This is a gathering together of words that ignite my imagination and creativity around the Divine flowing energy we call love. Although our human experience lacks the capacity to fully understand, and our words barely scratch the surface of the essence of Divine love– they give us a glimpse into Holy radiance and vibration that holds this world together. May these words serve as inspiration and invitation into the expansive, infinite, boundary-less, and all encompassing love which invites us beyond ourselves.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
—Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may.”
—John Wesley founder of Methodism
I’ve been given a rare glimpse of God’s extravagant love turning walls into bridges. For far too long the language of the church has divided, harmed, and excluded rather than authentically acknowledge God’s love for all. Today, I rejoice that the General Conference of the UMC has proclaimed that all of God’s beloved are truly welcome at God’s table of grace. General conference has shown us the words of John Wesley can be a lived reality.
—Betsy Godbold United Methodist Clergy
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
—Paul
You have been walking the ocean's edge, holding up your robes to keep them dry. You must dive naked under and deeper under, a thousand times deeper. Love flows down. The ground submits to the sky and suffers what comes. Tell me, is the earth worse for giving in like that? Do not put blankets over the drum. Open completely.
—Rumi
Come with me, my love
To the sea, the sea of love
I wanna tell you just how much I love you
—The Honeydrippers
Which of these writers offers invitation for you? What are you noticing about yourself? What are you feeling? Is there a nudge to explore your own capacity and depth for love? Do any of these words challenge you or cause resistance?
Thoughts, feelings, nudges, resistance…this is the place where the Holy One will meet you and take you by the hand, bidding you… come with me, to the sea of love. Thanks be to God!
Reflection inspired by General Conference of the UMC in May 2024 and The Sea of Love by the Honeydrippers.
Beautiful