What Was I Thinking? Love...
Before Love Hit Me
I used to think that I could do anything under the sun on my own. There was a time when my inner feminist stood taller than the Empire State building. I was so sure that I could and should do everything that a man could do. I was positive that I only needed a man to procreate and that we were equal aside from that. But things have changed. I know that I told you that love wasn't enough. The funny thing is... I've found that it is.
“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”
what is love?
Love is a lot of things. Definitions can vary per the author, but to me love is hope. The greatest love story ever told is about Jesus Christ dying on the cross for us. I'm reminded of John 15:13, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."
As my boyfriend and I celebrated Valentine's Day earlier this week, which also meant we made it to 1 year committed to each other, I couldn't help but overflow with love. It amazes me that the same loving God who died for our sins, gave me someone who would be an example of that daily.
Dating someone who is patient has given me a new revelation on who God is. I've never been patient... like even before the social media craze started, I've always wanted my way instantly. I guess that's the life of a 90s baby.
God isn't like that though. He doesn't rush us to become perfect and he doesn't expect us to handle life on our own. His love gives us the power and freedom that we need to withstand life's storms. God has always been my source for everything and it's taken me seeing His qualities in a mere man to figure out how much He truly cares for me. God's love is perfect.
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!”
perfect love
Wow! Who wouldn't want to experience a love like this? God uses people as instruments to remind us of who He is. Sometimes we all get a little off track then look up and we can't even see the track. And that's okay. The Bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
But you don't have to stay fallen away. It's by His love, grace and mercy we can make it another day. I say all of this to say that love is enough. Do not let the brokenness of your past stop you from entering a new season of love.
You can't rush God's timing. Trust me, I tried. That rushing period is a piece of our story that I like to sweep under the rug. I was so anxious to be with my boyfriend that I was willing to do anything to obtain his love and even after we got together, I couldn't accept that he was mine because I saw our relationship as a competition instead of a blessing.
healing
It wasn't until we allowed God into our situation that brokenness began to heal. God's plans are always of good and not evil. Even in your darkest moments, God cares.
I am saying all of this to say that now is the perfect time to open your heart to Jesus and say no to the broken little girl inside of you yearning for validation.
It's time to let that hurt go, sis.