This is a topic that I could write about, discuss, and ponder for days, but I’m going to try to keep it to just the thoughts I have had recently (which have been a bit sporadic, so please bear with me). I’ve been thinking a lot about the impact we have on others when we either extend or withhold love. I’ve looked at this in many different venues, but today I’m thinking the most about what it means to truly love others, specifically in the context of a Christian life. This thought process has been amplified by the effects of COVID on our current world. I know so many people who have stories of how they feel the Church failed them when they needed that love and community more than ever. Even I have experienced times like these. I’ve spoken with people who either left their faith, or are questioning the existence of God because they couldn’t reconcile the lack of love extended to them from “church people” with the love demonstrated in Scripture.
A few months ago, I heard the song Let the Truth be Told by Matthew West for the first time. It resonated with me in so many ways and has stuck with me since. Not only have I been the one to “say I’m fine [when] … I’m broken”, but I’ve also been the one that didn’t allow the time or space for someone else to share their own brokenness – to cope with their own truth. It is so much easier to go through our days saying we are fine and accepting everyone else’s “I’m good” because speaking the truth can be uncomfortable. It takes more energy, more attention, more time, more heart. There’s another verse of that song that says: “There's a sign on the door, says, "Come as you are" but I doubt it 'Cause if we lived like it was true, every Sunday morning pew would be crowded But didn't you say the church should look more like a hospital A safe place for the sick, the sinner and the scarred and the prodigals Like me” So often, it seems that our lack of love either comes from a lack of time or a jump to judgment. Both of these are toxic in the field of caring for people. I’m in healthcare, and what applies to physical health also applies to the spiritual and emotional. When I take care of a patient, I must give them as much time as it takes. I also cannot judge whatever circumstances brought them in. Can you imagine if a doctor said, “Well, you chose to eat too much junk food so you caused this heart attack. That’s your problem to deal with.” Or, “You were driving over the speed limit when you crashed, so we can’t take care of you. This hospital is only for innocent people.” No. They treat the illness without judgment and then kindly educate on how to live a healthier life. The care comes first. Isn’t this how Jesus taught us to treat people, too? He met them where they were, showed them love, then said to “go and sin no more”. I realize that I am not a theologian, nor am I a Bible scholar, but I don’t think we have to be those things to understand the simplicity of God’s basic commands to us. “Love one another.” I think this topic stands out more to me right now in light of COVID quarantines and shut-downs. Even people who don’t subscribe to a Christian worldview identify with the importance of love. Many people have experienced periods of isolation, increased depression or anxiety, more constant domestic violence or abuse without a reprieve. A lot of people have lost their “safe place”, their regular community or support system, their outlet. Many people are silently struggling with battles and brokenness all alone. I realized that, if I am the only person someone talks to or sees in a day, I want to make that interaction meaningful. I want to show love and community, even if just for a moment. I have so much still to learn here, and I know I will never be perfect at this, but where will we be if we never try? Whether it’s during a pandemic or normal, everyday life, the world will be a better place if we make kindness a priority – if we intentionally support and love others. A couple weeks ago, I came across a poem I wrote ten years ago. I titled it The Impact, and it goes like this: Fake smiles Hiding feelings Searching for the meaning. Masters we have all become In the art of telling a lie. “Hey, how are you today?” “Oh me, I’m doin’ fine.” But I know there’s more Behind that face Your eyes have blown your cover. So tell the truth Let it spill Waterfalls don’t scare me. If I ask, I wanna know. It’s time we break the mold. Throw society for a loop. And hope they follow suit. Maybe if we Step out in love The impact will make a ripple. So let it spread The earthquake effect The magnitude of Christ After-shocks will change the world. Hit it. We’re on a roll. I think my 18-year-old self was much braver than the now me… but I will learn from her. I will strive to live my life to have this kind of impact on others. While some may call it naivete, I call it courage. So I’m committing to be more like that girl again. Let us love first. Let us show genuine compassion. Let us meet each other where we really are, and then move forward together. Let us give the time and drop the judgment. Let us make this world a brighter place. *I really am an average person… not a psychologist or anything fancy. **As always, my thoughts here are not complete. They are always developing (this brain never stops!), and I am always learning, just like everyone else on this journey of life. Also, these thoughts and beliefs are all my own. Take them or leave them, but either way, thanks for reading.
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AuthorHi, I'm Katie... just a girl, living this adventure for the glory of God. Thanks for reading! Archives
December 2020
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