Words of The Lamb magazine

&&& The image of a man and a woman kissing is what many believe to be a picture of love. However, I feel that love is expressed in many places and in many ways. Every act of sacrifice is an act of love. Love puts the needs of others before their own. It is gentle and kind, although it can be fierce. It can be found in every walk of life, every level of society. I look for these acts every day, and when I find them, I am thrilled…

&&& Giving instruction is also giving love. To be a success in this world, we need all the love we can get. And what kind of love? My pastor used to say, you have to back up the engine to the caboose. In other words, whatever that person needs is what you have to supply. Not what you think they need, but what they think they need. This is sacrificial love.

&&& I have been a caregiver all my adult life. First for my children, then in my career. I worked in social services, operating halfway houses, working as a case manager, and taking care of family members who were in trouble. Giving was my way of life. But by always putting someone else’s needs ahead of mine, I rarely took care of my own. It took me years to learn to love myself also. Two words that were seldom used in my vocabulary were “thank” and “you.” I was used to being the giver, not the receiver.

&&& However, this last year has been a difficult one for me. I separated from my husband, lost my health, became financially broken, and I was emotionally spent. But one good thing happened: I moved into the most beautiful location I could possibly live in. On the outskirts of town, it’s in farm country with cows, pigs, horses, and lots of trees, and lots of peace. Just what I needed.

&&& There were many times this year when I had to say thank you and mean it without rancor, anger, or resentment. Being broke, I was in trouble and needed help. I just couldn’t make it on my own, and many friends performed sacrificial acts of kindness for me, which I had to learn to humbly receive. There is no pride when you are in need. I am grateful for everything. When you have everything, there is no need for humility. It’s when I lost everything that I learned to be humble, and to be meek is to be like Jesus. This is what is of real value in heaven, and these are the crowns we earn to give back to Him.

&&& And so, I want to tell you about an act of giving that astonished me. I recently moved into the neighborhood, and I wasn’t acquainted with many of my neighbors. I was just recovering from a conversation with my landlord, who informed me that she was thinking about removing my mobile home and putting in a brand new one. That meant the rent would skyrocket out of my range, and I would have to move. This was devastating to me, and I was taking a walk to try to make sense of the situation. My neighbors were driving by and stopped to introduce themselves, a lovely couple who lived two doors down. Well, it is impossible for me to pretend that I am fine when I am not. Soon, I was lamenting over my predicament, and this kind gentleman said, “Well, you can have our trailer. We are building a house, and it should be completed in a couple of months. When we move out, you can have it.”

&&& You can imagine I was floored by this generosity. It’s been said, ‘God moves in mysterious ways,’ and I think I witnessed His hand of provision right then. We talked a little more and then went our separate ways. As I mentioned, receiving was hard for me. I was grateful for the offer, and I wanted to let them know. We became more friendly, and I have since learned that these are just two wonderful human beings, having lost both their spouses and been remarried. In love with each other and in love with the Lord, and wanting to share their good fortune with others. So, I have just two words for you, John and Pat, “Thank You!” Thank you for your loving act of kindness. Thank you for your selfless act of sacrifice. I receive it with gratitude and hope that one day I will be able to repay to someone the love you have shown me.

&&& These gifts of love and acts of sacrifice give me hope for our society. With so much that is hopeless and hateful in this world, love still moves forward and is the stronger force. And of course, the Giver of all love is Jesus Christ, the One who gave Himself. He is our best Friend, our intercessor, and our Brother. He longs for us to come to know Him and to be loved by Him.