A Four letter Word

I wrote this a few weeks ago and it’s sat as a document that’s stirred up much controversary in my own mind. I’ve revisited it several times. I’ve opened it and clinched my teeth with one eye open, peering through the gaps of my fingers, like someone anticipating a scary scene in a movie. I wrote it late one night when I couldn’t get my brain to turn off. I’ve questioned whether the content is truly accurate or some conjuring of emotions by a very tired Mama. What I am sharing with you now has been bathed in prayer. Nothing has been edited. I’ve searched my heart and the resounding conclusion is that every word I wrote weeks ago is truth.

If I know you, I love you. That’s a radical statement and maybe unbelievable if you don’t know me well. But I assure you, it’s true. I am not looking for a pat on the back when I say this. It’s not a love within my own capabilities. Therefore, it’s not up for debate either. Just take my word for it. I love you. It came in the form of God answering a rather audacious prayer many years ago, when I asked Him to expand my capacity to love people and boy did he ever!

Five years ago, I had surgery on my knee that had been completely shattered (in a freak accident.) I lead worship at church and decided shortly after surgery that I was well enough to get back to it. However, minutes upon arriving, the pain caught up to me so I took one of my pain pills. Worst idea ever!! It kicked in right as service was beginning. My head became fuzzy in the most delightful way and I began to tell the entire congregation how much I loved them. Imagine Oprah’s car giveaways “You get a car! And you get a car!” Yeah, that was me addressing everyone individually how much I loved them until my bass player walked over, patted my shoulder and snapped me out of Percocet land. It’s funny but every drunken-crazy word I said was true!

I’ve heard in well versed speeches and even in sermons to not throw the word “love” around. I beg to differ! Why then does it appear in the word of God more than three hundred times if it should not be at the very top of our vocabulary? Jesus said “So I give you a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.” John 13:34-35 The word “commandment” is in there. That’s pretty serious stuff! If this is the hallmark by which we are known as Christ followers, then go out of your way to love people! Go the extra mile. Actually, use the “L” word. Let it become your new favorite four-letter word!

Three years ago, my family and I jumped into foster care. I say “jump” because there’s no easing into it. You just kind of have to jump in. But the longer I’m on this journey the more I’m exposed and sometimes in the middle of someone’s despair and brokenness. The one constant in every story I’ve encountered is that at some point, someone believed that they were un-loveable. Every time I find my heart grieving with and breaking for one of these precious people, I am reminded that one word can change a life. 

Jesus never said you would be comfortable in following Him and obeying His commandments. In truth, if you do, you will often go way outside your comfort zone! But it’s so worth it!! Love is powerful and just might be the factor that saves a life. If no one has told you today then you need to hear it, so here goes… I love you. Jesus loves you. Don’t you ever forget it! I challenge you. I DARE you to be brave and upgrade “love” to the top of your word list!