Opposite of Love Part II

Last week, we tried to define love as we know it.  We looked at love from an emotional point of view.  We experienced the love that bride and groom have for each other on this momentous occasion of marriage.  We then tried to bring that love forward in every facet of our own lives.

How did that go for you?

For me, not so good.  How can I possibly experience the love of husband and wife, the love of child and mother or even the love of a best friend with someone like the driver that cut me off on the freeway and almost killed all of us!

1 Corinthians 13 has nothing at all to say about that, right?

Opposite of Love - Part I

The other day, I walked by a discussion centered on this question.  What is the opposite of love?  I eavesdropped for a few moments.  There were a number of words offered for the definition and this list is by no means exhaustive.  What does it mean to you?

• Fear
• Apathy
• Hate
• Indifference
• Judgment
• Selfishness
• Repulsion
• Manipulation

At one time or another, maybe all of these words might legitimately be applied. But then I thought, "Why are we concerned with the opposite of love?  Should we not be seeking a way of defining love itself?"

Mothers

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:25-27

I remember thinking a few weeks ago about this verse.  There are only a few words and can easily be glossed over given the serious and somber context.  But this verse ran deep this year - for me anyway.  I remember thinking about the human interactions that must have occurred at this point in history.  It's hard to know exactly what these people were thinking, but it's not difficult to feel the anguish:

• When Jesus said these words, He was on His way to die - as man.  He was going to die in horrendous pain and humiliation.  And this is how He chose to say "Goodbye, Mom". 
• Most of us have only heard that the most unimaginable pain for a mother is to lose a child.  And here Mary was, helpless as she watched her first-born walk towards the end of His life - the end of her life as well. 
• And then there was the 'favored' disciple now hearing the request that said, "Take care of my mother, please.  She's going to be in pain and I want you to walk in this anguish with her.  I'm counting on you.  But don't be distressed - she's going to treat you as her son, as well."  

Birthday Wishes

There were a couple of birthday cards that I needed to send today.  Since I rarely send actual printed cards, I logged into the Jacquie Lawson Greeting Cards site. I noticed a couple of new ones so I explored, chose the appropriate cards and sent them on their way.  One of them followed me around this morning.  I went back online and sent another, this time to each of you.  There is music, so turn on the speakers.  It takes about one minute. 

Directions to view the card are below.




Mike Taylor (mike@responsiblereferrals.com) has sent you a Jacquie Lawson ecard.
You can view your card by clicking here.

If you are not familiar with our ecards, and are uncomfortable clicking a link in an email, we quite understand. Instead, you can pick up your card and read your message from Mike Taylor by going to www.jacquielawson.com, clicking the Pick Up Card option in the menu, and entering your personal pickup code, which is: a3ba5b38

With best wishes, 
Jacquie Lawson and team.