Yes, you’re right.

Life is complex, and there are many many moments when we should practice what we preach.

I’m an imperfect human in an imperfect world. But aren’t we all?

Forgiveness is hard, but it’s the path to nobility. When you stop to think about it, is it possible that the one who wronged you, did not know the hurt they caused?
I’m sorry. I’m sorry a million times.
You can say that,
but sometimes a heart won’t hear it. It’s possible that when you say ‘I’m sorry,” that someone is so set in their ways that they just won’t understand.

On the streets of dallas this morning with 300 homeless, I saw the result of unforgiveness and bitterness. Ending up at the end of yourself is not about economics. Living under a bridge is about a lack of something emotional – whether it be forgiveness, an inability to reach out and accept a word, overcome a tragedy, or accept love.

I vow to be unoffendable.
Because life is too short. Life is too joyful, and a gift from God.

Reach out, extend a hand, and a heart.
There is no time to waste, no time for grievance or negativity.

Forgiveness is freedom.
Imagine freedom.
and then move on.
People use those two words to describe wealth, but the real wealth is a peaceful life.

Colossians says;
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.

This entry is for you.
Imagine freedom.

Saw a movie that reminded me that sometimes our lives are altered forever, but then there are other times when we alter our lives, unknowingly.

I saw the Fantastic Mr. Fox movie and, being a writer, was in awe of the greatest lines. A fox is in a life and death battle with a rat. Much like the battle you do today, with others, or with yourself. In the battle the unarmed and charming hero, Mr. Fox, is fighting a nasty, oily, grimy street rat who wields a sharp blade. In the end the hero prevails and as the Rat lay dying, he gave up an important secret. Noticing this genuine change in the rat before the rat’s last breath, Mr. Fox’s son says: “He redeemed himself!”

Mr Fox replied: “Ah, REDEMPTION. But in the end, he’s really just another dead rat in the alley behind a chinese restaurant.”

In the end, we have a choice. And sometimes those choices we make are forever. Don’t forget that there are brilliant moments that you can’t get back.

Remember being a child with a shiny red balloon, and accidentally letting it go? It drifted into the sky, unattainable, floating away until it was a small speck in the distance. Then, you blink, and it’s gone.

Hold on, to those moments you love. Hold on even tighter, to the person you love.

Think. Pray.

Be intentional.

When you love something, let it go….

well, That’s a popular cliche’ but that’s all it is, a cliche’. When you love something, hang on for life! Let your knuckles get white as you grip the side of the cliff but hang on, for dear life. Because if you love something and let it go, you may never get it back again. Timing is everything.

Letting go, if even for a moment, is a risk.

Got a call this morning from a friend that another friend was hit by a car last night and died.

I could write a long drawn out blog entry about thankfulness, life, death, and loss, but instead I’ll just say that we only get one shot here on earth. The humans you see in the flesh, right before you, are important. Try not to wound them too much, and when you do, take a deep breath and offer a long embrace. Allow God to use you as a comforter, a blanket of peace. Try to get out of your head.

I have loved hard, and openly.

If you love someone, hold on. Be open and honest and live full on. It’s hard sometimes, and it might hurt, but you may not get a second chance.

be courageous.

Here’s an amazing verse of comfort that someone sent to me last night:

I have not brought you out of the wilderness to allow you to be devoured by the giants in the Land. I brought you out by a miracle of My divine grace…Stretch forth the hand of faith. Set foot upon the territory you wish to claim. I will move ahead of you and clear a path, but you must be determined to follow closely and to hold your ground without wavering. Numbers 13:30, 14:8

Happy thanksgiving!

with love, and a joyful heart…

t

You probably never want to hear those words.

But chances are, you might want to say them.

yes, we are talking about love again. It seems to be a common theme, in life, in my books, in the media. Love hurts. Love reigns. Love rules. The other day a guy friend said; “what is love anyways?”

He was frustrated, because the girl he loves does not love him. (yet)

Later in the week a gang member I had breakfast with told me “when people say love is in the air, I want to run and get a gas mask, cause I;ve been hurt by love.”

Then, the day after, a pastor friend I met with about his book, pointed to Gods love as all encompassing, selfless, the way we should be.

Interesting. Three different humans with 3 different perceptions of love.

At times, I’d say my definition has been a combination of all three. Questioning, wondering, wandering. But today, I want to be able to give my love. With a but.

I do know what Love isn’t. It’s not Jon and Kate, plus 8. It’s not Madonna and every other young supermodel, manservant, lustful abberation of love. It’s not passion, anger, or lust.

So I know what it isn’t, and as far as what it is … all I know is that you know it when you feel it.

And that love is so precious, and free, that you can give it away to a stranger, in a momentary

smile, a meal, an offering of a word. Love can change lives.

BUT.

sometimes love just isn’t enough.

You can offer your love, but at times it won’t be reciprocated. Or perhaps it will, but not in the right way. You can give Gods love, but someone can choose not to receive it.

I have a friend who loves a man who has some habits that are detrimental to their

relationship. He can’t give them up. He’s addicted to them. But, she loves him.

I tell her to love, but be prepared to walk away.

So just because you feel it, doesnt mean you should make it a reality or a relationship. Just because I love you, doesn’t mean you are going to be part of my future.

Love doesn’t equate to stability, safety, and Godliness, all of the things that equal a sustainable life.

So.

I love you…   but.

as the gang member said. Love, is sometimes a mirage. At times it’s something we create and mystify and blow up bigger than it is. Sometimes, love is just not enough. Unless it’s real, of God, or perhaps the love of a child.

Counterfit love?

well, that’s the type that leaves you confused and frustrated. The type that carries with it questions. The opposite of that is a God love, that would make you feel secure.

So friends, if you love someone, or think you do, pass it through the litmus test of reality. Your insides may be turning upside down, but if you don’t feel safe and secure, is it sustainable? It might not be easy, but it might be time to cut em loose, to focus on a more real definition of love.

Or, as my friend says, don the gas mask. Love is in the air.