thoughts on loving {for the love}

I just finished my second book of the year (I am technically a bit behind and should be wrapping up my 3rd, but since the tagline of the book is FIGHTING for GRACE in a world of impossible standards, we're just gonna let that one go.) and it was SO good. I have heard much about Jen Hatmaker and For the Love did not disappoint. It was a wonderful blend of hilarious and heartwarming with so much truth weaving all throughout and more inspiration and application than I ever anticipated.

I bought the book long ago and let it sit in my book basket for far an embarrassing amount of time, so when I got a text from Anna asking me if I had read it and that she had started to dive into its pages, I was up for the challenge of reading it together. Now, let me be honest and say we basically only texted about it during the chapter that discussed Leggings as Pants and Tights as Leggings when I was laughing so hard I found it surprisingly difficult to breathe, but it was a great motivational kick-start to getting into the book!

There is so much meat contained within the 207 pages and countless beautifully articulated thoughts, that it's hard to select a theme that resonated most profoundly; but perhaps the concept that spoke most distinctly to my heartbeat surrounded this idea that "Love is really the most excellent way." I am undoubtedly a person who loves big and hard and loud and deep. I've talked countless times about my capacity for love and how it is perhaps my greatest gift from God. Throughout the pages of this book I found freedom and great joy in the honor it is to love people in His name. "Because life is hard, people get to show up for one another as God told us to, and we remember we are loved and seen and God is here and we are not alone. We can't deliver folks from their pits, but we can sure get in there with them until God does." I have learned to see and love hurting people. To come alongside in moments of need. To rejoice and to mourn. I don't have to live an extraordinary life to love. I can do that regardless of situation or circumstance. Love is free and can be generously poured out. "A worthy life involves loving as loved folks do, sharing the ridiculous mercy God spoiled us with first. It means restoring people, in ordinary conversations and regular encounters. A worthy life means showing up when showing up is the only thing to do." I can live a worthy life. Love can be my calling, my adventure, my best gift. "Be tender toward people. Empathizing is the key to a wholehearted life. God measures our entire existence by only two things: how we love Him and how we love people." It sounds so simple when it comes down to only two things. Absolutely it is complicated and messy and painful and hard, but it is beautiful and wonderful and a journey worth taking. I choose to love.

At the close of the book, there is a list of encouragements to empower women in this great day where we can walk more boldly with endurance alongside an inspiring community and invest in the potential for change like never before. We can be part of something tremendous for the kingdom. He is at work and we get to see radical and miraculous things happening all around us.

"Overcome. Endure. Outlast. Shine. Lead. Risk. Show up. Speak up. Stand up. Chase down dreams right in the middle of living your life. Choose to lift up rather than tear down. Find ways to love God and people across generations, cultures, countries and obstacles. Do hard things in invisible trenches. Open your hands and give it all away - esteem, honor, attention, love. Point each other to God and call out our blessedness."

I want to be that kind of woman. To be described by such strong and meaningful words. To have a full life that reflects Christ as I choose to Love God and Love People in His name. Now, go buy your copy and get to underlining! It really is SO worth reading! (And feel free to text me when you get to Leggings as Pants and Tights as Leggings - OH MY GOSH - it will be your best laugh all week, guaranteed!)