Love Wins: Don't Give Up On Love
Love Is An Open Door
Happy Monday. Last month, I attended my cousin Courtney’s beautiful wedding. First, let me say, I can’t believe it’s already been a month, it’s scary how fast time flies. Secondly, her wedding was in Atlanta and the theme was fall. The decorations, ambiance, dresses, food, DJ, literally everything, was so stunning. I loved seeing all my family and even some childhood friends. She even had a painter who drew a portrait of the ceremony during the reception. I’m so happy she allowed me to be in attendance. Last week, I was looking at all the photos from the wedding and the phrase, “love wins,” stuck in my head.
The word love has showed up a lot in my life this last month or so, literally everywhere. Love shows up in my relationships, readings, devotionals, and even as I’m in Target, I see signs about love. One of the earliest commandments God gives us, is to love Him and one another as we love ourselves. Think about any movie you’ve watched, love little conquers anything. Even in real life, love brings people closer. My church, Elizabeth Baptist Church’s, mission statement is even centered in love, “Inciting one another to multiply the breakthrough love of God.” What I’ve been studying lately, is intentionality and what I’ve learned is when it comes to love, it’s a choice. We have to intentionally choose to love others, whether that’s a husband, boyfriend, wife, girlfriend, friend, parent, family member, random person we see in passing, dog, etc. Love might not be your default to your neighbor, but you need to actively work towards it. That means when people are working your last nerve, you must choose to love. That doesn’t mean because you love someone, you allow them to abuse you, you can love from a distance.
Most people default to romantic relationships when it comes to love. Yes, that’s a big part, but love also shows up in platonic relationships too. Especially after the “honeymoon phase,” love is work. You have to align your actions within the relationship, whichever form. The actual word, love, is a verb. You can’t make anyone love you and vice versa. Growing up, I didn’t realize that love was a choice. Gods love is unconditional, same for my parents. Outside of that, each person that chooses to love me, doesn’t necessarily have to. When I was studying this, I was hurt. How will I ever have a husband when love has conditions? The reality is, I come from a loving family, who raised me with love. Being in the world, of course I’ve encountered my share of expecting others to give me that same love. I’m human, so of course, I’ve had my share of heartbreaks, when that love wasn’t given; whether that was with friends or even romantic relationships. It’s easy to use what you’ve been thru to hold you back. There’s plenty of people in the world who have given up on love all together because of betrayal; They have friends who stabbed them in the back, and choose not to make new ones. They have partners who have cheated in the past, and they choose not to let anyone in. They have a sibling that doesn’t show up how they would have liked, and they distance themselves from the family altogether. Whatever the scenario, all of us have had situations of betrayal or heartbreak. That doesn’t give us a green light to be disobedient to Gods commandment.
I know it may seem easier said then done, but I promise you, love does conquer all. Love conquers hate, betrayal, disappointment, and fear. If you give up on love, you’ll miss out on so much. All it takes is one; One amazing friend to make you forget about all the back stabbing friends. One caring partner who fits you like a puzzle. It truly only takes one, and once you experience that, you’ll move with, love with everyone you encounter. God has your village out there for you. Looking at my cousin and her now husband, gives me hope in love. One of my favorite children’s movie is, Frozen, and they have a song called Love Is A Open Door. It symbolizes that love can lead to new opportunities, experiences, and personal growth. The main character, Anna, is referring to love being open and welcoming, involving actually interacting with people instead of being isolated. As adults, we can take a page out of this book and continue and allow love to open doors in our lives. Take some time to explore when you closed the door to love in the different areas of your life. Once you identify them, take some time to journal how you can heal, (You may need to loop in a therapist for this part.) You are not your circumstances, and your past does not predict your future. Open your heart to the brighter future and choose love because, it always wins!
