`s a virus? He laughs and says: No no Nermine this is not a virus, you`ve been chosen the best interpreter of the year (giggles). Then he explains that I have indeed received TWELVE new demands (twelve individual contracts) for Interpretation!!!  He explained that I will be receiving 5 more!

I was in awe!

Do you know what`s even more beautiful and surprising? When I added up all the new Interpretation demands I just received, I swear by He who created the Moon and the Sun and that was very much equal to the Zakat that I was discussing with my family less than 5 minutes ago!!! So the amount that i just gave up for the sake of God to help another, came back to me less than 5 minutes later. SubhanAllah.

 I share this long introduction and story (among many others) with you, because I want you too, to put ALL your TRUST (Tawakul) in God. Trust Him with everything, anywhere and at all times. Acts of kindness, helping the other and believing  in His words and promises  will always pay back.

Give Zakat no matter what is your situation. Don`t you ever think that you will get poorer by giving. Don’t  think of tomorrow which is not here yet.

I pray for you and me, that we always find refuge in Him. That we always find someone around us to lift us up and to serve as a ``Reminder`` that the Mercy of God is GREAT and ETERNAL.

Walk in Peace,

Nermine.

Love knows know limit, Love knows no shame

This morning, we have been blessed with loads of snow. The city is entirely covered with flakes and roads are covered with endless white carpets. The scenery is beautiful and almost magic. But in this white morning, I have witnessed a scene which literally made my heart "melt". And for some reasons, I needed to share this with you...because something like this, I rarely see.

A couple were crossing the street and the woman almost fell. Her man held her tight, hugged her, asked if she was OK and looked at her boots. He kneeled in front of her, on the cold snow, while she rested her hand on his left shoulder, he removed his gloves and he tied her boot laces. Then he stood up, kissed the top of her head, held her hand and crossed the street together.

Rare are the ones who will help their partners dress up, ties their shoes or wash them up when they know they can't do it themselves or when they know they need help and support. Especially for men
who have been culturally speaking brainwashed or raised.


Love knows no limit. Love knows no shame. Love knows no embarrassment. Love knows no humiliation! Love is light. Love is to be lived and felt everywhere not only behind closed doors. Never be embarrassed of a person who loves you and who's willing to do the impossible for you.


Walk in peace everyone,

Nermine B.

Source of photo: http://www.hutui6.com/love-silhouette-wallpapers.html