Friday November 27, 2009 LOVE THE LORD - AND EACH OTHER! Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants - what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Romans 12:2 Well, the bottom line here - and in all of our lives is - what is good, pleasing, and perfect? Since I am writing out of my experience I would have to say - it is to: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5. As a result of doing that; most of the time you and I will make the decision to do as Jesus instructed: "I'm giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other." Believe me, I know it is hard sometimes to love certain people. M. Scott Peck, M.D., author of The Road Less Traveled, People of the Lie, and many other books (somewhat controversial) discusses love throughout The Road Less Traveled and, for me, it was all very enlightening. He starts the book with the simple sentence, "Life is difficult." He then goes on to say, Problems are the cutting edge that distinguishes between success and failure. Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and our wisdom. It is only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually." Further into the book he writes, "...real love often occurs in a context in which the feeling of love is lacking, when we act lovingly despite the fact that we don't feel loving." In this particular section he is talking about family relationships and how "choosing" to love is more important that "feeling" love. I searched and searched for the exact words in the book I was looking for, but I couldn't find them, but he talks about how it is difficult to love too many people at one time because of all the energy it takes to love. Yet, he says, this is what we are called to do. Haven't you ever felt tired after giving of yourself to your family all day? Well, guess what...this is good, pleasing, and perfect in our Father's eyes! This is also what I came very close to stop doing over the past seven years - slowly - ever so slowly - one person at a time; shutting one person out, making sure the door was closed real good, grieving, and preparing for the next door. What does Peck say about this time of thing? Well, it's not good, it is a form of mental illness, and we all know I've been there - done that - got the medications to prove it - but it is not who I am! I will not let it be! Why? Because my name is Sharon - after the Rose of Sharon - Jesus Christ Himself! Hallelujah! Father, I thank You for the saving power of the blood of Jesus Christ and the grace You provided even to a wretch like me. I once was lost, but You found me - now I am free and refuse to be anything else! Glory to Your name! Bless anyone out there reading this who may have or is now experiencing anything like what I've been through. Pick them up - dust them off - and send them on their way!
O. Addison Gethers e-mail address [email protected] [email protected] twitter URL http//:twitter.com/OAddisonGethers Messenger contact window live/msn messenger: [email protected] aim: durangoadd64 skype: cowboys62 yahoo messenger: OADDISONGETHERS rs -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/dbilg?hl=en.
