Because you love me the way that you do...

I am blessed, and more than anything, humbled by the love I receive from my friends and family, and ultimately my father in heaven, especially when I am so undeserving of it. Tonight is a good example.

Coming home at night to homemade halloween cupcakes with a note from my roomie and a mailed card from my sister in pittsburgh melted my heart. Although my love for both my sister--who is one of my closest and deepest figures in my life--and my roommate--who is one of many acquaintances in my life--are both immensely deficient, I still receive undeserving love. It is interesting how my lack of love across such a wide spectrum of relationships in my life does not get in the way of me receiving love. Thus, I am left humbled and without words.

When Virgil said "Love conquers all" or when Paul said "Love never fails," I think they simply but brilliantly captured this profound essence of LOVE that leaves me in awe. I can't help but believe that LOVE is declared as the greatest commandement because it is the essence of our being, made in the image of our God who is love. Love prevails, even against all odds because it is the why and how of our mere existence.

A Mother Teresa quote comes to mind:
"We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love."

I am filled with hope and comfort, knowing that I am a child of a God who is love. That I am in the palm of the hands of such a loving, beautiful maker who created me from love and for the purpose of love. And that no opposing forces whether it's Satan or the dark world I live in, or even my own sinful nature itself, can separate me from this invincible love. This gives me the strength to endure and persevere in the midst of hardships, weariness and hopelessness we inevitably feel time to time, living in this sinful world.

I want to end with sharing this song. Thanks to Julia Lee for sharing it with me first so I can share it with you :) The lyrics resonate in my heart. But just because you love me the way that you do, I'm gonna walk through the valley if you want me to.



If you want me to...
Ginny Owens

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Chorus:
Cause I'm not who I was when I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley
If You want me to