The Bible is filled with the notion that love abides with us and comforts us in all circumstances. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (I Cor. 13) is one of the most treasured treatises on the subject. Used in countless wedding ceremonies, the couple is encouraged to believe that no matter what may come up within their relationship, Love never fails. (Verse 8) In his letter to the Romans Paul assures us that nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:38,39).
Even with these assurances most of us, at one time or another, feel desperately unloved, uncared for and alone. Families are the first line of support for most of us. Our closest friends often provide a back up when it is difficult to find that support at home. Of course we expect to be there for our loved ones and friends when they need someone to remind them that they are loved. And we hope they will be there for us. However, there are still times we will feel there is no one, no way, to recover from whatever it is that causes us to feel helpless or devoid of love.
The darkness that surrounds us at those times of despair is no less frightening and overwhelming than what the disciples of Jesus surely felt on that awesome Friday at his crucifixion. Can you imagine the sense of loss they were feeling? Even though He assured them, I am with you always, (Mat. 28:20) they could only see the loss. Three days later, early in the morning, the sun shone in a new sky as Mary and others approached the tomb where they fully expected to find the body of Jesus. He was not in the tomb. Now their despair was even deeper. They could not even prepare his body for burial. Then Mary turned and saw a person she assumed was the gardener. It was Jesus! They could not fully understand what was happening but within their hearts they somehow knew that all was well.
This story we celebrate at Easter is, among other things, the story of the absolute power of love to transcend loss and grief, despair and loneliness. It is the story of hope and reassurance that regardless of appearances love abides, love transcends all limitation. This is, of course, a religious story. It is one that has parallels in every major religion. This might lead us to consider that the principle embedded within the story is something more than myth or legend. Perhaps if we can find a way to believe there are answers, we will find them. One thing seems certain to me. Having even a remote hope is better than the downward cycle of despair that comes from not believing in the ultimate power of love.
I have been in that emotional, personal wasteland. I have felt that deep despair that would seem to indicate there is no way out of the gloom. It isn’t a pretty picture, is it? I am so fortunate to have dear friends who, when all else failed, were there to assure me that I would get through those times. These friends offered a variety of possibilities, mostly from their own experience in overcoming, but sometimes simply out of their own sense of also being alone. Together we moved forward on the path.
If you are feeling down right now, if you feel unloved and overwhelmed and alone, let me offer to be there for you. I believe in the power of love to lift you, to change the path you are on that seems to be leading nowhere. Let me assure you that even though fear may seem impossible to overcome, love never fails. I love you! The love within me is from an unconquerable Source and I give it all to you. Take it into your heart. You are not alone. Even if you do not know me, even if you just happened to somehow find this blog article, there are no coincidences. You are here because you are ready to experience the transforming power of love. Be well, my friends! Be well!
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers. nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God . . .
Romans 8:38, 39
1 comment:
Arguably, the "ability to love," either others or one's self, is a talent or resource. I have often said that even if 99% of people treat me poorly, I MUST believe that at least 51% of people are good people. Otherwise, one descends into paranoia, fear, and distruct.
Quite frankly, watching my back is not a way in which I like to spend my time.
Be that as it may, what I found most interesting in the discussion thread associated with our most recent post about Rev. Jerry Jones was not the fact that a man of God was doing what he was doing, but that folks focused extensively on his right to engage in political expression. Fascinating.
One would have thought that some focus, even if only 20%, might have been on the religious Jones.
I would love to interview Rev. Jones to get his views on the concept of "love."
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