Love

I was gonna write about a song I recently fell in love with titled "Who Will Love Me for Me?" and then tragically a friend of mine who probably came close to Loving people as they are rather than trying to "lovingly improve" them passed away.  Lynn was the most positive person I ever knew.  If you even tried to talk negative about some situation or other person she would kindly and quietly stir the conversation in a better direction rather than go down the negative path with you.  She never spoke ill of anyone even when someone had hurt her badly.

Unlike people who try to "correct your behavior for your own good" by "lovingly" telling you what you did wrong or how what you did could effect others, Lynn truly accepted you, warts and all.  I wish I were more like that.

As Christians we are called to hate the sin but, more importantly, LOVE THE SINNER.  Often we show our love for the sinner by forcefully pointing out how much we hate their sin.  This comes across to the person as though we hate them.  We need to learn that people are NOT their behavior.  Most people would be appalled if they discovered how their behavior effects others.  Lynn somehow knew that and simply loved people.

So for Lynn Brown, I'll miss your bright sparkly "Hello!"  Your intensely interested "How are You?"  Your encouragement.  But mostly I'll miss you.

Today I'm grateful

1.  That Lynn didn't pass away during the holidays (a big pet peeve).
2.  That Lynn was my friend.
3.  That Lynn lived and loved.
4.  That Lynn showed me how to live and love.
5.  For Lynn Brown period.