Hey #JustWrite!! Here we are in February again and discussing the topic of love. Love has been discussed here in previous posts ranging from loving our truths and stories, loving our writings, loving words, and repairing love and relationships. This month, we will explore the topic of love written from the perspective of love having a deeper meaning than romantic love and in different phases of life. Agape love often comes to mind when I think of love. The word agape is a Greek word in the New Testament that means "the fatherly love of God for humans", as well as the human reciprocal love for God. Agape love is considered the highest form of love compared to romantic and brotherly love. John 3:16 is a verse that summarizes the Gospel message. Agape is the word used for the love that moved God to send his only son for the world's redemption. This concept of love is embedded throughout the Bible.
This month's book club read is, All About Love: New Visions from renowned author Bell Hooks, known for the poem, "Aint I a Woman?". The following are a few quotes through the years from Hooks as it relates to love and relationships:
"Love is a combination of care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, respect and trust."
― "Communion: The Female Search for Love"
"Living simply makes loving simple."
"To love well is the task in all meaningful relationships, not just romantic bonds."
― "All About Love: New Visions"
"Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape." USA Today
All About Love challenges readers to look beyond the notion of romantic love being the most important love to desire. It explores the beauty of self-love that evokes peace and compassion to our personal and public lives. It also showcases how love in its purest form comes in to transform ourselves, our communities, and our societies. The book goes more in depth discussing how the ideals of giving and receiving love that we have been conditioned to believe can at times bring a sense of failure. As believers, we all can agree that it is important to get back to the sole purpose God created love, a love that is patient and kind, a love that is infallible and radical.
Join us on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 6pm with our hosts the Thompsons (brother Bernard and Elder Kimberly) along with co-hosts, the Barlows (brother Reginald and Elder Linda) as they bring ministry and insight on love as we journey through All About Love: New Visions. And as we come off of celebrating Valentine's Day, let's all be reminded to love one another as our Father God loves us.
I close with a short poem I composed:
Everlasting
Quickens my spirit and soul
Under submission to God
Victorious as
I
Abide in Him
Love 365
Written 2/6/2022
In His service,
Lequvia Ousley
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