What’s love got to do with it?

What’s love got to do with it?

Which words might you use to define what it means to be loved?  Considering we each are different, and have experienced a vast array of life stories, our answers and thoughts will vary.  A challenge is to take the time to ask oneself this question.  If we each hope and dream of being loved, it makes sense to give language to what that means.

I am interested enough to invite you, if you’re comfortable, to share your thoughts as I explore this intriguing journey myself.  Consider letting me know by email (pastor@kariongchurch.org).  I promise all responses will be treated with absolute confidentiality.

Where am I up to so far?  Amidst many, one thought that keeps bubbling to the top is that ‘being loved’ is having a relationship in which one ‘feels safe’, no matter what is going on in the world around.  I was very blessed growing up in a family where I felt very safe.  Sadly, many haven’t.  It didn’t matter what chaos was happening all around, I had a ‘safe place’.  I felt loved.

Yet, we leave the safety of the nest, and are thrust into a chaotic, difficult world where hard stuff happens to excellent people.  How does one survive without being loved?  How does one survive without a safe place to escape to?  Even if that place is simply a loving refuge to hide from ‘everything’ until tomorrow.  Again, I am blessed to be loved.  Not everyone is as fortunate.

 My ancient book of wisdom and truth tells me “God is love.”  May I offer another challenge?  Gather your words and thoughts about love.  Then put them beside your definition of God.  For myself, and I am confident many others, my definition of God changed.  It blossomed in the most wondrous, life changing ways.  Even if it’s just for a few moments a day, everyone needs a safe space.  Everyone needs to be loved.