TODAY'S THEME: Ways to Love Courageously
                            
Next edition: Monday

This is what I tell you to do: Love each other just as I have loved
you. No one can have greater love than to give his life for his friends.

...This is what I tell you to do: Love each other. If the world hates you,
know it hated Me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the
world would love you as its own. You do not belong to the world.
I have chosen you out of the world and the world hates you.


John 15: 12-13, 17-19
The Holy Bible
New Life Version

__________


Every human being has a great, yet often unknown, gift to care,
to be compassionate, to become present to the other, to listen, to
hear and to receive. If that gift would be set free and made avail-
able, miracles could take place...Those who can sit in silence
with their fellow man, not knowing what to say, but knowing that
they should be there, can bring new life in a dying heart. Those
who are not afraid to hold a hand in gratitude, to shed tears in grief,
and to let a sigh of distress arise straight from the heart, can break
through paralyzing boundaries and witness the birth of a new
fellowship, the fellowship of the broken.

Henri J. M. Nouwen (1932-1996)
Dutch priest, psychologist and author
Excerpted from "Out of Solitude"
Ave Maria Press, 2005

If we practice the art of mindful living
together...we can see that the other person,
like us, has both flowers and garbage inside,
and we accept this. Our practice is to water
the flower in her, and not bring her any more
garbage. We avoid blaming and arguing. When
we try to grow flowers, if the flowers do
not grow well, we do not blame or argue with
them. We blame ourselves for not
taking care of them well.

Thich Nhat Hanh
Excerpted from "Teachings on Love"
Parallax Press, 2007

___________


You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth
for a tooth." But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is
evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the
other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you
over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone
press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.

Matthew 5: 38-41
New American Bible



Initially, it may seem terrifying to embrace selfless love.
It is easier and safer to love on your own terms. Selfless
love, on the other hand, creates risk and vulnerability. But
we must learn to celebrate this newfound vulnerability, for
that is precisely what makes true love so gratifying -- the
prospect of sharing your soul with another person...

The wisdom of G-d is intended to do one thing: to teach
us how to love, to transcend our material boundaries and
reach a more spiritual place...Love is a way of talking to
G-d. When you look into someone's eyes and love that
person, you are transcending the physical world
and connecting to G-d.

Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson
Excerpted from "Toward a Meaningful Life,"
by Simon Jacobson
Perennial Currents, 2002

Run your mouse near the top of this graphic to find a hidden Pause button.

Bonus quote:

It is always the secure who are humble.

G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936)


I confess this photo made me smile.. I'm glad G. K. was secure - Lisa