FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023 - I WAS HURTING - BUT LOVE WINS.

 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023 - PATIENCE

I suppose we’ve all been there - things are running smoothly - and then <bump> - the wheels fall off. 

‘

You know, I love life - and I know that LOVE WINS.  

*****

In the last two weeks, “The Wheels Fell Off”. (I’m not sure where that expression started).  

First, I’ve been alone for over five years.  My wife divorced me, and my children abandoned me.  Some friends suggested I use an online dating program to find companionship.  I did.

I found a great friend online - we hit it off well.  We texted or emailed several times a day.  We have only two phone conversations and no online (video) chats.  There were just a couple of little things that I questioned, but … I was in LOVE. I was SMITTEN!! 

Then, about ten days ago, she signed her note with a different name (Susan).  She was Maria.  Didn’t she know her name?  Then she hit a financial problem and needed me (wanted me?) to give her some money.  The idiocracies came through.  Why was she in Sioux City, Iowa? Why was she in Japan?  She said she would visit me - and I arranged a place for her to stay.

It all unraveled quickly - it was a scam. (I hate to be taken).  (I didn’t give her money).  But, despite what she did - I LOVE HER.

***

Second, a friend was nasty to me.  I write a weekly fun blog for my bridge friends and include other friends - and this time, I had her on the email distribution list- and she didn’t like that. I got a negative reply demanding I stop sending her notes.  I apologized to her - online and in person.  

My apology was not accepted.  I have crossed a boundary, and I am separated from this friend.

So, I got hurt.  That happens.  And I am bound to love her.  

So, I’m back at one of my foundational scriptures today - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and 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 never fails.

Oh my - “Love is not easily angered” - I guess I got upset (is that being easily angered?) with the scam girlfriend or the mean friend.  Love doesn’t keep a record of wrong. 

I am called to be a lover.  It doesn’t matter if my love is accepted or not.  “Love the Lord, Your God, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Luke 6:27-28 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

*****

Okay, I didn’t want to love the lady - who was trying to scam me - but I had to love her.  My local friend hurt me, but I must love her.  

I do love my ex-wife, who divorced me.  The relationship is over and done - but I have to love her in God’s Agape love - maybe not in Eros love anymore.  

*****

I’m also thinking of Jesus’ best friend on Earth - Peter.  Peter, who said, “I will never leave you”.  

It had to be like a knife in the stomach when Jesus looked out the window, heard the rooster crowing, and saw Peter denying Him three times.

Yes, even best friends can hurt and cut you and leave you on the side of the road. I miss my best friends - my family.  It hurts and burns.  Sometimes, I wonder if I need to be corrected - but I want to keep loving. I miss TF in South Dakota.

*****

Christ’s LOVE transcends everything else.  I need a refresher course periodically - and this week was the time for my refresher course.  

There are two rules:

Rule 1:  Love Wins

Rule 2:  When in doubt, reread Rule #1

*****

I’ve quoted this song before - 

They don't know that I come running home when I fall down

They don't know who picks me up when no one is around

I drop my sword and cry for just a while

'Cause deep inside this armor

The warrior is a child

I got hurt - I cried.  I don’t like getting hurt.  But, “I drop my sword and cry for just a while,” and then I get up and start loving again.

Micah 6:8 - “What does God expect of you - but to love justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with Him.”

Dorothy Day, “I can only love God as much as the person I love the least.”

So, I am repeating those rules for myself again:

Rule 1:  Love Wins

Rule 2:  When in doubt, reread Rule #1

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

BEING UPSET AND MAD DOES NO GOOD

KAREN ANNE WHITE, ©, OCTOBER 27, 2023