Choosing the Way of Love

Choosing the Way of Love
Like the true "romantic" that I've always been, I was glued to the TV to watch every detail of Prince Harry and Meghan's (now, Duke & Duchess of Sussex) wedding. Her simple-appearing Givenchy dress on screen (but I'm sure the intricacies were there because I heard the cost was upwards to $350K), the powerful Gospel choir singing "Stand By Me" (I had goosebumps). Meghan's mother's sweetness and grace as she sat by herself and under such scrutiny, Prince Harry's adoring look at his bride, the beautiful, but stone-wall faces of the Queen and many other guests, the adorable little bridesmaids and pageboys who seemed to be on their best behavior, and the pomp and circumstance of it all. Indeed it was a real life fairy-tale wedding.

But what fired me up with joy and delight was the most unexpected: the fiery, impassioned, and spiritually-charged sermon of Bishop Michael Curry. Oh my goodness, and thanks be to God!! Who would have thought we would be going to CHURCH? He was on a mission! It was estimated that over two billion people around the world watched the wedding and that means over two billion people heard the Good News story and message of Jesus Christ. It was all about LOVE!

Bishop Curry's message was a far cry from what might be seen as a traditional, aristocratic sermon we might expect from a royal wedding. For 15 minutes, he emphasized the power of love. I MUST share some of his sermon: (for all of it, go to: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44186049 )

"Someone once said that Jesus began the most revolutionary movement in human history. A movement grounded in the unconditional love of God for the world - and a movement mandating people to live that love, and in so doing to change not only their lives but the very life of the world itself. I'm talking about power. Real power. Power to change the world. If you don't believe me, well, there were some old slaves in America's Antebellum South who explained the dynamic power of love and why it has the power to transform. They explained it this way. They sang a spiritual, even in the midst of their captivity. It's one that says 'There is a balm in Gilead...' a healing balm, something that can make things right. There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole, there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. And one of the stanzas actually explains why. They said: 'If you cannot preach like Peter, and you cannot pray like Paul, you just tell the love of Jesus, how he died to save us all. Oh, that's the balm in Gilead! This way of love, it is the way of life. They got it. He died to save us all. He didn't die for anything he could get out of it. Jesus did not get an honorary doctorate for dying. He gave up his life, He sacrificed his life for the good of others, for the well-being of the world... for us." He continued.....

"That's what love is. Love is not selfish and self-centered. Love can be sacrificial, and in so doing, becomes redemptive. And that way, unselfish, sacrificial, redemptive love changes lives, and it can change this world. If you don't believe me, think and imagine a world where love is the way. Imagine our homes and families where love is the way. Imagine neighborhoods and communities where love is the way. Imagine governments and nations where love is the way. Imagine business and commerce where this love is the way. Imagine this tired old world where love is the way. When unselfish, sacrificial, redemptive love is the way, then no child will go to bed hungry in this world ever again. When love is the way, we will let justice roll down like a mighty stream and righteousness like an ever-flowing brook. When love is the way, poverty will become history. When love is the way, the earth will be a sanctuary. When love is the way, we will lay down our swords and shields, down by the riverside, to study war no more. When love is the way, there's plenty good room - plenty good room - for all of God's children. Because when love is the way, we actually treat each other, well... like we are actually family. When love is the way, we know that God is the source of us all, and we are brothers and sisters, children of God."

Bishop Curry’s sermon was a bold, inspiring example of "Going into ALL the world and preaching the Good News"! It was rich in Christ’s death as the ultimate example of love. I know there are those who opposed such fiery words at a wedding, but I simply prayed that this message of love would be embraced by those of us who need it the most. John said in 1 John 4:7 “Let US love one another”. I LOVE that love. John included himself in that exhortation. He is telling us that everyone is called to love. And actions speak so much louder than words. It’s not enough to just say “I love you”. We really need to actually LOVE..

My cousin posted Bishop Curry's photo and said, "My new hero!" I have to agree. No doubt he was scrutinized for such boldness. I don’t know which side you live on, but as for me, I plan to do my best to err on the side of love. I know it will serve me well as I purpose to sow seeds of love everywhere I go. How about you?

Forget the diamonds. A backpack is what I want!

Forget the diamonds. A backpack is what I want!
I read a friend's FB post a few days ago, and I, along with many others, were so touched by this Mom’s love story. It is a love story that her sweet little 6-year old daughter is experiencing. The Mom started her post with….”When a man buys me a backpack with the words Joshua gave Meredith, then I will know it is love.”

That's Meredith and Joshua in this photo. Christie, Meredith’s Mom, a single parent who, by the way, is doing ALL the right things in raising Meredith in a love-filled, God-filled home and environment. She essays her single parent life as a faith journey. She doesn't complain about the hardships of raising her little girl single-handedly. She is so inspiring and encouraging in celebration of her walk of faith. Christie went on to say: “Forget the diamonds, I will never settle for less than a backpack!”

It seems that Meredith and Christie were having a lunch date and in walked Joshua who attends a different school than Meredith. The following are her words:

“He hugged Meredith and said, ‘You are the most beautiful girl I know. I'm glad you are still my best friend.’ He takes the gift from his dad, handing it to Meredith. Once she opens it, Joshua turns to her and says, ‘I picked Frozen because I remember how much you would sing the songs when we were in Ms. Hamilton's class. And since I live too far away to come to Kendall-Whittier again, I can't help you carry your stuff. That is why I got you a backpack, and it is a good backpack, not the cheap ones, so it should carry your stuff really good. And look at this, Meredith, it has a lunch box, too, and it snaps on, so you don't have to carry it either. It all fits together, so your hands are free if you fall, but I hope you don't fall, because I don't want you hurt. A backpack is kinda like I'm helping you, even though I'm at a different school again. And you can think of me, if you want, when you use your backpack. My dad says best friends think about each other and pray for good things to happen, even if we are at different schools.’ Christie added, “Tears were rolling down my face, my heart totally in my throat, as Brenda is giving me a hug. Joshua walks to me, saying ‘Ms. Loeffler, thank you for letting me still love Meredith. I asked my dad if I could ask Meredith to play more, but he said it is polite to ask Meredith's mom first. So, can I take Meredith to Chuckie Cheese one Saturday? I've been saving my money, so I can buy her coins, too, and I'll show her the best games to play and share my tickets with her. I know you and my parents have to come, because you guys drive, but I would like you to think about it please. No amount of counting in my head could stop the tears rolling down my face, nor have I ever hugged a set of parents as tightly as I did Joshua's mom and dad.”

Isn’t that the sweetest story? It almost sounds like a fairy tale, doesn’t it? And were it not for my own love story that started at the age of 12 and my sweetheart at age 13, I would only say “It’s just puppy love.” But I assure you, just as my Mom and my husband’s Mom prayed for the future spouses of their children and completely believed that their two kids were meant to be together, I sincerely believe it can start with us and our prayers for our children. One of the friend's remarks on Christie’s FB page following her post was this: “Being that you have prayed every night, for years, over Meredith’s future husband, it does not surprise me if you prayed Joshua right into Meredith’s life so young.” Another gal remarked “OK, they should totally get married right now and spend happily ever after….now, I say, now. Where did this kid come from? Because I totally want one just like him, only my age!”

Don’t you love this? And as I read other comments, I saw a common thread….all women want to be treated with so much respect and tenderness. We want and need to know that we are so loved and cared for. And we want that for our little girls too. Maybe this post today is to remind us that seeing the results, begins with praying daily for our children, creating a faith-filled environment for them that nurtures the God-factor in their lives. AND, this story about two young children, can be the story for love in your own life, too. God answers prayer. I have to agree with Christie – “Just maybe diamonds really aren’t a girl’s best friend. Just maybe a backpack delivered by a handsome prince is.”

I Not Only Believe I CAN Fly -- I AM Flying Today

For the last two days, I've focused on "flying" in my posts. Today I get to put my words to action as I fly from Washington to Texas where I'll be celebrating life with my family there.

Yesterday, I posted "I believe I can fly!" Let's take flying a step further. Remember Dumbo -- the Disney elephant character that had huge ears? He was so ridiculed and made fun of by other elephants, until he met Timothy Mouse that changed his life by helping him change his perspective. Timothy convinced Dumbo that his little feather had magical powers that could turn his ears into wings. He created a sense of hope and expectation in Dumbo that was missing. The more Dumbo BELIEVED "anything is possible", the more Dumbo was convinced he could fly. Finally, despite the voices of opposition from the crows, Dumbo rose to the challenge and elevated his faith with courage. He turned his doubt into faith and turned those huge ears into an asset that helped him fly.

What changed for Dumbo? That brilliant little mouse helped Dumbo see that the power to fly begins in the belief that it's possible to fly. Yes, Dumbo is a fairy tale, but even better for us, we have a God in whom "Nothing is impossible". When our hope and trust in Him rises, so does OUR perspective.

What are the "ears" or "voices" that might be the cause for your discouragement, rejection or weakness? The voices of others who say you can't, or the voice of Father God -- that voice of TRUTH and FAITH, that says "With God, all things are possible"? With those "ears", we can rise above our challenges, our past, and those voices of opposition. Dumbo could fly. I believe I can fly…..AND I believe YOU can, too!

#IBelieveICanFly #Dumbo #WithGodNothingIsImpossible