Themed Weekend: Be the LOVE

heart-in-hands"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

I've been thinking about that quote a lot lately. The phrase is used repeatedly in our culture - on billboards, in magazines, at political rallies, and in places of learning.

But the truth is that I never tire of hearing it. No matter how many times I read it or hear it, it speaks to me.

Kind of like 1 Corinthians 13.

The poetry of that piece dazzles me:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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-red-heartI actually memorized that entire chapter in college and recited it as part of a presentation that I did in a Literature class about the various depictions of love in classic literary works. I remember the words rolling off of my tongue, the utter silence in the room as the lovely lyrics filled the room to the brim. Bible believer or not, those words are spellbinding.

Especially the last line: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

a-mom-and-her-girlsMaybe I should memorize it again - and recite it to another captive audience that I have these days - 2 smart, sensible, spontaneous, and stunning little girls (see right).

More importantly, I need to focus on living those words. What does it mean - in real time - to protect, to trust, to hope, to persevere? What does it mean to "be the change"? How can I let those words seep into my heart, my hands, my life?

Those are the questions I want to explore this weekend. Sure, there will be product reviews and giveaways as usual (including one EXTRA special giveaway). But there will also be plenty of opportunities to discuss kindness, to brainstorm strategies to help others. Won't you join me as I strive with all my might to be the change, be the good, be the hope, be the...love...that I wish to see in the world?

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21 comments on “Themed Weekend: Be the LOVE”

  1. Thanks for actually discussing 1 Cor 13 in the correct context! It is so often used at weddings (not a bad thing in and of itself) but it is not really talking about love in marriage. 1 Cor 13 is really what you have alluded to here...how people minister to one another, especially in the body of Christ. And do you know what I love about that? It doesnt look the same for every one...because it's not supposed to. Can't wait tohear more of your ideas.

  2. This post rings in my head. I feel that Small Steps become very large steps when we all start to make those Small steps together.....

    I have learned that treating everyone with kindness brings more kindness back to you. Not just friends and family, but strangers. People you will never see again may be changed by the smile you give them. A ripple effect....to change the world.

    It occurred to me that I may see my grocery clerk more often than I see my own mother face to face! Why not hold that person dear, and make friends? Why not try to make them smile or connect and make friendly conversation?

    This post is great. You are wonderful. I love your mission for change, for hope, for LOVE!

  3. I always think of those phrases. When I am stressed or wondering why I am doing something I realize often that if it isn't because that is change I want to see or that it is for love then my efforts are as meaningful to myself.

  4. Great for me to hear, Stephanie. I've been a total meanie to my husband all weekend. I've apologized for it, but I keep on snapping at him! I need to spend some time thinking over these verses!

  5. another great topic! one comment mentions loving the unlovable... in my life I sometimes have to distiquish between loving a person unconditionally but not loving what someone chooses to do- and not trying to control the outcome. Love can be so complicated; and so simple. Coming from a family with lots of alcoholism/ drug abuse I have had to make some hard choices myself- I've been lucky cause with some of the hardest I have had a great outcome. This bible quote has held me through the toughest times.... thanks for the reminder!

  6. Oh, how wonderful Heaven will be when we're always surrounded by love and never know pain and hatred.

    Nell

  7. This is why I like reading your blog. You seem to be what I consider the ideal mother, somebody who I can look at and say; "She is a great mother!" However I also feel guilty because I know I will never even come close to my ideals, I wish I didn't need some breathing room and a break from my kids every now and then. I wish I could live up to my ideals but I know that I never will so it kind of makes me feel guilty for thinking that these are the ways parents should act when I don't even act that way. I get enraged when I see these parents out there giving their kids soda and wondering why their kids are obese at age 4. I also know I am not the best parent and sometimes I think that as long as you love them like no tomorrow and do the best you can for them and you try to be the best you can for them then that makes you a good parent. Which is what I do, I think, I know my faults and I know how they effect my kids and I try my best to fix these things so they don't have the same faults. I am more successful with some of my faults than others. However when somebody like you comes along, I love reading your posts because I feel like by reading I am trying to learn how to be a better parent, that maybe I'll glean some of your awesome parenting skills by reading your posts, jeez, I hope that's true because you seem so perfect like no matter what happens you are never ruffled. I can't wait to read your posts this weekend!

  8. One of the greatest things about having more than one child is seeing how intrinsic the capacity for love is. I am an only child so I expected jealousy and rivalry to come first; that I would have to teach love and patience. But Roo is so kind and helpful to her little brother and has been from the start. They have their battles, of course, but I am so amazed by how sweet they are to each other and also to other kids. It makes me so happy!

  9. LOVE the pictures and LOVE those scripture verses. . . :) I have been so busy and caught up in work and life lately. I could use some lessons in remembering love and kindness on a daily basis. . . so thank you!

  10. Amen. Looking forward to these upcoming posts. I have been challenging myself to love others WELL in the past few weeks. Making an active choice to love. Loving when it is hard, loving because I am called to love, loving the 'unlovable', loving because it helps others, loving because we were created to love and be loved. It brings so much joy to know that others are experiencing joy, even just a sliver of joy, by being loved well in a world of hurt.

  11. an excellent goal! The last thing I memorized was the boy scout oath! On, wait, no I also memorized the "This is my rifle" thing from full metal jacket :-)

    I recently started reading Shakespeare's sonnets to my boys. I don't think they understand them, but they are really beautiful to recite out loud.

  12. This sounds like a great topic for the weekend - I'm looking forward to the discussions.

    On a Biblical note I can't think of I Corinthians 13 without also thinking of the Scripture that says - God is love (1 John 4:8) and the Scripture in John 13 that says - "by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, that ye have love one for another." To be like God - we must learn to love like God.

    Love is such a powerful thing - especially when it becomes more than just an emotion, when it becomes a decision - that is when love becomes unstoppable.

  13. What a wonderful scripture - thank you for reminding us all how important it is to focus on actually LIVING those words. Enjoy your weekend!

  14. I am excited about this discussion! I remember the Dalai Lama saying that if you can't help someone, at least don't hurt them. Thanks, Cindi

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