LEAVING A GODLY LEGACY The Loveliness of Love B Y K AT H L E E N B A R R E T T “All you need is LOVE! All you need is love, love, love is all you need.” Some of you may recall the 1999 Beatles hit written by John Lennon. The catchy, carefree tune and the chorus are really all I recall. The rest of the lyrics, which I found in an online search, basically tout that everything is in vain without love. Doesn’t that sound vaguely like the message of 1 Corinthians 13:1? If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (NIV) In most countries, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, when a colorful bouquet and a box of chocolates given or received can be the traditional gifts to express love. A gourmet dinner, a little wine, and candles on the table are the hint of romance to the man in your life. A festive family meal brightens those precious faces, and handmade Valentine’s cards from your little ones melt your heart. But for many, February is one giant and reverberating gong and clanging cymbal. Some may have found love,
or thought they found love at one time, but sadly life took them down a twisted, lonely, hurt-filled path. Romance and love are far from the minds of those who have been abandoned, abused, divorced, widowed, cheated on, forlorn in their singleness, or even those who are married but “single.” Some of you will relate all too well to that last grouping. Family unity is not warm and fuzzy but, in fact, may be sullen and shameful. Dear friend, you have the power within to change the downward spiral. And this is where leaving a legacy of strong character comes in. May I give you a surprising “nugget” of truth from the lyrics of the Beatles' song? “But you can learn how to be you in time. It's easy. All you need is love.” I would add: all the love you need is God’s love, working in and through you as His Light pierces the darkness of despair and loss. Think: Legacy! Think: What will people say about me after I am called home? Think: Isaiah 54:5. For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name. (NIV)
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