In “Civil Peace” Jonathan Iwegbu tries to explain to himself the complexities of life by repeating this statement four times. Indeed, everything puzzles him, but if God understands, then one can continue to give life in a meaningful way and be grateful for what one has. The first three times he says this make references to miracles which occur after the Civil War and benefit the family, such as finding their bike, keeping their home, and collecting the egg-rasher. Additionally, this phrase refers to the gains, losses, and value of life.