Love in Action

"Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action." ~Mother Teresa

I was inspired to talk about love by a few things that happened this week. Even though I do it with hesitation. I am such a learner in this arena. I was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend who went to a conference on love (particularly self-love) and heard an "On Being" episode Krista Tippet talking about the civil rights movement with Rep. John Lewis.

From the On Being transcript:
Rep. Lewis: Well, I think in our culture, I think sometimes people are afraid to say I love you. But we're afraid to say, especially in public life, many elected officials or worldly elected officials, are afraid to talk about love. Maybe people tend to think something is so emotional about it. Maybe it's a sign of weakness. And we're not supposed to cry. We're supposed to be strong, but love is strong. Love is powerful.

The movement created what I like to call a nonviolent revolution. It was love at its best. It's one of the highest form of love. That you beat me, you arrest me, you take me to jail, you almost kill me, but in spite of that, I'm going to still love you. I know Dr. King used to joke sometime and say things like, "Just love the hell outta everybody. Just love 'em."

Rep Jon Lewis references an African proverb – “when you pray move your feet”

What are the different ways we can show love in action:

• How we listen
• Empathy
• Attend or remembering what is important to others
• Hospitality
• Acceptance of the whole person (shadow)
• Forgiveness
• Self Care

Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. ~Mother Teresa

And the best smile starts on the inside or as Mother Teresa said,… “love begins at home.”

What is the source of our love in action? Is what people think? Is it to make others think you are a nice person? The most powerful love in action is because you are so full of love it overflows; where you love, forgive, and are kind to yourself.

What would love in action look like for you?