As I sit and think about my life thus far, when it all boils down to it; It was absolutely love that has brought me this far. No really, it was! Let me share with you.
It was the love of my mother who was 15 years old and pregnant with her second child, scared, but strong that raised me;
It was the love of my husband, who on our first date, looked at me like he had seen the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen in his life. It was that man that broke my heart, but also came back to put it together again;
It was the love I didn't even know lived inside of me when the Dr. told me I may have to choose between myself and my unborn child. Without hesitation, I chose the love that was growing inside of me.
It was love that showed up after the "C" diagnosis named Ronda that saw me, I mean reeeeally saw me: shaken, but strong, confused, yet faithful...then never left my side.
You see sisters, love comes in so many packages, and honestly, it's hard to tell if it's live or Memorex (those above 40 will get that!). So as we close this love series, let's dig a little deeper into what God's desires for us when it comes to love. Let's do the work!
1. Are you ready? - There was a time when I could not see or recognize the love that people were showing me. I used to say, "People don't see me, I am invisible." Was that true or was I choosing not to see the love they were showing because it didn't come in the package I wanted it to? Oftentimes, love doesn't look like the fairy tales we were told in kindergarten. I had to learn to receive love wrapped up in many different packages. When someone is attempting to show you their love, do just like you do when you receive a package. Take a close look at the packaging, Open it up, then take a look inside. Is it something you want? Does it make you feel good? But most importantly, CONSIDER THE SOURCE! If you can check these boxes and feel good about it, then receive it . Now let me put a disclaimer here. I am in no way telling you to let people mistreat you and mistake that for love. Remember what this series has been about. We have been giving you a description of God's love. Study Corinthians 13: 4-8. to really understand what love is.
2. Forgive them - Think about the word "Forgive". Let's take it apart and turn it around!
Give - what happens to you when you Forgive someone? You give yourself peace from the craziness running around in your mind (we've talked about this). You give yourself space to receive the love that is not forgiving or stopping you from receiving. You give your body the healing it needs. Holding on to things will stress you out! Stress leads to Illness, who has time for that! You give away the hurt. You give yourself the ability to be grateful for the experience. You give understanding and patience to others because you've been there. The list goes on and on. Now here's the best part, It's all FOR you! FOR -GIVE
Of course I saved the greatest love I have ever received for last....
It was the love of God that placed me inside of that strong woman.
It was the love of God who gave me my husband.
It was the love of God that let me have not only one, but two incredible children and live to see them grow into men.
It was the love of God that gave my sister Ronda and the eyes to see me when I needed someone to do so.
Corinthians 13:6 says, "Love never stops loving. It extends beyond the gift of prophecy, which eventually fades away. It is more enduring than tongues, which will one day fall silent. Love remains long after words of knowledge are forgotten." Remember Sister Girls, He is all being and all knowing. He always was, and always will be. GOD IS LOVE. Cling to Him and Do The Work!
