LOVE in the Clouds

Nod your head if you like Country and Western songs?
Sometimes these are called “somebody-done-somebody-wrong songs.” You might have heard the phrase, that if you play a country song backwards you get back your truck, your dog, your job, and your wife or husband. Perhaps so many county songs are popular in our culture because they acknowledge our difficulties with relationships, but they also speak from the cynical or negative aspects of our culture.

The great writer Paul, in his letter to a group of people in Philippi, encouraged them to reflect on things that are “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy”.*  What? Not easy then, not easy now. Our cynical culture makes it hard to focus on these things, doesn’t it?

We all struggle to shift focus from the cynical and negative. So, in the spirit of a cultural iconic holiday (yes Valentine’s day) here is a suggestion on a way to reflect on love. So…Instead of the traditional heart shaped card or decoration try a cloud!

Take a minute to think about people in your life who have demonstrated unconditional love. Those who have given you a sense of self-worth, value and have helped you see and feel how special you are.  Who has impacted your faith journey, or your life in some way?

They are a part of your great Cloud of Witnesses. Think about, or even better, write two or three words that describe way that person was reflected love or been spiritual mentor and loved you.

Instead of waiting to receive a valentine from someone, honor those who have loved you in a way that has impacted your whole life! It is a way to celebrate those we love and their positive influence in our lives and their ability to be a witness to a love that goes a little deeper than hallmark.

Screenshot 2014-02-14 11.55.10

From the great Shema found in the book of Deuteronomy 6 to the teaching of Jesus found in John 13, this focus on loving spiritual relationship is at the root of the scriptural values of our faith. ** 

Like a good country song, play your life backward and reflect on your great Cloud of Witnesses. Thank you Nana, sistas, dear friends, Dad, hubby, Scofield, Janie, Stone, and all those people who let me scream, cry, laugh and stuck by me why I figured things out, tried/failed, and tired/succeeded.  You are truly a great cloud of witnesses who have modeled what true love.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, keeping our focus on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  Hebrews 12 1-2a

“I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” John 13:34-35

Love in the Cloud    Screenshot 2014-02-14 11.36.33

 

*(Philippians 4:8)

**Judaicart by Jackie Olenick