Love Others as You Love Yourself. Reflection. This is such a powerful moment for us to catch our breathe and breath.
How did that make you feel? Elated, anxious, angry, confused, excited, happy, joyful or even sad.
First, let’s have a moment – we are taught that it is selfish to think of ourselves especially as women – we are wombs of life, whether we bear children or not -we are expected to give care above all things.
I have heard that when a woman takes care of her self, terms such as narcissistic, selfish, prideful, conceited are attached to her and yes, those people do exist. But many times a person who loves themselves are none of those things, they practice self care, they don’t get caught up in drama, they mind their business, they don’t complain and actually they are excellent in guarding their tongues. They value themselves and subsequently they value all others.
It is not to say that life has been a crystal stair for them; by no means NO. It has been filled with sorrows, disappointments, pain but somehow, someway they have been able to obtain a peace that exceeds understanding – they are anchored and I will say in their relationship with the creator of them. I say that because it is universal – it transcends all faith traditions, circumstances and even in cultures where women are not treated well; it is in the Social Service offices, or even in prisons. It is not the one who is the loudest or the most seen, it is the woman, who holds her countenance with movements of a ballerina, grace and beauty, no matter what her size, age, race or circumstance.
There are women in the Bible who exude confidence – obviously, we think of Deborah – she was fierce, amazing, wife, mother, judge I applaud her and of course; Vashti, regal, beautiful and made a decision to forego her comforts and was banished – confident and loving of herself; We recognize Priscilla and Tryphena and Tryphos – women of means who followed and supported Jesus. These are woman who took a stand, but what about those women in the bible, who through their trials and tribulations also show us with their connection to our source, they too achieved Love of self to give Love to others – Manoah’s wife – Samson’s mother; Rizpah (Saul’s concubine) she sacrificed everything even death by standing until her sons and their cousins were given a proper burial; Jarius’s Daughter, Sara, Leah, Esther, the woman at the well, just to name a few and all of the unnamed women who have helped shape life.
You, my sister are one of those women who have helped shape life. Today, count the ways that you love yourself. Tape on your mirror, “I am in love with me.” say it throughout the day for at least 500 times ( yup)! This may prove to be difficult and I understand, but it is not conceited.
If your paper is blank or you find it difficult to say, perhaps the following will give you the shove to think about you differently:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [write something on that paper because the Devil does not get any victory]
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. [ you have confessed your sins, received salvation; you believe in God, now believe God]
We love because he first loved us [ you are worthy of love and let it begin within]
Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.” [Do you love others?]
When is the last time that you hugged yourself and gave you a kiss of love – Try it!!
Rev Jacki
