1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.But the greatest of these is love.
LOVE.
Wonderful love.
Arms wrapping around you, holding you tight, whispering bold statements of peace and truth in your ear- kind of love. The best kind of love, really.
Love that asks nothing in return. Just that you soak it up, relish in it’s unequivocal force.
Over the past few days, I have screamed out with grunts of pain and suffering. I’ve questioned whether or not this was all my fault somehow (and I know that it wasn’t, but sometimes the mind can’t help but go there.) I have felt sadness, grief, anger, and loneliness.
But more than all of those things combined, I have felt LOVED.
Matthew 22:36-40
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
So many of you have followed this command. Loving me as yourself. The love itself would be enough, but then I think of people obeying God, and that makes me weep with joy.
The blog comments, the personal emails, the texts. Phone calls, flowers sent, homemade meals brought hot to my door.
People that I hadn’t heard from in YEARS, called or texted me. I’ve received cards in the mail with money to go out to dinner. Facebook and twitter messages, too numerous to count.
All this has nothing to do with how popular or important I am. I’m nobody. But it’s a testimony to how AMAZING our collective spirit is. And of just how GREAT God is. Even in the hardest of times. No. ESPECIALLY in the hardest of times.
My dear friend, Jessica, said it best when writing about her own miscarriage, one in which she had to deliver her stillborn baby at 19 weeks. She wrote:
I would be lying if I said that this makes sense or that I’m waiting to see how this can be used for good. It hurts and I have no understanding of these kinds of things or why children are being sold into slavery even in East Tennessee or why the mentally ill woman at my church is viewed as beyond the reach of hope.
What I do know though is a strange thing happens in the midst of pain, GOD SHOWS UP EVERYWHERE.
He does.
He’s in each of you who expressed love for me. And for that, I am so thankful.
After some very painful days of having so much to process, I know one thing. We are made to LOVE. Bottom line. We are made to love and worship God and we are made to love one another. It is our highest calling.
It’s simple really. And it feels so damn good to be loved.
Thank you for that.
splendid…lindsay
Natalie @ Free Range Human says:
I’m so glad that you are in a better frame of mind. It’s definitely God-given.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says:
We are made for love and you are so incredibly loved by so many. xoxo
Tamara says:
Lindsay, you GIVE so much love out, it doesn’t surprise me that you GET so much in return! Prayers and hugs from Canada! xo
RunEatRepeat says:
Praying for you and your family <3
jobo says:
God shows up EVERYWHERE. So very true. As much pain as this leaves you in for right now, God is hugging you, loving you, showing you your path. As we all are also hugging and loving you and sending you strength.
Amanda @RunToTheFinish says:
i think you have said it so beautifully…sometimes life hurts, but it’s a blessing to realize all the love that is still available
Danica @ It's Progression says:
Your strength and attitude are so inspirational…You absolutely are loved, by so so many, and it’s love that will carry you through.
janae@hungryrunnergirl.com says:
Thinking about you a lot over the last week. I wish I could give you a big hug and help you through this. Love you!
Lisa says:
You are so loved and such a beautiful person inside and out. I’m glad that so many people reached out to show their love. I’ve been thinking lots about your family over here!
janetha says:
look at me! quoting the bible on my flower note! oh.. wait.. that was katie.
i love you.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says:
Only love.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says:
I’m so glad to hear you’ve been feeling the love Linds. You so deserve it, and it’s times like these that helps us realize how blessed we are with the people in our lives.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says:
That quote gave me goosebumps… God shows up everywhere in pain. It’s so true! There are no easy answers to so many of the awful things that happen, but we can find comfort through community. So glad you have felt loved!
Natalie @ Free Range Human says:
This post is very touching. I’m so glad you are finding comfort during this hard time. I’m still praying for you and your family.
Krysten says:
So beautiful and so powerful! I am thinking about you. You are so loved!
Katie says:
You are so loved and you are a beautiful person that deserves that LOVE. I am thinking of you and have been, know I send my thoughts and prayers all the way from PA <3
Linz @ Itz Linz says:
xoxo
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says:
This is a wonderful post Lindsay, I’m glad that you’ve been able to experience God’s love and the love of those around through this. I hope you’re doing better and slowly healing, I meant to send a card but honestly couldn’t find the words to express the sadness in my heart. Just know that I’m thinking of you and praying for you.
Becky Przy says:
I don’t know you personally, but I said prayers for you these past few days. You are loved by so many!
Steph @fitmomtraining says:
I love how God takes the most difficult of circumstances and shines his love down in immense and powerful ways. All things in Him are beautiful.
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says:
You are SO loved. XOXO
Michele @ Nycrunningmama says:
Beautiful post, Lindsay. So glad that there are so many that are taking care of YOU right now. You deserve it. And you aren’t a nobody to so many of us. xoxo
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says:
Love. And the way God shows Himself even amid the pain. It still doesn’t make me wish this pain never came to you and my heart still breaks for you and I will keep on praying for you daily right now. But I’m so thankful that we have such a God that will surround you with the love you need right now. Just envelop yourself in that love while you grieve and feel whatever other emotions you have the need to express. We’re here for you. Love you dearly and truly, friend.
Danielle says:
You are loved! You are in my thoughts and prayers. You are such a beautiful person inside and out. I hope you know how very much you are loved : )
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says:
So beautifully written, Lindsay. I am thankful that you have so many dear friends and family members to show you love during this painful time.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says:
you are most definitely loved. i’m so glad that the people around you have been able to lift you up a little during this really hard time. You are a perfect example of praising God at all times, knowing to trust (even if it blows majorly) in His plans. I love you!
lindsay says:
you give love, lots! and you deserve the most precious fruit of the spirit right back, LOVE. But this love is from GOD. His sweet love wraps around your heart when it’s broken.
He is using you, in his perfect plan. After the storm, there will be sun.
xxoo
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says:
Reading this post made me tear up! You are SO loved, Lindsay. It takes great courage to write this post right now, I’m certain.
Love you, friend!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says:
You ARE so loved! I’ve been thinking about you all week. Keep resting and knowing you are loved and we’re all here if you need ANYTHING!
Sarah says:
Beautiful post. Beautiful you!
Miz says:
you are so very much still in my prayers.
xo