Love is Love is Love

This weekend’s tragedy in Orlando has me heartbroken. Yes, for the LGBT community, and also for our country. The reality is that this week Americans were targeted for being gay; in the past months it has been Christians, next time it could be a synagogue or any public place for that matter. The common denominator is, we are all Americans. America, the land of the Free, the home of The Brave, is under attack. We must stand together! We are a great country because of our diversity not despite it.

I am reminded of the few weeks following 9/11 and the helplessness we felt as a country. I also recall every home raising our flag. American flag manufacturers could not keep up with the demand and stores couldn’t keep them on the shelves. One day I was driving down the highway in Fort Worth and noticed a building off to the right that had a line of people out the front door and down the parking lot. As I passed I realized they were selling American flags. I took the next exit and turned around to join them in line. The group of people were a great representation of our country. There were men and women of many races, all with one thing in common, we wanted to show our love for America. We cannot let hate continue to divide us.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. ‘The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ‘There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12 30-31

“Love your neighbor”, Jesus did not add “if they look like you and agree with you.” he just said to love them. So simple but it can seem so difficult.

“Love your neighbor.” We are so blessed to live in a country where we are free to speak and free to worship. We cannot let evil win. We have to stand together as Americans.

“Love is Love is Love” Lin-Manuel Miranda, Star of Hamilton

“Above all, love each other deeply.” 1 Peter 4:8