That 4 Letter Word

Tears left highways down that sweet face as her mascara ran.  And my heart feel into a thousand pieces, or more, as the words just wouldn't come.  Couldn't come.  How do you comfort a heart so young, so innocent?  Stories of young love and adult tragedies were a plague, removing the sacred.

Adults can make dumb decisions. Sometimes they choose themselves over their children.

It didn't make sense and it isn't right. But how do you do damage control?  How do you convince a young heart they are not at fault for their parents poor choices?



And in our world love is a four letter word that has little meaning and even less value.  It's an emotion in passing rather than an action in choosing. The words of Paul to the church at Corinth ring loud in my ears and heart.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV

Am I so naive as to believe that society around me is fine and not falling apart at the seams?  Families crumble. And we leave the children in the aftermath to fend for themselves.  Not fully understanding that this vicious circle of life keeps happening.  And what they see is what they do.  So, when will we step in and make a change?

When will love win?

Who's going to tell her that not every man leaves? Who's going to raise him to be a man, that makes good choices?  Who's going to show her that her worth doesn't come from someone else?  Who's going to teach him to lead by example?

Who's going to chose to love them?  Well, I am.  Will you?

Let's indoctrinate them with love! Love that is not self-seeking or self-serving. Love that reaches out beyond ourselves to embrace others where they are.  That offers hope and freedom.

This isn't something I'm great, or even good, at.  It is a discipline. It means going beyond me.  But, Lord Jesus, I'm ready.  Use me.  And remind me daily to love.

Love is...

I'm having one of those days.  My fuse is short and my children seem to know this better than anyone.  I have no way of physical escape, such as a Hawaiian vacation or trip to Disney, in my near future.  In lieu of having a mommy meltdown, I've written out 1 Corinthians 13 and what, as a mom, it says to me.  Because sometimes I just need a perspective adjustment.

Love is patient and kind.  Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4

Love gives second chances, and third and fourth.  Love speaks without yelling.  Love doesn't think about what it is doing without and harbor resentment, toward even the tiniest one.  Love doesn't pride itself in being right but is humbled because it knows who it has been. Love is a grace giver because it was a grace receiver.

 

rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ~1 Corinthians 13:5

Love doesn't put things like social media, television or conversation before the well being of others.  Love makes important people and things important.  Love doesn't keep tabs for future use.

It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:6

Love doesn't allow the unfair treatment of one child by another.  Nor does it allow the abuse of any child in form.  Love rejoices when children grasp the truth and hold on for dear life.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:7

Love is knowing and speaking truth over my children with throwing in the towel - no matter their age, maturity or circumstances.  Love carries us through each and every situation in life without fail.  God is love!