Love

As you probably know, Mackensie's middle name is Love. This name wasn't chosen just because it is different, just because it is unique and sounds good (in my own opinion!). The name Love has so much meaning, so much hope behind it, and today on the way home I heard a wonderful new song on the radio that put into words how I have been feeling lately.

Before I post the lyrics, please allow me to share with you why love is so special to me. Did you know that there are many different kinds of love? Eros, the romantic love, is surely important. Where would I be without the devoted love of my husband? Philia, the love of friends, is a wonderful love, and is the basis of many special relationships in my life. Storge, or affection, is fondness through familiarity, and binds me to many people who are family by design but friends by choice. But Agape love, my friends, is my favorite love. It is not held hostage by its environment or someone's perception. It is based upon the decision to proactively seek someone's well being. It is not a human love, but rather a love given to us as a fruit of the spirit. This is the love we know from our brothers and sisters in Christ; the love we receive from our Heavenly Father.

I LOVE my daughter. I want to champion her success, kiss away boo-boos, wipe tears from her eyes, rock her to sleep, share funny stories and butterfly kisses as we snuggle before bedtime. I want to shield her from the evil in the world, from hurt she is bound to suffer, from disappointments and failures. As much as I want to be everything in her young life, I am only human. To a mother, love is limitless, boundless, and endless. But a mother is human, and eventually the day will come when she will disappoint her child.

Because of our own frailty, it is ever so important that we accept God's love for us, a love that was shared through the death of his Son, Jesus Christ. I am awed by God's mercy and grace, by knowing that He is a just and holy God, yet forgiving to those who repent. But most of all, I am touched by His love. Love that will never, ever fail. Love that knows no bounds. Love that accepts me for who I am, in spite of what I am, and because of what I am. Love that wraps me and holds me when I ache from earthly sadness, love that stands beside me when I am afraid.

Although I cannot offer this love to Mackensie myself, it is my prayer that as her Mommy, I can share God's love with Mackensie so that it becomes a real, true, breathing force in her life. I need for her to realize that though my own shortcomings may fail her (oh, I wish they wouldn't but it's bound to happen) she can lean on a Father who will never leave or forsake her, who will always comfort and protect her. This is the unconditional love I most hope to share.

This song is so touching for me, because while it describes God's love for us, His children, it also depicts the love that I feel in my heart for my daughter.

Brandon Heath

Love Never Fails

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Love is not proud

Love does not boast

Love after all

Matters the most

~

Love does not run

Love does not hide

Love does not keep

Locked inside

~

Love is the river that flows through

Love never fails you

~
Love will sustain

Love will provide

Love will not cease

At the end of time

~

Love will protect

Love always hopes

Love still believes

When you don't

~

Love is the arms that are holding you

Love never fails you

~

When my heart won't make a sound

When I can't turn back around

When the sky is falling down

Nothing is greater than this

Greater than this

~

Love is right here

Love is alive

Love is the way

The truth the life

~

Love is the river that flows through

Love is the arms that are holding you

Love is the place you will fly to

Love never fails you

~