Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Some people are hard to love. Maybe it’s a teenager who you love deeply, but it’s hard to like her when she’s spewing drama. I remember telling my daughter, “I love you, but I hate the way you’re acting right now,” and “Please lower your volume. I can’t hear you when you’re yelling.”
It’s even harder to love the haters, the racists, the ones who intentionally do harm. But Matthew 5:44 says to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you. Now, I know I’m not persecuted. Not really. But it’s still hard to love the haters. I can pray for them, but love them? How do I do that?
Can I say, I love you as part of humanity, because you are created by God. Can I ask, Could we try to listen to each other with respect?
I have no way of knowing if that would work. And to be honest, I’m not too keen on putting myself in situations where hate is strong. I’d much rather avoid conflict altogether, though sometimes I’ve pushed past the fear.
My heart goes out to the family of Heather Heyer who was killed when she stood against hate in Charlottesville, Virginia. They had no way of knowing her life would be cut short by an act of violence. It’s hard to know when and how to make a stand – when to push past the fear and when to love people from a distance.
In Trust the Timing, I considered it a victory when I finally learned I could just walk away from toxic relationships that would have killed me slowly if I had stayed in them.
But I don’t want to walk away from my country. I love my country in spite of it’s flaws and with all our different kinds of people. But I have to admit, I find myself fearing the actions and beliefs of some of those people.
“Grief unprocessed becomes bitterness, resentment, and unharnessed fury. Grief processed becomes an unstoppable force of compassion, empathy, and love. __Allison Fallon
I have no plans to go into places where hate is strong.
and more about what I stand for.
What if that could happen in our country? In our world?
…
On a side note, please hop over to Linda’s blog and vote for this year’s SOC Badge. My entry is the “Sparkly Stream.”
Click here: https://lindaghill.com/2017/08/17/vote-here-for-the-4th-annual-socs-badge-contest-winner/
August 17, 2017 at 12:00 pm
I agree praying is easy, but loving is hard. They don’t know better, I suppose. I also agree that for me, the Southern Poverty Law Center sounds right, and I’m not about to risk life or limb in such situations, because we should flee from situations in which violence is likely, as violence begets more violence. I appreciate the sentiment of Heather Heyer’s mother, in wanting her child’s death to count for something, but there are just too many deaths. The loss of anyone’s life in this way is heartbreaking. I commend the bravery of those who would go in protest, against those who wish to eradicate others, but I’m not one of them. I further agree that we should stay positive, and expect positive outcomes, and post uplifting blogs, photos, comments. There are many people who thrive on turmoil, plenty of sites dedicated to that. I do my best to give people a smile or a laugh because that’s what we need more of.
Very much share your sentiments today.
August 17, 2017 at 12:09 pm
Well said! Thank you, Joey. I hope we can find more creative strategies for the sake of safety.
August 17, 2017 at 1:01 pm
JoAnna, this is so articulate and well thought out. You know that I too believe only love can conquer hate. I too believe that hurt and fear motivates the haters to hate. I would add to that, shame. I too, don’t go looking to find a place of hate and undo oit, but like you, if it comes walking down my street, I’ll try to love it out of existence. You are an inspiration with your blog, a very positive influence on those who follow you, including me. Big hugs!
August 17, 2017 at 10:17 pm
Thank you, Deb. I worked on this post quite a bit, trying to find the right words to share what’s in my heart. Your affirmation means more than you know. Being positive is not always easy, but it’s our best hope.
August 20, 2017 at 8:31 am
Love is stronger than hate JoAnna, and ultimately Love conquers.. Another way to view the haters, is that they are there to help show us how to love.. For without the opposites we would not experience the other, Love, Hate, Good,Bad, Light,Dark.. Sending them LOVE is hard, but it is far better than joining in that emotion of hating them. For we then are only adding that same energy into the Matrix..
I agree with ( Learning to live like Water ).. Obviously another wise lady like your good self. who is learning to go with the flow.. And loved how Deb said.. ” Ill try to Love it out of existence ” Brilliant..
A well written post JoAnna.. apologies I have not been as regular a visitor of late.. But we have been busy with life.. living and loving.. Mega hugs your way.. I so appreciate you. 🙂
August 20, 2017 at 6:37 pm
“Another way to view the haters, is that they are there to help show us how to love.” That’s one I want to remember. It’s a stretch, but it can be done. No apologies needed, Sue. I completely understand. Living and loving take priority. (I’m often one of the last to comment on your posts.) We get there when the time is right. Mega hugs coming your way beautiful soul. ❤
August 21, 2017 at 7:07 am
🙂 Exactly and what is TIME anyways lol.. LOVE and Mega hugs back JoAnna. xx
August 21, 2017 at 11:41 am
❤ Mega Hugs. 🙂
February 17, 2018 at 4:55 pm
I think we are supposed to love our enemies, love the unlovable and care for those who are mentally unstable. Many haters have faced Hate. Many downtrodden have hate due to being oppressed. I feel trying to understand is helpful. Saying I have empathy is my way of showing love and holding on to hope. ❤️ 🌈 🕊️
February 17, 2018 at 10:47 pm
Thank you for this insight, Robin. Empathy helps a lot. It’s the least we can do for hope.