It took me decades to understand what LOVE really means…
Most of a lifetime to realize…
… that true love is a verb, not a mere sentiment.
… that the greatest meaning, peace, and happiness is made possible by having someone(s) to care about.
… that my capacity to love is measured by my capacity to suffer with and sometimes to suffer for.
… that love doesn’t always feel pleasant, but always feels right.
… that love is being honest when being honest is an act of courage.
… that I should never take away the power of those I love by doing for them that which they can do for themselves.
… that LOVE is the radical faith and freedom to give without keeping score.
… that LOVE is sometimes the only reason to keep on living after every other hope and happiness has been stripped away from us.
… that sometimes all we can do is cry together, holding onto each other with all the compassion and courage we can muster.
… that LOVE is the radical faith and freedom to care about the whole world, not just about my family, friends, neighbors, and those who share my race, country, and creed.
… that LOVE is the radical faith and freedom to care about those I differ with, dislike, and fear—and even those who, in their ignorance and anger, would do me harm.
… that we are all in the same boat, are all brothers and sisters, are all damaged children in one way or another, and all would benefit if we allowed our hopes, fears, virtues, and foibles to unite us in mutual empathy, mutual affection, and shared purpose.
LOVE—where better to invest my freedom, faith, and profound ignorance—no matter what.
“There is a land of the living and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning.”
― Thornton Wilder, The Bridge of San Luis Rey
Thanks so much for the lovely, lovely addition, Evelyn.
Hi Frank, I wanted to let you know that I featured this post in my November blog post roundup! https://boomerecocrusader.com/november-2023-roundup/
I am speechless with gratitude for such a lovely and generous gesture, Michelle. All the best to you, friend of the world.
Nice, Frank. What Ricky Gervais’s character said in Afterlife has stuck with me:
“Happiness is amazing. It’s so amazing, it doesn’t matter whether it’s yours or not.”
Always good to hear from you, mate. Deep thanks for that beautiful and inspiring addition to the conversation.
Beautifully said, my friend!
Thanks so much for being here, Jill!
Always, my friend!
A LOVEly essay on LOVE, Frank.
Thanks for that, Annie. All caps just feels right, don’t it?
It sure do, Frank!😊
🤜🤛
Beautifully done, as always.
🙏, as always.
What a beautiful and insightful definition of LOVE, Frank! To love is by no means easy but, as “damaged children” every one, we keep on trying and failing. Being honest is, indeed, an act of courage for we risk losing a friendship/relationship we may hold close to our heart.
Thank you for the most kind words, Rosaliene, and for adding your thoughts to the conversation.
Oh wow Frank. There is so much to LOVE about this post. I think your last point sums it all up really nicely. Thank you for this.
Your most kind words made my day, Michelle. And your resonance is deeply heartening. All the best.
Pointed and perfect. Thanks, Frank.
Thank you, Gerald, for the most kind words and resonance.
Great sentiment, LB! I Cor 13, makes it abundantly clear that true love is action not just a feeling.
Thanks a bunch for sharing, Bible scholar and most decent chap.