When "love" goes wrong...

In a perfect world, we would all love perfectly. But what about when love goes wrong? What about when people love selfishly? The most painful experiences can result.

You know, Love's enemies are really pretty easy to identify. Have you ever heard the quote "there's a fine line between love and hate?" Ever wonder what it means? Well, I think it addresses how easily love can become a torrent of negative emotions when it goes wrong. Anger, Bitterness, Resentment, Jealousy- we know them well, and yet we are so prone to harbor these emotions that assault us. You know why? Because those emotions are usually about us- how our needs did not get met, how we were wronged, how we are really vested in our rights before we consider others... When love gets self involved, love goes wrong.

You can love a lot of things and at the end of the day it's all about how those things or people serve you. You can usually measure the extent of your love by those whom you serve.

So talk to me. Maybe you are in the midst of love going wrong right now... how can you make it right, or can you? Maybe you don't know what the h*** to do because you are so confused and entangled. Maybe you've been there and want to share how you got out...

Let's hear it.

So...How would YOU define Love?

The process of examining Love this week has been so refreshing. I know it provoked personal examination in more than just a few, including myself. After digging in to the subject let's continue by asking how YOU would define love? We have discussed how others have defined it, but what comes from your heart on the subject now that it has been simmering in discussion? Also, how does your definition compare to Love as defined by popular media?

Remember, questions are always welcome and what I hope to be the continuing heartbeat of this blog. This is a discussion blog with a counselor just waiting to be uncaged- so don't be shy.

"True love is meeting another persons needs unselfishly."

Building on today's discussion...

Malcom said this too. Amazing that it grabbed hold of my young mind; that somehow I knew I needed to hold onto it until I figured it out.

I wrote a song about 13 years ago that seems fitting. It is centered on Colossians 1:19-20 in the New Testament.

God, having all things, having all power, and having no needs.
He wanted to bring us to his throne by making peace.
Peace made by His blood, shed on the Cross, just for me.
God, having all things, He wanted me.
Peace, wondrous Peace, made on the cross just for me-
Now I'm reconciled, pure in His sight, and I am free.

I actually sang it to a group for the first time this last week. I had no intention of this discussion including my song until one of the comments tied it all together- unconditional love= true love.
No conditions to make me happy, no conditions to live up to my standards first, no conditions to meet my needs so I can love you. Just love, just like God. He certianly didn't need me... and yet he gave everything to give me life.

I invite you to add to this definition of love in your own words. And as always, I am open for questions.

"You can't truly love someone if you need them too much."

I think I was in middle school when I heard this quote. A great theologian, Malcom Smith, was the voice. I didn't understand what this meant at the time, but something inside grabbed me with truth. You can't, you can't truly love someone if you need them too much. It took years for this truth to take root in my soul. I now understand.

You know, I could illustrate, but I would much rather hear from you first- before I elaborate. The Socratic method invites so much more synergy.

Don't forget, you can sign in anonymously- no username or password to remember- or you can sign in under a current account, like google.

I can't wait to hear what you have to say.

Anna

Who is this woman that I carry?

This woman that I carry...
At the core of her heart is a passionate performer who longs to provoke and inspire life from her audience.
That's you.
Let me inspire your heart to greater heights. Let me help you shed the shackles of fear, doubt, and shame. Let me draw a vision of the person who can be, who wants to be, who is just waiting for someone to tell them it's OK to be- just as I have been.
What's holding you down?

Let's talk about it.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

Caged...

A singing caged bird really.  And I do sing.  This blog is a dedication to the woman I am inside- the woman I carry as I do the dishes, the laundry, the cleaning, the wiping (cutie booty that is), the loving, the nurturing... The woman I am inside of the things that I do.