Together We Are an Ocean: Not Easily Broken

Individually we are one drop, together, we are an ocean

~ Ryunosuke Satoro

A Mother's Courage: The Mary Thomas Story, stars Alfre Woodard as the mother of NBA ball player Isiah Thomas, and gives an inside look at the early life of the former Detroit Piston, but also shares the remarkable story of his mother, whose courage and determination is highlighted throughout the movie as she raises her children as a single parent in a neighborhood thriving with gangs and gang activity.

One of the scenes takes place in the family's home, as Mary Thomas calls all of her children to gather around the dining room table. She had just argued with their oldest brother and he walked out of the house, to go back into the streets to live. As the children, including a young Isiah Thomas, collected themselves at the table she handed each one of them a single matchstick, and then asked each of them to break it in half. 

Not knowing why she would ask them to do such a silly thing, each child did as they were told and broke the stick in half with ease. Then Mary Thomas took ten matches from the box and held them together in her hand, and no matter how hard she tried, she simply could not break all the matches at the same time. She then proceeded to teach her childen the valuable lesson about standing together as one.

This lesson also brings to mind one of my favorite scriptures from the bible, Ecclesiastes 4:12. Even though one of us alone can be overpowered, two of us together can defend ourselves better. "A cord of three strands is no easily broken".

This concept was even the basis for the movie titled Not Easily Broken, which focuses on the ideal that marriage is not just a union of two souls but the divine connection of the husband, wife and their God.

Keep on learning, loving, and living people. And if you find yourself alone, remember your God is always with you and He has something in store for you so great, it's well worth the wait. This journey was not meant to be travelled alone.

"I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love."

~ Mahatma Gandhi

On Being In Love: The Definition of Love

Have you ever been in love? I mean really been "in LOVE"? Now, let me ask you this? What is your definition of love?  I have learned in my life that there is more than one definition. 

In the Greek language there are several words used to describe love and they have very different meanings. Our English word "erotica" comes from the Greek word "eros", which is a more physical, sexual feeling of love. Eros is an emotional love. The energy and feelings you experience during physical intimacy create a bond based on the "good vibrations", which feel good to you, and therefore you love, or desire the person. Then there is the reciprocal form of love, described by the Greek word "phileo". In the book of Revelations the church of Philidelpha is known for its brotherly love. A love to be experienced among all mankind. There is no sexual desire attached to this form of love. It simply means if you love me, I love you. Treat people the way you want to be treated. (Sidenote: the word philosophy comes from two Greek words which mean love of wisdom)

Another word used to describe love in the Greek language is "agape". It is my belief that this is the most meaningful form of love. Anyone can have an "eros" or "phileo" love. Relationships based on physical attractions require the emotional connection experienced in moments of intimacy, and cannot sustain without them. And brotherly love is easily obtained, but it still requires the exchange of mutual benefits, similar to the "you scratch my back, I scratch yours" mentality. However, agape love requires absolutely nothing in return. Its only purpose is to give. There are no conditions required to sustain the "love".

A more familiar definition of the word love, and in my opinion a true reflection of agape love, can be found in scripture, specifically "I Corinthians 13:3-5". The version below is from the NIV Bible, although there are several others versions you may be more familiar with, depending on what bible you read from.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."

This is exactly what I believe is the best description of true agape love. Each and every one of us will experience in our lifetime both eros and phileo love, because those are the types of love that our physical self is searching for. It is what our mind seeks out to satisfy it's physical cravings. But I believe that agape love is experienced at a more spiritual level. I don't believe we choose to love someone with an agape love, in fact I believe our inner spirit decides that for us and we simply get to experience it.

When two lovers are experiencing an agape love, its as if their souls unite in a harmonious union. We all have the ability to experience agape love, but it cannot be forced, rather it is the force that unites the two and allows them the opportunity to share love from within, as it was their destiny to do so.

"The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along." 

~ Maulana Jalalu'ddin Rumi

Now let me ask you again, have you ever been "in love"? My personal answer is, "no". I have been "in lust" (eros), and I "have a love" for all mankind (phileo), but I can't be, and don't really want to be "in love". Rather, real love, true love, agape love is "in" me!