Is Love Enough?
Pierce and Abbey Lane
How do you capture a portion of a book that tells such a comprehensive story? Well, you write about the subject that you are most interested in, drawn to. For me, it was a choice between two, The Apocalypse and Love. I know that sounds strange, well maybe not so strange given the times that we are in. Yet, admittedly, it caused me to pause also. I decided that the chapter on love was probably the safest to focus on. I was so excited to find that the chapter on “Love” began with Abbey Lane. It brought a smile to my face as I was reminded of a sweet picture of my son (in the purple shirt) and his buddies on Abbey Lane, recreating the famous Beatles picture. I have shared it with you for context. I hope it makes you smile also.
The “Love” Chapter takes us on a journey through some of the most pivotal events that have challenged not only the western world but the rest of the world. Beginning with the Beatles and the “Love Era” and the Civil Rights Movement, Holland writes about how influential figures focused on love as a way to unite a divided world.
The Cost of Love
I was most interested in the cost of focusing on love in turbulent times. Holland writes about specifically how this impacted The Beatles and Martin Luther King Jr both who spread the importance of love and paid a great price for it. Holland says, “How, then, could love be enough? The Beatles – although roundly mocked for their message – were not alone in believing that it might be possible.[1]” He then explains, “A decade earlier, in the depths of the American South, a Baptist Pastor named Martin Luther King had pondered what Christ had meant by urging his followers to love their enemies.”[2] I wonder did they understand what it would cost them. Holland indicates that Dr. King understood what it cost to speak of the teachings of Christ and the importance of love. He says, “He knew that it cost a man to bear witness to the word of God.[3] Dr. King set a high bar for leaning into to love when hate is so prevalent. Appealing to Christians King declared that Jesus was an extremist for love. King “appealed to the example of his Saviour. Laws that sanctioned the hatred and persecution of one race by another he declared, were laws that Christ himself would have broken.”[4] Where is the connection lost? If our Lord and Savior was an extremist for love, how can we as Christians hate one another. How can we be Christians and move away from the way Christ showed us how to love? I ‘d like to believe that there is still hope for a return to love and respect. Holland shares this about former President Goerge W. Bush, “asked while still a candidate for the presidency to name his favourite thinker, he had answered unhesitatingly:” Christ, because he changed my heart”[5]. I believe that this is possible for everyone, I believe that Christ can change the heart of the hardest to reach. I believe that Christ can help us return to love. I have to cling to this in these times where hope is fading, and evil seems to be prevailing.
Let Me Take A Moment
Here we are, our last book and my last post. I feel ready for it to finish yet unprepared for not meeting with you all weekly. It has been one of the most remarkable experiences of my life that has challenged me in areas that I did not realize that I needed to examine or consider an unfamiliar perspective. I am grateful for the lifelong connections that we have established and can’t wait to witness the impact that we will have on the world. It has been an honor to travel the world with you all. I will continue to pray for you all and your precious family. I am only a text away, reach out if you need me. Happy writing… see you all in May. Graduation Bound!
[1] Tom Holland, Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind (London, England: Abacus, 2023), 474.
[2] Ibid., 474.
[3] Ibid., 474.
[4] Ibid., 474.
[5] Ibid., 491.
About the Author
Jonita Fair-Payton
6 responses to “Is Love Enough?”
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I too wrote my post thinking, “Well, this is it. Last blog post,” and alternating between celebrating, thinking I’d just write whatever came to mind, trying to “perfect” it, not caring, caring too much, wondering if my brain will shrivel up and die after I finish this doctorate because I will stop learning (I wont stop learning but that is where my mind goes) and finally just posting it. So much drama in my head. 🙂
Oh Kally! I understand…well I overstand! I’m having all sorts of emotions! I must admit…I had not expected to feel this way. My brain absolutely deserves a break.
Hi Jonita.
I enjoyed your post.
You wrote, “I believe that Christ can change the heart of the hardest to reach. I believe that Christ can help us return to love. I have to cling to this in these times where hope is fading, and evil seems to be prevailing.
While impacted by the past, your NPO is focused on the future. A Christian future.
All of our NPOs are HIS work. I believe that we are responding to Satell’s Cascade…creating ripples of change.
On Thursday, I am speaking about immigration (probably to a hostile audience). I hope to lead with scripture (it is a Bible study) and then discuss the personal actions I have taken to contribute to the immigration process. (My NPO is interlinked.)org)
My hope is that my actions will speak louder than words.
I lack the eloquence to convince anyone, but my desire is that my NPO will demonstrate how big problems do start with small solutions.
At the end of it all, I am willing to let them be wrong.
Shalom.
I love this Russell… “big problems do start with small solutions” It is nice to be reminded that our work will impact the future.
Hi Jonita,
The focus on love in turbulent times is indeed costly! Thank you so much for highlighting that and your examples. I am curious where you would have gone if you’d chosen Apocalypse as your theme for the post.
Thanks for all the travel adventures in D.C. I probably wouldn’t have seen so much of the city without you or experienced it in the same way! 🙂
Have a wonderful Christmas!
I would have gone down a rant about the election and end times.
We have had some amazing trave adventures,,,I am looking forward to the next trip.
Merry Christmas, my friend. Safe travels back home!