Tag Archives: Love each other

A Man Who Walked by Faith

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The young husband, father, Noble Peace Prize recipient, and Bible-preaching pastor changed history with his courage to stand up for the right thing.

I always tell my children, “It’s okay to stand alone for the right thing.”

A man who walked by faith, and we’re still inspired by his words:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

“Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.”

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

“Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.”

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

And, where did his inspiration and foundation come from?

He was grounded in his faith. He genuinely knew the most perfect love – Jesus – and he passed it on. He didn’t just read the Bible, he followed the example of Jesus’ life and radically lived a life of love.

When I read his quotes, I see his faith.
image10“…let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God.” 1 John 4:7

“There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear.” 1 John 4:18

“Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can’t go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love.” Romans 13:10

“Love your enemies … Our Father is kind; you be kind.” Luke 6:35-36

“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it.” Romans 12:9

“Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.” 1 Peter 4:8

“God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us.” John 4:17

“And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” Colossians 3:14

“The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love – so you can’t know him if you don’t love.” 1 John 4:8

“’Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:31

What other inspiring MLK, Jr. quotes or correlating Bible verses would you add to this list?

My Husband’s Other Woman

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I could see the excitement in my kindergartener’s eyes as we walked through the lunch line together — his first real experience in the school cafeteria. He had begged me the night before to join him. We talked at lunch, enjoyed our milk and pizza, but it was over all too soon. He lined up with his class to resume the daily activities, and that’s when it happened.

He ran in full force straight to me, leaped into my arms (no joke, I almost fell over) and gave me the biggest hug & kiss ever. Ever. And, it was in front of his whole class.

Melt.

As I was walking to the car, happy tears streamed. How am I this blessed? I’m his #1 gal, he truly loves me.

Just like in my normal {unhealthy} style, I couldn’t stay in the joyous moment. I had to start thinking about the future.

I pray for him to find the love of his life and marry one day. I’ll be cheering from the sidelines as he and his wife create a beautiful family.

Daydream.

“A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” Genesis 2:24

But that also means, I will no longer be his #1 gal. I’ll be a mother-in-law.

End of dream.

I want to get this on record before I become a mother-in-law – I think they get a bad rap! I know some of you must be thinking, She can’t possibly know what I have to deal with.

It’s true, I don’t know your circumstances. But, I’m certain of this:

Your mother-in-law is not perfect. No one is.

Your mother-in-law will not always say and do the right things. No one does.

Your mother-in-law needs forgiveness. Everyone does.

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I highly respect my mother-in-law. She raised an amazing, Godly man who is now my husband. What a gift! Early in our marriage, I respected her so much that I expected perfection. When she made mistakes, I couldn’t believe it. I judged her at a higher standard.

After 16 years, we’ve had our ups-and-downs. We’ve had misunderstandings and disagreements. We’ve said things we regret. I’ve put up walls. {And, I write this with her approval first.}

But this I know for sure, we love and forgive each other. When we mess up, we extend grace.

No matter what, I must always remember … my mother-in-law used to be my husband’s #1 gal.

He will only have one mother.

And, I can’t imagine the difficulty it is for her to step-aside and cheer from the sidelines.

So, I know. There are tough personalities and family issues. But, that relationship with your mother-in-law, it’s important to your husband and your marriage.

Keep the peace. Restore that strong family bond. Love and forgive.