the value of love

Hi there! Thanks for being here today :) Today’s topic is love. So simple yet at the same time extremely complex. It is the foundation of this organization and the backbone to our lives with many pieces to it. Today we’re going to dig into its meaning and why I chose it for this organization! Before we get started be sure to check out my other blog posts, podcast and online shop!

Love. One of the biggest pieces of life itself. Something that people long to find in life, in a partner and in community. Love is so many things and plays such a big role in our lives today and everyday. Starting with the definition of the word, love is a feeling of strong or constant affection for a person. It is so awesome that we get to love people and be loved by others. It binds us. Next week we’ll be talking about community more in depth, but today I think it is important to note that love within each of our communities is what honestly holds them together. It keeps us connected and keeps us going with a strong foundation. When we face challenges, the love of others and the support that loved ones bring is so vital to our strength. We need strength to fight daily battles and the love that God gives us each day sometimes through others and in little things is amazing.

The love of God is so strong, so powerful and infectious. It says in 1 John that we love because He loved first. I hope and pray that you know how much God loves you. To be quite honest I think that we will never understand the love of God because of how large it is. In Ephesians Paul is praying that the people of Ephesus would be able to understand and grow closer to the love that God has for them. It also says in 1 Corinthians that we must do all we do in love which ties into why I initially titled the organization “spread love”. I want to spread the love of God while raising awareness for the homeless. Love is infectious and similarly spreads like the small actions of kindness and hope. In times of struggle the love and hope that God brings allows us to remain faithful and continue praising Him. No matter which season we are in it is important to keep love at the center of all that we do.

Love grounds us and allows us to keep our actions in perspective. Are we doing this in love? Or how can we do this in love? Even in our day to day actions, acting and responding in love is quite valuable. We all want to feel loved, so responding to others in love and extending the love God has given you is one of the best gifts. Keeping love at the center of this organization has truly been a game changer as to how everything is done. Whether it's communicating to you all or to other nonprofits and charities, the goal is to do this all in love (and I hope you recognize that too!). Additionally I think that the “spread love” bracelets are a great conversation starter with other people and maybe you’ll even tell someone about God’s love!

I have been so fortunate as to have been on the donating side of the table and I can only hope that they are receiving love. It is a humbling experience when working with those that are homeless. I hope and pray that they are receiving love and experiencing the love of God, whether it’s from donors or people in their communities, love is everywhere! Intentionality also connects with love and when building community and trust, love goes a long way. Having a foundation of love in relationships, your work and everything you do will make it successful. You never know who you’re going to interact with, so may as well go in love.

Why do you go out of your way to get a card for someone or grab an extra coffee? You care about them! And more often than not you are doing these actions out of love!! One of the most important commandments of the bible is to love one another as God has loved us. With that said, may you reflect the love God has given you onto others in your lives. Having a conversation with someone who you haven't talked to in a while or giving someone a hug would be an action of love. Today my grandma called me. She tends to call me when I think it is random, but she likes having someone to talk to. Knowing she calls me and wants to talk to me makes me feel loved and valued and recognize that I should call her. She too wants to feel loved and needed, especially at a lonelier time in her life. Expressing love in your actions, no matter how big or small, is so valuable!

Today I hope you pass on a little bit of love to someone else and continue doing what you do - no matter the task or action - in love. I’m going to say it again - God’s love is infectious!! It spreads faster than fire with oxygen. I hope this piece made you feel loved because you are! If you found this impactful or encouraging, be sure to share with a friend!