Love in the Time of COVID ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

There is a taste.  It is not one particular taste. Rather, it is the familiarity of tastes across foods that trigger some very beautiful memories.  It is sometimes planned and sometimes serendipitous.  These tastes are seated in the very best part of my heart and mind.

This morning it was serendipitous.  I prepared my coffee a bit differently and the taste catapulted me back in time to my Grandfather’s table in his house on Pecan Drive.  The coffee tasted just like the coffee at my Grandfather’s.  Memories of biscuits, herbed sausage gravy, and pickled peaches rushed into my mind.  Recalling pan-fried chicken, perfect collard greens, and priceless pear preserves brought real satisfaction to my heart.  Filled with love and memories of a man and woman who always loved me and never hurt me, I sipped and pondered how I would close this series. 

 It came to me that we hall have some memories of times when others showed us the love we needed.  This is our chance, Dear Reader.  There are people in our lives who need to see our love.  There must be a more diligent effort because of the current distress if we are going to show love to others.

We will create memories during this time.  It is our choice to determine what kind to create.  If we choose to actively find ways to show love to others, we can create memories for them.  We can show our love for the Father in irrevocable, irresistible, and undeniable ways.  We can wear the cloak that is to surround all that we are, love.  We are able to look beyond this current distress to the moments we can create for others.

Choose love over everything.  I must do so.  Choose to show love in new ways.  Set aside everything that hinders love.  Be kinder, gentler.  Find ways to show love to others whilst they are working through this time.  I know I plan to do so. 

If you need to be reminded that you are loved, I am here for you, Dear Reader.   I will not always agree with you.  I may offend you from time-to-time.  I will fail.  However, on the other side is the truth that love will not fail us if we cling to it.  It is here for us even in the time of COVID.  We can build memories of loving each other that will taste sweet to us for years to come.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

This BLOG:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/ 

Love in the Time of COVID ~ For Your Own Heart

Greetings Dear Reader,

We all do things that are counterintuitive.  We trust our instincts when the logic says not too loudly and often.  We choose to follow our hearts at times when our minds scream at us to run the other way.

Then again, there are times when we squelch the heart.  We push back feelings that are positive when the situation is negative to us.  We hold love hostage when we are feeding resentment and anger.  We put our hurt and loss above what will truly free us.

When we hold on to negative things because we do not wish to forgive, we do so much more damage to our own hearts than we realize.  Forgiving, however, is not enough.  We must stop blaming and hating for our own heart’s sake.  We must put these things aside and fill the void left by doing so.

During this time, we must begin to love our enemies.  We have to go beyond even that.  Even our deepest love can only be seen through action.  The way in which we interact with the Father about others reveals the health of our hearts. 

We must begin to pray for those who despitefully use us.  Instead, we see rants about those who use others furthering hatred and blame.  We infect others with it by telling the story and nursing on their sympathy.   We have to pray for those who hate and harm us for the sake of our own hearts.

But wait there is more.  In addition to prayer for them, we must bless those who curse us.  We must say genuine good things about those who curse us.  The blaming, hate, and anger cannot live In a heart that loves, prays, and blesses those who hate us.  We cannot abide in Christ and nurse hatred.  We must become the ones from whom flow kindness and blessing for everyone.

I must become this with every soul, especially those who intentionally speak against me.  All that I think and do must be focused on wanting the best for those who are around me no matter what they think of me.  No matter what they do to me, I must bless them, pray for them, and love them.  If we do this together and for each other, Dear Reader, we will get through this time much easier.  Are you in?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

This BLOG:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/ 

Love in the Time of COVID ~ Starting with Respect

Greetings Dear Reader,

I once lost a friend over the idea that we are supposed to love everyone.  She insisted that we did not have to love everyone and became angry that I disagreed based on the commands of Jesus.  I have written plenty about this and I will stand firm that I am obligated to love every human.  If one is trying to learn to love others, even one’s enemies, there is a good place to begin.

It only takes a little bit of scrolling or clicking to see how deeply we can disrespect others.  We use the relative seclusion of social media to say horrid things about others.  We defame and dishonor others without regard for how it will do harm.  Ponder the things you see or even the things you say and determine if it is loving.

I am not saying that we cannot disagree with others or express our displeasure at actions.  The idea is that we speak the truth in love.  How we say something always matters.  How we approach others can determine how well we love.  We can measure our capacity to love others based on how we treat those we dislike.  It may reveal more about our love than how we are with those close to us.

If we wish to begin to love others, perhaps starting with respect is the key.  Some say respect is earned and not given.  This is not true.  We are to show respect to everyone as a form of showing love.  I must not engage in negative talk toward anyone whether I know the person or not.

It is not hard.  I have had a very pleasant exchange about ideas around a political issue with a friend who has opinions at least as strong as mine.   We both have engaged in disagreeing without judgment or unkindness.  This is how it should always be when we interact with others.

I must show my love by always showing respect for others.  Whether it is a child in a melt-down or a friend who is spewing hatred at another person we can be respectful.  We can speak about anything with each other if we lead with love through deference.  I am not saying subservience but, rather, mutual submission to love that yields common respect. 

This is necessary for me to show love.  I must not engage in negative talk about others whether the person is present or not.  I will follow Christ in this with all the grace that he provides for me to do it.  If I disagree with you, Dear Reader, I will do my best to do so kindly.  Disagreement is not failing to love.  As we walk together, I want you to feel safe to talk with me about anything.  I love you.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

This BLOG:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/ 

Love in the Time of COVID ~ Reconnect

Greetings Dear Reader,

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about how we can reconnect with people during this time.  I want to talk about the connection we need the most and some simple ways that I am focusing on to keep that connection.  If we renew or establish a relationship with the Father, we can better navigate this time.

I realize that not all of you share my faith and I am not trying to make you do so.  I am suggesting that it might be time to take an honest look at Jesus.  I am not talking about religion or spirituality.  I am speaking of taking a genuine look at Jesus Christ and what he really offers us. I will give you a few suggestions in case you wish to do that.

Read the Gospel of John.  That link will allow you to read it in a translation that is easy to understand.  Pay attention to how often Jesus requires others to simply believe.  The relationship he asks for with people face-to-face is the same one he asks for with us.  He wants us to have faith.

A second idea that is also simple is talking to the Father.  Simply tell him how you feel.  Pour out your fears and hopes to him.  Ask him to further show his presence to you.  Prayer is not complicated but foolish humans try to make it that way.  After a time that dialog can honestly permeate all that one does.  It can become a constant conversation that yields peace and freedom from the things that plague our minds.

If we are going to find love in this time, we should start with the one who loves us no matter where we are.  I would not ask you to take this journey alone, Dear Reader.  Even in isolation, we can help each other along the way.  Feel free to email me with the questions you have about Jesus (aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com).  I promise not to judge you or talk down to you.  My faith is hard-won and harder refined.  After forty-five years of trying to follow, I feel I am just now beginning to get an inkling that I am getting it a little right.

For those of you who already travel the path I am on, feel free to ask me about it.  I will not promise that it is easy but it is simple to find your way back to following.   You will not get any resistance from Jesus like you may from some humans.  Changing our behavior may be difficult but it will be worth it.  Learning new habits in connecting with Christ will purge us of that which is unhealthy and build that which is.

I do not want you to think that I have any special knowledge.  I do not.  What I do is get up daily and work at this relationship no matter how I feel.  I strive for is to connect daily with someone who loves me right where I am that day, hour, or moment.  I still fail and fall.  The only thing I do is choose to get up and try again.  The Father even gives me the grace to be able to do that.  Please feel free to walk with me as we find our way together.  It is the best way I can conceive to show that I love you.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

This BLOG:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/ 

Love in the Time of COVID ~ Bound to Cities and Crowds

Greetings Dear Reader,

Thursday mornings are difficult.  I am not complaining but I sorely miss my Wednesday night small group.  It is not just the discussion and prayer that makes the time rewarding.  It is the company of fellow travelers who I know and love.

Since that is a risky choice at this time, I have to find ways to reach out to these people and show them love.  I have to make sure that in isolation my need for other humans does not hold sway over my determination to show love.  I must respect the need to keep social distance and not put my focus on my needs.

We have all seen the jokes about those of us who are social beings not being OK.  We are not.  Yesterday I saw a friend and she impulsively hugged me.  I have been told that I give good hugs.  Immediately, she began to apologize.  She felt guilty for her impulse.  We are both demonstrative extroverts.  I told her that I understood and that I valued the hug greatly.  We talked for a bit and she explained how hard it was for her.

I am using the difficulty over this to learn to love my friends who are introverts more deeply.  This feeling is the one they feel when forced into social situations that make them uncomfortable.  I must learn from this because it will pass.  I must emerge more loving and understanding of the needs of others. 

Investing time in showing love to my friends who crave connection on an unavailable level is vital.  If I focus on creative ways to do this, I can use my time wisely.  I can learn deeper and more selfless ways to love others and in this better love the Father.  I can emerge from this better at loving those who need it.  Maybe, Dear Reader, I can even give better hugs.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

This BLOG:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/ 

Love in the Time of COVID ~ A Question Answered

Greetings Dear Reader,

Since I have more downtime, I have been watching movies I like whilst writing and staying in place.  I recently watched the original Highlander.  I enjoyed seeing this excellent film again but I also got stuck on a question that is asked.  The music in this film is one of the things that makes it great.  It features the song, Who Wants to Live Forever by Queen (below).

The question that worms through my mind is at the zenith of the song.  The entire question is, “Who dares to love forever oh, when love must die?”  The thing about a question like this is that it becomes invalid if any part of the question is false.  An example would be if I asked you if you preferred to go to the movies on February 30^th or 31^st.  Since those days do not exist, the question is not a valid one.

Since the dependent clause “when love must die”, the question is only valid if love can die.  I submit that genuine love never dies.  There are people that hate me that I love dearly.  There are people who I love who want nothing to do with me.  I have failed others and been discarded by others.  I do not abandon my love for them.  I have lost my way, but when I honestly consider it, my love does not die.

If we have genuine love for someone, we do not stop loving that person.  We may be wounded and weak from unloving acts by them.  We have resentment due to our own failure to forgive.  When the pressure is on as in our time of sequester, we have to choose if we genuinely love others.  If we do, then the pressure will not be too much for our love.

There are literally billions of disappointments across the globe at this time.  We can find hope if we accept that we can love without fear of love dying.  We can choose love in any circumstance and crush most barriers.  It is in loving others without reserve that we can find the power and strength to endure forced isolation and required cohabitation.  If we choose to show love to others at every turn, we will find the strength to endure this time.

I must continue to look outward and see the places where others need love.  I may only be able to give a kind word, share a laugh, or send a small gift.  I can also assure that I do so out of genuine love.  I can say I love you to others more frequently.  I can share what I have with those in need.  If I act and interact out of love, then it becomes stronger.

Following Christ in this time of COVID means that I do not accept that love will die.  I accept that time will pass and that forever is something good.  There is a time and a place for us, Dear Reader.  It is up to us to see the eternal nature of love and carry it with us into every moment of this distress.  Who wants to live forever?  I do because love does not die.  As I said yesterday, I love you.

Who Wants To Live Forever – Queen

There's no time for us

There's no place for us

What is this thing that builds our dreams,

Yet slips away from us?

Who wants to live forever?

Who wants to live forever?

There's no chance for us

It's all decided for us

This world has only one

Sweet moment set aside for us

Who wants to live forever?

Who wants to live forever?

Who?

Who dares to love forever

Oh, when love must die?

But touch my tears with your lips

Touch my world with your fingertips

And we can have forever

And we can love forever

Forever is our today

Who wants to live forever?

Who wants to live forever?

Forever is our today

Who waits forever anyway?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

This BLOG:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/ 

Love in the Time of COVID ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

In January, when we were allowed to go out of doors and socialize all we wish, I explained that I was going to work at becoming lovingly unoffendable.  During this current distress. I find that I am thinking about the loving part more than the unoffendable part.  I refuse to let social media offend me and the few people I encounter daily do not offend me.

I want to spend some time making sure that I am focused on loving others during this event.  My friend Angie excels at this and has given me many examples to follow.  I want to find ways to show love to others that make them feel loved and pose no obligation for them.  I want to express the love of Christ in creative and new ways. 

Mister Rogers once said, when there is trouble, we should look for the helpers.   In the time of COVID we should look for the unconditional expressions of love.  Further, we should be at the center of those expressions. 

Please ask the question this song asks, “where is the love?”  If you do not see it, I challenge you to become it.  I know that I wish to become as loving as I can to others.  If we work at it together, Dear Reader, we can demonstrate love to others that will help them see Christ.  Walk with me as we ponder this and please stop in for a palaver about it.  I love you.

Where is the Love? – Black-eyed Peas

People killin' people dyin'

Children hurtin', I hear them cryin'

Can you practice what you preachin'?

Would you turn the other cheek again?

Mama, mama, mama, tell us what the hell is goin' on

Can't we all just get along?

Father, father, father help us

Send some guidance from above

'Cause people got me, got me

Questioning

(Where's the love)

Yo what's going on with the world, momma

(Where's the love)

Yo people living like they ain't got no mommas

(Where's the love)

I think they all distracted by the drama and

Attracted to the trauma, mamma

(Where's the love)

I think they don't understand the concept or

The meaning of karma

(Where's the love)

Overseas, yeah, they trying to stop terrorism

(Where's the love)

Over here on the streets the police shoot

The people put the bullets in 'em

(Where's the love)

But if you only got love for your own race

(Where's the love)

Then you're gonna leave space for others to discriminate

(Where's the love)

And to discriminate only generates hate

And when you hate then you're bound to get irate

Madness is what you demonstrate

And that's exactly how hate works and operates

Man, we gotta set it straight

Take control of your mind and just meditate

And let your soul just gravitate

To the love, so the whole world celebrates it

People killin' people dyin'

Children hurtin', I hear them cryin'

Can you practice what you preachin'?

Would you turn the other cheek again?

Mama, mama, mama, tell us what the hell is goin' on

Can't we all just get along?

Father, Father, Father help us

Send some guidance from above

'Cause people got me, got me questioning

(Where's the love)

It just ain't the same, always in change

(Where's the love)

New days are strange, is the world insane?

(Where's the love)

Nation droppin' bombs killing our little ones

(Where's the love)

Ongoing suffering as the youth die young

(Where's the love)

Where's the love when a child gets murdered

Or a cop gets knocked down

Black lives not now

Everybody matter to me

All races, y'all don't like what I'm sayin'? Haterade, tall cases

Everybody hate somebody

Guess we all racist

Black Eyed Peas do a song about love and y'all hate this

All these protests with different colored faces

We was all born with a heart

Why we gotta chase it?

And every time I look around

Every time I look up, every time I look down

No one's on a common ground

(Where's the love)

And if you never speak truth then you never know how love sounds

(Where's the love)

And if you never know love then you never know God, wow

(Where's the love)

Where's the love y'all? I don't, I don't know

Where's the truth y'all? I don't know

People killin' people dyin'

Children hurtin', I hear them cryin'

Could you practice what you preach?

Would you turn the other cheek?

Father, Father, Father help us

Send some guidance from above

'Cause people got me, got me questioning

(Where's the love)

(Where's the love)

Love is the key

(Where's the love)

Love is the answer

(Where's the love)

Love is the solution

(Where's the love)

(Where's the love)

They don't want us to love

(Where's the love)

Love is powerful

(Where's the love)

(Where's the love)

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders

As I'm gettin' older y'all people gets colder

Most of us only care about money makin'

Selfishness got us followin' the wrong direction

Wrong information always shown by the media

Negative images is the main criteria

Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria

Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinemas

What happened to the love and the values of humanity?

(Where's the love)

What happened to the love and fairness and equality?

(Where's the love)

Instead of spreading love, we're spreading animosity

(Where's the love)

Lack of understanding leading us away from unity

(Where's the love)

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

This BLOG:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/