Choose LOVE

"There is an extremely powerful force that, so far, science has not found a formal explanation to.  It is a force that includes and governs all others, and is even behind any phenomenon operating in the universe and has not yet been identified by us.  This universal force is LOVE.  When scientist looked for a unified theory of the universe they forgot the most powerful unseen force.  Love is Light, that enlightens those who give and receive it.  Love is gravity, because it makes some people feel attracted to others  Love is power, because it multiplies the best we have, and allows humanity not to be extinguished in their blind selfishness.  Love unfolds and reveals.  For love we live and die.  Love is God and God is love."  Albert Einstein

I feel as if over the last few weeks I've had somewhat of a reality check with my life compared to what is going on around the world right now.  As I lay here in my warm bed this morning, there are children out there sleeping outside.  Children that won't eat today.  People living in fear.  Other's with so much hate they want to kill.  The sad thing is, I feel as if it's been more on my mind this week than many other weeks simply because of the horrific attacks that took place in Paris.  In reality, this has been going on for a long time, I've just chosen to look deeper over the past few weeks.  Shame on me for that.  

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss John.  He's on my mind all the time.  When I am alone, when I am with others, he is always there.  I ache for him.  Most of the smells from his old clothes have faded, what I would give to have just that scent back even for a few minutes would probably disgust you.  I miss all things John.  I miss myself with John.  I miss being married.  I miss the stupid things that annoyed me.  I miss his piles of junk, his bike projects, his messy car.   I miss his cooking., I even miss folding his clothes.  These are my day to day problems, my complete self-absorption.  This is my pain, my world problem.   

I've taken a hard look at my life over the last few weeks and I have a few things to say about it.  

I have beyond what I need.  I am clothed, I am warm, I don't know what it is like to starve.  I have a job, a house, and I live in a town where I feel safe.  I have amazing friends and a family that loves me.  I am healthy and active.  I've experienced incredible Love.  I am free.  I am alive.  

My life is not hard.  My life is full of blessings and favor every day that I don't deserve.  I didn't earn.  When I think about what not only happened in Paris, but adults and children around the world that are not safe, that are starving, that are being terrorized, my heart just aches.  It aches here in my warm house with my simple life.  I have nothing to complain about, nothing I absolutely need.  I am completely fine.  But what about them?  What about the life path they have and didn't ask for?   Why were they dealt this card?  These questions baffle me for I have no answers.  

I've been praying over the last few months about what to do with my finances, where I should give.  I used to give to food organizations when I lived in Richmond.  After working in one  at a volunteer event I was blown away by the amount of work these ladies did and the help they needed.  I was blown away by how many kids in Richmond don't get meals.  So I gave to that.  

I feel as if God has been calling me to search for this for a while now, I admit to you that I've put it off.  I believe God blesses us as we pour out blessings to others.  He gives with the intention for you to give.  It again goes back to two simple commands.  Love me and love your neighbor.  I feel as if God is weeping over the fall in humanity our world is seeing.  The hate that is spreading.  

Two organizations came across my path over the last week.  Samaritan's Purse based out of Boone, NC and the Fayette County Food Bank here in Fayetteville, WV.  I'm going to give to both of them going forward.  I feel that this is small compared to what is truly needed but I'll start here and continue to seek direction and clarity.

I'm praying for the people of Syria, the people of Paris, the people of Kenya.  I am praying for those that hate.  I don't know what the answer is or where this world is heading, but I believe God weeps at the hate.  Free will was not intended for this.  Free will was intended for LOVE, choosing LOVE over the hate. 

I can only hope that what is happening around our world is not only a reality check for me, but for many others.  I can only speak for myself, but I can promise you that I'm not having a bad day, I am not struggling.  My pain is real to me yes, but my life is still full of joy, full of plenty.  I hope all those around the world with plenty will pause and consider what is happening around our world before you choose negative feelings, before you choose judgment and dislike.  Think about those kids that are scared.  What can you do to help?  How can you choose LOVE?

Thanksgiving is approaching.  This has always been one of my favorite holidays.  We don't do it enough, but I believe it is a great opportunity to show love to others, gratitude to others.  Gratitude to my creator.  I looked through pictures over the last year of friends and family that have shown me acts of LOVE and kindness.  There are so many acts, I could include hundreds on this blog.  I felt humbled by the amount of people that took time out of their day to love me.  Even the amazing animals that have taken time to love me. I didn't deserve it or earn it.  I wasn't in need.  Yet, blessings flowed to me.

"In all things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will every be able to separate us from the Love of God."  Romans 8:37-38

Love is God and God is Love.  Albert Einstein had it right.  It really is that simple.  I hope all of you reading this will chose LOVE not just today or this week for the holidays, but for life.  Choose to help.  Through your actions, your choices, your passions.  How you let your blessings flow out to others that need you.  Choose LOVE.

I am so grateful to those that have chosen Love with me. Thank you.