Expansive Love

“I don’t know much of love,  but I do know it doesn’t hold people down”.

Elaine Pagel

I heard this quote and began to ponder when I have felt that someone’s intended love held me down. But, before I could even recall such times, I immediately became convicted of the moments that my love seemed to hold another down.

Was I in denial? Was this love? On the receiving end of these actions, it certainly doesn’t feel like love. So what could it be?

Looking below the surface,  I realize love had been transposed into fear, but fear of what? Fear of loss? Fear of rejection? Fear of abandonment? Probably.

Some would attest, “No, this is deep love”. Maybe, but maybe not.

I am reminded that overusing our strengths can become a challenge, especially when these strengths, like deep love, are used to hold another down.

Of course this post isn’t a lesson on how to love, but a simple reminder to me of how I want my love to be reflected to others.

May my love reflect spaciousness, room for expansion, grace, honor, peace, patience, endurance, kindness, celebration, and respect for all humanity.

Amen