Radical Love
Death stood in the doorway of my room and said, “I will take everyone you love and then come back for you.” My mother and beloved Grandma died, my father and brother left me (alive but lost to me, it felt like death).
Death kept his word, came back for me and I was relieved to be free of suffering. I was relieved until I woke up, furious. I had to learn how to live, from the beginning. One step at a time, for real, without pretending. If you love me, I want you to love my essence, not some facade of convenience. I want you to know my truth, not some fallacious fantasy. I refuse to hide the feelings which make you uncomfortable. All those feelings form a dam in the heart, so nothing beautiful can enter. The river runs free and clear when feelings flow naturally (learning this skill was like healing from frostbite).
The water is dark and rough in places, but the light reflects, illumines, purifies. It heals us, a glorious gift of grace. Pass through the dark waters with courage. You’ve come too far to turn back now. Love will steady your feet on the slippery rocks. Allow her to lead you into plenty. Peace walks beside you, a faithful companion, a trusted friend. Lean on her unwavering compassion. Nothing is really lost. You know it just the same but see it differently, with the eyes of the heart. Real love never dies. Love that has passed through the fire, lasts forever.
LBM 5/5/2018
