Never Trust a Smile…

October 26, 2009 at 2:52 am (Love, grace)

I’m very sad today.  Extremely sad.

This day I learned about the suicide of an old college friend.  Death makes others weary.  Especially death caused with one’s own hands.  This news stirs parts of me I prefer left dormant.

I think of my old friend…what a charming, handsome, gifted individual he was.  People saw in him grace manifested and kindness extended.  He had few enemies, if any; I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t like him.

Surrounded by friends and admirers, the often subject of the passing crowd.  He seemed to have it all. 

The pain must have been immeasurable to endure.  The loss of hope, the place where vibrant dreams go to die a slow death.  My friend lived with great sadness.

His death keeps me mindful of the people I encounter.  The man who smiles as we pass and marches begrudgingly to his own private hell.  Alone the misery slowly removes him from life.  Piece by piece.  The smile must be so hard; to fight the need to cry out, instead mustering a make believe sign of happiness pretending all is well.

The eyes never lie.  The soul opens up and projects it’s reality through this looking glass.  To really know someone, look in the eyes…there the hurts shout out, there joy proclaims.  Never trust a smile.

I hope you have found peace, true peace…and now rest easy my friend, it’s ok to smile.

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Coming Out!!!!

March 10, 2009 at 5:36 pm (Love, church, grace)

I came across this article from the blog called “A Fettered Heart.”  The writer is named Ryan and speaks with great passion.  I share his stance on this topic and wish people would acknowledge we are all one in the eyes of our God.  I think having a willingness to converse on the topic is a good stating place.  Let’s see where this goes.

He writes…

I am mad! I am pissed off. I am hurt. I am a straight, white Christian male setting foot in the Louisville Gay Community with hopes of organizing support and attention to the unjust isolation of equal rights in America.  What do I have to be upset, angry, or hurt about? The Gay Community does not directly effect me in any way.

If the Gay Community is not guaranteed the right to marriage it does not make my marriage any less sacred.

If the Gay Community is not guarenteed the right to adopt or act as foster parents it does not inhibit me from adopting or fostering if I should so chose.

If the Gay Community is not allowed to answer the call to minister to this hurting, dying world it does not make my ordination any less valid.

I am angry that these are a few of the questions I and many others have asked ourselves.  The Gay Community is so small their rights do not matter.  I am angry that these questions are not only being asked, but they are being used to justify the systemic oppression of a people.

I am angry that Jesus, God, and moral values are being used to justify the injustice being perpetrated upon citizens of this nation.

Gone is the separation of Church and State when it suits us.  Gone are the manifold witness to a Gospel that proclaims a place for all as we all fall short of the glory of God.

Gone is the voice of champions of equality demanding that injustice be turned away from the swift application of justice.

I am angry that silence has paralyzed justice.  I am angry that religion, Jesus, and God are being used to silence the full inclusion of all citizen of the United States of America.  I am nation that guarantees that all of us are created equal, born with certain inalienable rights.

Those inaliable rights were once denied to folks due to the color of their skin.  Those rights were once denied to women because they were not men.  Those rights are being denied to a people because of who they love, who they share a life with.

I am angry because the silence is perpetrated in the shadows of religion.  A perverse application of Gods grace is used to deem a people unworthy of full inclusion into the fearfully and wonderfully made part of creation.

I am tired.  I am angry.  I am coming out!

In the recent film “Milk” Harvey speaks to a gathered crowd of the Gay Community.  He tells them in order to defeat Prop 6 they must “come out.”  They must share their store with their friends, families, employers, everyone!  Everyone must know their story.   They must humanize the struggle against injustice.

In my anger, in my exhaustion I speak to the straight allies out there.  You must come out.  You got to share your story with your family, friends, EVERYONE!

Our silence is killing people.  Our silence is making it OK to isolate, interrogate, and victimize the Gay Community.  Every time you say, “I am not sure about this.  I just need more time.”  You are denying justice to a human being and endangering their very life as you dangle the carrot of justice before their eyes.

We are responsible for the harsh treatment of the Gay Community.  We may not be the ones harassing the Gay Community directly.  We may not be the ones actively fighting to exclude equal rights to all.  We may be quietly sitting in support of equal rights for the Gay Community.  My silence hurts, our silence kills.  Our silence is hurting people.  We got to come out!

Sisters and brothers in your faith communities speak up, in your classrooms speak out, in your homes share.  The Gay Community is unjustly being denied basic human rights in our silence.  Let us join together in a loud voice to demand that just be restored in this wind of hope, this sweeping march towards change.  Let us be a part of history that we can be proud of.  Let us come out and speak up in support of our sisters and brothers of the Gay Community.

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18 years Ago Today…

March 3, 2009 at 2:06 pm (Love, family, kids)

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Eighteen years ago today the greatest interruption I’ve ever experienced took place.  I found myself teaching an uplifting Sunday School lesson to an eager group of high schoolers when there was the knock on the door.  “Come quick” was the charge, “your babies are on the way.”  Immediately I dropped everything, leaving the kids to divine care and was off on my way to become a daddy.  I had dreamed of this day for a very long time.

Smiles abounded as I proudly showed off my lovely offspring.  They were wonderful in every sense of the word.  Then came night time.  Getting a newborn baby to sleep is a challenge even under the best of circumstances, hoping for two to sleep is asking for a parting of the sea.  Even with a hefty supply of pacifiers there never seemed to be one when needed.  Many a night did I find myself stealthily crawling under the cribs in search of the elusive pacifier.  Armed with the knowledge that if I didn’t return with the holy grail an outpouring of frustration would soon follow. 

We made it through those early years.  Years of wonder and amazement.  Little Raleigh and Ashton grew lovelier each passing day, each seeking to find their own steps in life.  I remember accidents where Ashton fell off the Jungle Gym and came crying with a waffled tongue.  A sight most parents should avoid.  She healed and soon found herself climbing back aboard without any reservation.  One day Raleigh woke up and had little purple spots on her arm.  After a quick call to the pediatrician, we found ourselves in the same hospital where her life had recently begun.  She was bleeding internally and needed this medicine to stop the flow.  Scary times, but faith sustained us and our little Raleigh came home just like new.  Ashton too, had her visits to the emergency room, childhood asthma periodically roared its ugly head.  Soon she too would hit her stride and leave the maladies behind.

Coming home from work after a long day, I was greeted by two smiling faces at the door.  After parking my truck, the door would burst open and those energetic monsters would rush me in pursuit of a full contact wrestling match.  Laughter, giggles, screams of happiness sounded the time of togetherness.

But theses sounds of joy would soon be replaced with cries of sadness.  The life they knew and loved would be torn from them.  Upheaval of stability would become the norm.  The safety and comfort of family would be no more.  Mommy and Daddy were getting a divorce.  Instead of one big happy family, now these two angels had two unhappy houses to shuttle between. 

Raleigh and Ashton, I reflect on the pain your mom and I caused you.  On the way we put our needs so far out ahead of yours.  I’m sorry we couldn’t be the mommy and daddy you both deserved.  I’m sorry for the sadness that filled your eyes when previously they were so bright and cheerful.  We can never give you back what you missed out on, we can never make those nights alone crying yourself to sleep disappear, and we can never give you back your innocent childhood. 

Finding ones place in life is beyond challenging.  It is a lifelong pursuit.  It encompasses the purpose of our existence, to find the authentic us.  Most people never seek out this aim, instead live lives of frustration and anger.  I had to find my center.  I had to grow up.

This meant moving away and our time together decreased but never faded in depth of value.  We found ways to make travel fun and meaningful.  It was a part of who we were, we where travelers, this is what conjoined us.

Ashton and Raleigh, you grew both in beauty and kindness.  Each of your hearts matured into vessels worthy of honor.  You adapted to your ever changing environment with grace and never melted under the strain.  You were both becoming wonderful young ladies.  I was so proud to be seen with you and have the privilege of sharing you with my friends.

More changes were in store for each of you.  The lingering hope most children carry of one day their divorced parents reconnecting was shattered years later when I informed you of my pending marriage.  It was a difficult time for you both.  Not only were you getting another person in your world, a stepmom, but you also were getting two new sisters as well.  Change is a difficult pill to swallow.  Again you adapted and blossomed.  Your inner strength and resolve has been amazing.

By now each of you were a seasoned airline traveler.  Remember the Polly Pockets?  Each time as you left I gave you both a new one for the trip home.  You must have had quite a collection at one point.  For me, I started to notice your independence when you needed less comforting as you boarded the plane.  You were growing up.  I was both happy and sad at the same time with this prospect.

I have immense gratitude for the invention of the cell phone and computer.  It became our lifeblood.  It maintained our flow of communication and allowed our priorities to remain high.

Soon you both would be in high school and all that comes with it.  Friends, homework, clubs, cheerleading, and of course…boys!  The awareness that boys would come into play was constantly downplayed but reality determined this as inevitable.  With your charming dispositions, brilliant minds, and of course stunning radiance, well, how could the boys not be everywhere?

You both took leadership roles and excelled in means that reflected your individualized abilities.  Both rose to the top and rated yourselves as young women who others desired to be around.  Your lives became a testament to the purity of your hearts, an acceptance of divine love reflected to those all around.  Can you tell yet that I’m proud of you both?

Our trips together now became staging grounds for deep discussions on the meaning of life.  Our chats developed into full length conversations detailing our deepest beliefs and hopes for the future.  I found our disagreements rewarding.  It’s in these times the full you is revealed.  The one who exists to not just to please a parent, but desires to be truely herself.  Individuality determines our success not our acceptance of the expected.  Both of you have shown me the mettle to fight for your rightful place in this crazy world we call home.  Something has gone right in your lives to make this an actuality.

So here we are, only a few shorts months away from graduation.  Dreams come alive and burst forth with opportunity.  Live your lives with imagination.  Live your lives with possibility.  Leave regret behind, focus on instilling the essence of now with every breath.  Unleash your visions for tomorrow and never accept someone else’s expectation for you.  Raleigh and Ashton, God has infused each of you with greatness.  It is your job now to spend the rest of your lives letting it out and sharing that gift with others and the world as a whole.

Thank you for giving me eighteen delightful, entertaining, challenging, and unforgettable years of your life.  As a father, I can say without hesitation, it’s been a blast and I wouldn’t change a single thing.  I love the ladies you both have become.

Seek excellence.  Seek truth in strange places.  Look for the good in all.  Believe in possibilities.  Dream real big.  Chase the impossible.  Find happiness in yourself.  Believe in miracles.  See the wholeness of God everywhere.  Be kind.  Let gentleness prevail.  Let no one step on your dreams.  Live your hopes and no one else’s.

There has never been a day when I didn’t offer up thanksgiving for you girls.  I prayed for you long before you came into my world and seek God’s best for you daily.  I take comfort in your faith, as it gives hope.  Never let your faith grow stagnant.  Keep faith alive by testing it to find its value.  Faith is an individual effort that no one can determine for you.  You and you alone make it meaningful.  Let you light continue to shine.

Ashton and Raleigh…Happy Birthday!  I love you and believe in each of you.   Go forth and fly!           

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Reincarnation of Jessie…

January 23, 2009 at 3:22 pm (Love, nature)

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My first Chow Chow was a frail little girl who I rescued from a puppy mill.  Puppy mills are the scourge of the pet industry.   Imagine walking onto a farm with cages and pens as far as the eye can see.  The sound of hundreds of dogs barking at the prospect of freedom is almost deafening.  Each pen represented a different breed with dogs piled upon each other trying to get noticed.  The lack of compassion missing from this farm is heartbreaking.  I want to save them all, I know I can’t.

 

I have my heart set on a Chow Chow.  The Chow is an interesting breed known for great loyalty and devotion as well as a strong, protective spirit.  I located the holding pen for my chosen breed and began the difficult process of selecting the perfect pet.  Unable to choose one from the flurry of fur that surrounded me, I stepped away.  As I did, I noticed the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen peeking out from a cage that barely contained the body of this dog.  This was this poor dog’s existence.  Unable to even stand up in her cage, she had grown too large for the enclosure and no one seemed to notice or even care.  There she was, my future dog, I couldn’t wait to release her from this prison.  So I took her home.

I decided to call her Jessie. 

 
 She stuck to me like Velcro.  We were inseparable.  She was a great dog who only wanted to be loved and showed her appreciation with great gusto.  Without the limiting effect of a small cage she grew to full stature and seemed to always wear a smile.

 

A new career opportunity meant moving to another state.  While moving is never easy it was especially challenging for Jessie.  Her patterns were disrupted and the strange countryside overwhelmed her.  She tried to stay strong but the change just confused her.

 

One night she somehow escaped from the back yard that was surrounded by chain link fence.  She found a weak spot in the fence previously unnoticed by me that allowed her to squeeze out.  When I called for her to come inside to bed there was nothing but quiet.  A stillness that sounded empty.  She was gone.

 

I immediately grabbed a flashlight and started off searching for my faithful, confused friend.  Up and down the streets I looked.  As I too was new to the area, these streets were as foreign to me as they were to my Jessie.  After what seemed many hours I gave up my search with a heavy heart.  I had little hope for her return in this strange place.

 

I went to work reluctantly, wearing sadness on my face, unable to focus on anything but my loss.  Where did my girl go?  She must be so scared and alone not knowing where she was.  Did she feel we abandoned her?  I sat at my desk, perseverating thoughts on my missing dog. 

 

Days went by and the pound failed to report finding Jessie.  It was time to face the inevitable.  I called the city works department and told of my plight.  They informed me of a large long haired black dog recently picked up in my area.  I wasn’t prepared for this loss nor was I ready to face the task that lie before me.  I grabbed a couple of large trash bags and drove the short drive to retrieve my fallen friend.  A burly man with a kind face led me to the back of a truck where the body laid silent.  I immediatley noted the dog was a Chow and quickly put the hairy carcass into the trash bag without much hesitation.  Damn.

 

Her toys were gathered together and placed inside the large hole dug in the backyard of my new home.  I gently placed her lifeless body in that same hole.  Before I covered my friend with dirt I took time to give thanks for the time we had together.  Others had joined me for this impromptu memorial service.  Even the roofers who were working on the neighbors house stopped long enough to observe this moment of sadness.

 

Goodbye.

 

A few days later my phone rang.  I thought at first it was a practical joke.  What did this veterinarian mean he had my dog?  I just buried her.  He stated this was no joke and this was in fact my dog.  She had jumped off an overpass while trying to avoid capture by a police office.  She knocked herself unconscious and was taken to this vet to recover.  She was perfectly fine and I should come and get her…is what I heard the doctor relay to me.

 

Then…Who did I bury?

 

Surreal moments cause us to rethink the order of life.  We have to adjust our thinking to our present reality and oftentimes they don’t mesh.  This was no exception.

 

As I sat there considering my newfound delight my phone rang.  I was instructed to come to the front office immediately to which I obliged.  As I came neared I saw a blur rush me and immediately my Jessie tackled me and filled my face with wetness.  She was glad to be home, I was thrilled to have her back.

 

She and I stayed close from that moment onward.  She gave me unconditional love and acceptance.  She was a devoted dog.  She was more than a dog, she was family.

 

Unfortunately, all that love came from a heart that had grown weak.  Her health began failing rapidly and one afternoon I went outside to call her and was again faced with that dreadful silence that beckons the arrival of bad news.  Jessie didn’t move as I approached her.  She had left us again, this time for good.  She had nothing left for this life except the wonderful memories that remain in my heart.  These I will forever cherish.

 

I carried this pile of love to the grave of her predecessor where I dug a home for her new journey next to her unknown friend.  I thought they would get along fine and have lots to talk about.

 

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Darfur…Action Required

October 28, 2008 at 4:55 pm (Love, country)

Recently, I watched a documentary on the horrible atrocities going on in Darfur.  This region is experiencing continuous violence on a level previously unspoken.  The killings taking place were beyond mere words.  It seems almost like a horrible video game the manner in which these people are being slaughtered.  Life holds no value, be it man, woman, or even child.  No one is spared from the destruction, no one is overlooked in this slaughter.

I’ve known this senseless loss of life occurring in Darfur has transpired for a period of time.  It isn’t like this just became front page news.  Ignoring this plight has been easy to be oblivious towards as it seems so far away and receives very little notice by the media.  Ignorance is a tool too often used as an excuse for not doing anything.  I wonder how ignorant we truly are?

Maybe the problem isn’t indifference but rather the inability to comprehend.  Speaking from my heart, I find the magnitude so tragic that my mind needs to ease the pain by segmenting the tragedy from my present reality.  By doing so I can go about my daily existence without a single care about the suffering taking place in Darfur.  I’m not sure how this occurs, but I’m certain I must not be alone in overlooking these evils.  I say this with confidence because the conversation never arises in my circle.  How do moral people sit by idly and not speak to these horrors?  Frozen indifference has historically allowed events of this magnitude to grow.  Where is the outrage?  Where is the collective call to stop this genocide?  Where is the gathering of humans devoted to helping preserve life coming to the defense of the helpless? 

This is a call for God’s people everywhere, no matter what your religious belief to come together and be the hand of God in Africa.  We can no longer sit by and allow this great loss of life to go unchecked.  It is imperative that conversations begin and awareness is brought to light so the excuse of ignorance is permanently sidelined.  Once we begin to acquire knowledge of evil then action is immediately demanded of us.  Sitting on our hands while evil is perpetrated equates us to the level of those physically causing the harm.

Sound the alarm!  Ring the bell! Shout from the street corner! Tell your friends!  Write a letter to the editor! Do anything to make this issue worthy of the 6:00 news.  We as a people can no longer sit by calmly and watch this occur.  Just because we don’t know what to do, doesn’t give us the freedom to fo nothing at all.

Maybe if our government weren’t so busy building American colonies and outposts around the world to better the good old USA we would have the resources needed to help those who can offer us nothing in return.  This is why America was founded, to be a safe haven to those wishing to avoid persecution.  It’s high time American citizens demand their government spend more time practicing the 10 commandments instead of just fighting for the right to hang them on a wall.

To my church friends, this is a pro-life issue.

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What is the Church?…

September 22, 2008 at 1:37 pm (Love, church, grace)

Recently I was approached to discuss and defend my political viewpoint in light of my theological perspective.  This aquantance doesn’t have the ability to couple a Christ follower the opportunity to be anything but a conservative Republican.  My present beliefs and lifestyle hopefully represent consistencies formed from years of learning, mistakes, and values.  These beliefs certainly are polar to what I accepted and practiced in my younger and less evolved life.

We agreed to have a civil discourse dealing with certain topics without need for debate, just plain discussion for the purpose of understanding each other.  I respect the willingness of my friend to comprehend other viewpoints and hopefully this will stay civil.  I personally feel no compulsion to persuade others to my belief system, especially dealing with politics.  There is no right answer, no right side to align with, no need for us versus them.  We each come to the place of understanding having walked divergent roads of growth and experience.  Therefore expecting each of us to completely agree seems fool-hearty at best.

The first question posed to me asked what is the purpose of the church?  A rather open ended question that leaves much room for opinion. 

Here is what I wrote…

In short the purpose of the church should encompass providing a sanctuary of hope and healing for the lost and hurting.  A place where action impacting the community near us and and the world around us is initiated and continued.  A safe haven of rest where the outcast of society are able to find refuge.  A locale of challenge for believers to walk more in the true image of the Christ.

I don’t feel the church is an induction station or boot camp preparing for battle.  I find the analogy of warfare offensive.  The church is about mobilizing its people to be lovers of other people.  Just like Jesus taught.  Loving people implies not killing them with hateful attitudes and actions.  Love is the overarching theme of the bible, not judgement.

The church, to me, is not looking for complete obedience to it whereby acceptance is granted to only those who willingly comply.  Individuality is what drives the healthy church.  The collective gathering of differences sharing the cause of kindness is what makes church so meaningful.  I feel no need to act like everyone else, look like everyone else, nor believe like everyone else.  I find no calling in scripture to enter into a personal cloning program.

Relationship forces us to encounter contact with Christ in a much more personal manner than rules could ever hope for.  Rules, especially one devised for the purpose of control, force us to withdraw from relationship and focus on a tally system of merit.  This is not my understanding of grace.

The church should be a place where ALL are welcome, loved , and accepted.  This is the responsibility of the bride-this is the promise of the bride.  We come as life finds us…filthy, unworthy, and in great need.  Each of us a sinner in desperate need of grace.  At no time is sin ever detailed by degrees of shame or offense.  All sin is equally problematic.  No sin worse than any other.

I understand the need to shower first before getting into a pool.  I do not understand the thinking that demands we come to the church already clean.  Besides, who are we cleaning up for?

When the church spends its time focusing on particular sins and grossly overlooking others—then the church has simply lost its way.

Actually when the church casts more care on shortcomings of others instead of sharing compassion and understanding then it truely has lost its way.

I tend to ramble.

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A Man Worth Remembering…

September 16, 2008 at 5:53 pm (Love, parenting)

 

Think back to a time when you first met someone who instantly attracted your attention.  Maybe it was a kind smile possessed, a generous action performed , or even eyes that had a story to tell.  Someone who seemed to live life with such confidence in who they were that little impacted their very being.  One who drew you into the soul of their existence by just being present.  Compassion, care and understanding worn as an overcoat on a winters day.  Thought of anyone yet?

My grandfather was just such a man.  To look at him, he wasn’t an imposing figure who caused fear just being in his presence.  No, he was a slight man who mostly spoke in quiet tones.  A man who certainly would look to avoid conflict when possible instead one who tried to create new friends from those he had previously opposed him. 

My grandfather was a walking welcome sign with vacancy light continually lit up.  He always had time for another.  He had no other ability but to be perpetually hospitable with time for any problem imaginable.  When I walked beside him my feelings of possibility arose, vulnerability was far removed, and I was the prized prince.

Having no paternal role model available I was a willing student studying the class of life by the great professor.  His life was led by example not so others would follow but because he knew no other way.  Hindrances of needing to be liked or valued never showed their ugly heads.  He was followed like a cub after a mother bear.  Following because life was found in the example shown.

What a sense of humor…what a pleasant disposition…what an ability to make others feel loved…what an ability to make a scrawny boy feel safe and wanted. 

There is an Old Testament phrase – “kinsman redeemer” which refers to a family member that steps in to meet the need when a parent has left the life of a child.  This individual was required to assume all duties and responsibilities of the departed parent.  To make sure the child was cared for, protected, and taught how to live their life.  What an awesome amount of responsibility placed on a kinsman redeemer.  In Old testament times this was not a voluntary consideration it was mandated by the law.  My kinsman redeemer needed no law to step in and love me.  My kinsman redeemer needed no law to protect me from harm.  My kinsman redeemer needed no law to guide me to the right steps of life.

I miss him today.  I miss him greatly.  I wish he could see what I have become.  I would love for him to care for my children the same way he cared for me.  My kids will never know the greatness of this man except whatever shows through me.  I doubt it will ever do justice to him.

I find it shameful that during his life I didn’t have the ability to see my grandfather the way I do today.  How much more he could have taught me.  But…he taught me plenty, much that has shaped me into my person I am.  I refuse to live with regret as it defines our lives keeping one forever unable to become.  He would never stand for that.

Live a life of freedom…release encumbrances that bind you to worries of yesterday or hopes for tomorrow.  Look to see the story in others eyes and take the time to listen.  Provide comfort and protection to those that are unable to provide for themselves.  Step up and meet the needs of others not out of obligation but out of desire to help.  Provide vulnerability to people scarred but the hurts of life.  Give people a safe harbor to rest when weary from the storms of life.  Help people to walk tall and proud, lift the weight of burden from another.  Smile…and then keep smiling.  Be pleasant to be around.  This is what my grandfather tells me.  This is the  voice I hear in my heart.

The way my grandfather lived his life was by exemplifying the essence of the Christ.  While not shouting from the rooftops or village steps the message carried forth with crystal clarity the urgency of love. 

Too much time is spent trying to copy the holy.  The focus should ensconce being holy.  Imitation falls far short of the original.

Raymond Crofoot…you were certainly an original.

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The Reason Why…

August 30, 2008 at 5:01 am (Love, faith)

To quote the old song, “Love is a Many Splendid Thing”.   It represents the greatest end in life.  Love has the ability to drive us to excellence and it also makes humanity act insane.  What power!  What promise!   No wonder people find themselves acting so irregular in elusive pursuit.  The crazies come out and march in lockstep with the possibility of becoming one with love.

Love is not something found by a logical journey nor through designated actions.  Our best efforts to capture it’s evasive hold finds us banging our heads in frustration.  The struggle leaves many so devestated they no longer function effectively in society.

Maybe the problem is that of common definition.  If there were a clear understanding of what love is then some confusion could be eliminated.  The problem is, to define something limits it and keeps that something from ever being completely true to it’s full potential.  Love is a lot like that.  It is not made to be understood instead it exists for the purpose of being experienced.

Love is not an object that is found for love is a true seeker not a hider.  Love looks for hearts that are willing recipients not demanding hearts that only look for fulfillment.  Love is not an emotional filler, it is a joiner of two beings into one.  Love does not create healthy beings from the unhealthy, instead love finds the healthy and makes them stronger.  Love is the great rewarder.

I find myself the very fortunate receiver of love.  I also find my desire to be a giver of love continually growing.  This I’m sure is a direct correlation.  Funny thing…the deeper love gets into your person the greater its need to be poured out upon others.

The sadness is greatest with those who have never participated in the complexities of love. Those who seek love only as a means to be appreciated.  One sided love is a lie.  Taking in love without giving it back is greed, it is selfishness personified.  True love is manifested when the joy of giving exceeds the pleasure of taking.

For many people their faith practice describes a loving God who is passionate about creation.  God greatly desires to become one with us and seeks to bring mankind into communion.  This love knows no boundaries.  It’s this kind of love that teaches how we are to likewise love others.  Let this love infuse your heart and the desire to be one with others then becomes instinctive.

“All you need is love”…to quote the Beatles.

Imagine the world that would create!

Love has taken me personally from the filth and despair I created with my life.  It has since provided me comfort and security.  It has formed a longing to expand my heart.  It has brought me back to life.  Love pushes me to new extremes.

Love to me came wrapped as a brunette named Maria.  What a gift.  I live with great thankfulness.

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