There is pain in the world.
There are babies whose bodies give out before they have a chance to use them
and children whose lives are stolen from them while they are still all
potential. There are men and women with minds trapped in sad or angry
places who long to be free, and others who love them and ache for them to feel
that love. This is a heavy December and “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” isn’t
going to cut it.
In middle school, I used to write
notes that that spilled over with worries about crushes and families and who I
was going to be and then write “Smile! Jesus loves you!” on the outside.
Sticking a smiley face over it all didn't cover my pain and I felt bad for not
being cheery. Posting pictures of my smiling children feels like drawing
a smiley face over heartbreak and it isn't real right now.
But I believe that the “Jesus
loves you” is real. I believe that 2,000 years ago, a child was born who
became a man who understood suffering and evil there is more than anyone else,
because he knew true goodness more than anyone else. I believe he faced
suffering, choosing with full informed consent to act in love. I believe
that he was able to do this because he was a man and God, and that because He
did it, I am able to act in love, too. I believe He came to earth to show
love, not condemnation. I believe that it is scary to write this because
you might disagree and think I’m not smart, and my desire to be seen as smart
is strong.
I believe love drives out
fear. Gathering around a heartbroken family brings love into the
world. Hugging your friends' babies when you've lost your own brings
love. Acting with patience, kindness, and self-control when those are not
returned; putting flowers on your doorstep or sending kind notes when you do
not feel cheery; waking up with a colicky baby for the 9th time that
night; being diligent instead of lazy; being humble rather than powerful: it is
love.
I stand with the warriors for
love. It is a painful world and a beautiful world. I am glad to be
in it.
1 comment:
I'm glad you're in it and I'll stand with you in love, too, sister.
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