Do you find it is hard to keep a promise? Have you ever made a promise and wanted so much to take it back? Have you ever agreed to follow through with something – (a promise) – that your heart fought at every step and nagged at you to change your mind?
Have you ever made a promise that was not what you wanted but that you made out of love? Was it a promise you made for the betterment of the situation or of another person? Have you ever found yourself reaching the point of acceptance in hope that it (the promise) would be seen someday for what it was, an act of love, one that you felt was a necessity – yet, you fought even with yourself to keep?
Even keeping a promise at the risk of the true reason (the act of love) never being discovered?
When love and hurt come together is where I’m going with this. How many times have you had to let go in order to find love was waiting for you to make the right decision.
Have you ever had to let go of beliefs or thought patterns, places, things and people to realize that the weight of the pain was worth going through it – if somehow it helped someone?
If you have children, you know what I mean. Sometimes we have to do and even say things that initially seem to cause hurt/anger but in the end, maybe even many years later, your children see that it was an act of love. We make promises like this all the time for our children (promises to keep them safe) that is quite unpopular with them. Ultimately in our hearts there is love. and love would endure pain and torment – even if it never was revealed that it was an act of love.
Love is not boastful. Love is silent strength. Love sometimes causes tears. Whether standing still with tears falling down our faces as our children move away from us, to love (and many tears) – in waving goodbye to what was familiar and that we held dear – (if only in our hearts).
Sometimes release is love. Sometimes sacrifice is an act of love .
Have you ever held on so tightly to stay in place when something or a series of somethings brings you face to face with the fact it was simply an act of love – in the letting go? At first of course you may not be able to breathe even at the thought of it. The simple thought of it might make you feel as if you would suffocate.You might have days when seemingly it was easy to make it through, only to have other days when you are on the floor questioning everything.
So – what if you made a promise to let go, as did the young girl who recently ended her life? What about her parents and their promise to let go of her? Can you imagine what her parents or even her husband had to do for her to let go, so she could be at peace?
No, this piece is not about the debate over the right to die. This is about acts of love and letting go.
Have you ever made a promise that you tried to keep but the feeling of loss was so overwhelming, it was as if you had missed out somehow or that you had suffered a wrong at the hands of something out of your hands? Have you ever made a promise, took it back and circumstances brought you face-to-face with the fact that by your own hands, another hand was forced? Then one day after keeping hope barely alive in your heart holding out hope that you wouldn’t have to keep the promise after-all (denial), you SEE – that accepting and following through with your promise would be the only way to show love.
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As I’ve learned, love is the key that unlocks the door to Acts of Love and the door of Promises Made in Love.
So let me ask you – Will you keep your promises to look away, walk away, let go – in love? Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice in love for all of us. It’s not too much to sacrifice for the good of another – in love right?The great news is that we are not alone. The ultimate Love is with us! His promise that HE will never leave us or forsake us is a promise HE will never break.
What acts of love have you made that you sealed with a promise?
Pressing on in love>>>Speaking of Love. There is NO GREATER LOVE….than this…Please Listen (it’s simply beautiful!)
References:
Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
PRESSING ON 