“Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up.” -James A. Baldwin

James A. Baldwin was one of the most prolific African American writers of his time. He was an activist, a novelist, a poet, a playwright, and an essayist. His quote above is so poignant.

Love is not about the words we say, but it includes our actions.

Love is not about our warm feelings, but also our empathy and understanding.

Love is not about only physical touch and sensations, but it is about tenderness, care, concern, and respect of one another that we share.

Love is something that grows. It is something that starts small, a shared interest, a short moment when our eyes meet, a coffee date to talk about our days, our struggles, our past and our dreams. It blossoms as we earn one another’s trust and reveal more and more of who we are. Vulnerability that deepens as we share our inner thoughts, fears, hopes, and sadness. Listening to one another, we gain understanding about who we are.

When we hit a snag and things get tough, we choose to move closer not hide or turn away. That closeness, the intimacy is a place where we are naked together, our hearts bare before one another. It is a vulnerable place that can either deepen the relationship or damage the trust we have for one another. It is the fiery furnace determining if the relationship will live or die.

“Perfect love casts out fear” -1st John 4:18

If love is pure, then it can overcome fear. It will eradicate the feelings of insecurity and apprehension. Love will draw two into unity becoming one. The two united as one is stronger and more powerful than either one can be on their own. The two separate individual parts do not add up to two that are united in the harmony of love.

The power created in the union of love is a great force to be reckoned with.

– Jason