love

*originally posted 7/1/10

simply that. love.
nothing more. nothing less.

why?
because i must.
because i’m told to.
because this life isn’t mine.

who?
just take a look around.
just wait and see who comes around the next corner.
just open your eyes.

how?
stop the judgmental glances.
stop the stereotyping and clicking.
stop putting yourself first all the time.

dare to be crazy.
believe that there is actually good in a person.
believe that he or she can love you back.
believe in a story that’s bigger then yourself.

be.
be who you are and nothing more. nothing less.
be contagious.
be completely and utterly devoted.

let go.
free to feel.
free to make mistakes.
free to free people.

don’t. you heard me. don’t
don’t give up on people.
don’t give into the lie that people can’t change.
don’t give into the lie that you can’t change.

take comfort.
you’re not alone in this war.
you’re the closest thing this world has to heaven on earth.
you’re His vessel.

live.
die to yourself.
die to your ways.
die to your fears.

weakness. not in Him.
together we find strength.
together this is no longer just a dream.
together anything is possible.

simply that. love.
nothing more. nothing less.

I wrote this love manifesto in the Spring of 2009 for my design fundamental class. We were asked to create a piece of artwork on a topic that we were passionate about and attempt to make a piece that would bring about social change. I chose to create a piece that would challenge the viewer to love people. And its this challenge of loving people that has overwhelmed me this summer.

Since the youth got out of school 2 and 1/2 weeks ago, the summer has been crazy busy. Our church has already had vacation bible school. My youth helped lead games throughout the week and finished the weekend off with a camping trip to Dan River Campground in Stoneville, NC. Although it was extremely hot and we were without electricity, we had an amazing time. Friday evening we were able to hangout by the pool, play some games, roast marshmellows over a fire, and finish out the night with a time of worship. After a long night, we woke up and had a wonderful eggs and bacon breakfast made by my wonderful daddy. We then loaded up and spent 2 hours tubing down the Dan River. The weather was perfect and the water felt glorious. I had an amazing time and the youth really seemed to enjoy it.

This coming Monday, me and 2 of my youth will be headed down the road to participate in a local World Changers project here in Rockingham County. With the project being completely full with some 310 participants, I’m so very excited to see what the God of this city is going to do through the hundreds of youth and adults that He is bringing together for a week. Please be in prayer for all of the participants, for the weather, for safety, and that His name would be made great through us.

I can’t believe it is already July. This summer is flying by and I’m not so sure that I’ve been able to keep up. Tonight is one of those nights that I wish I could turn off my brain for a few hours to get some sleep but sleep isn’t coming anytime soon. It has always been a weakness of mine to ask family and friends to pray for me but yeah…I’m trying to do better. First, I would ask that you would pray for my relationship with my youth. I only have five more weeks with them and that scares me for some reason. In the short amount of time I have been here, I’ve fallen in love with them. I want so much for them. I want them to know what I know about God from having a relationship with Him. I want them to know His amazing love. I want them to know His comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. I want them to know His grace. I want them to look and see Him. I want them to love and be loved. The list goes on.

Second, please pray for my relationship with God. That I would continue to run and chase after Him. That I would continue to stay in His Word. That I would get me, myself, and I out of the way of what He is doing here. That I would feel His strength in my weaknesses.

Third, please pray for my health. I have been struggling the past couple of months with stomach issues, migraines, and dizziness. Last week when I went to the doctor, they did blood work and everything came back normal (praise God). I have an appointment with a GI doctor tomorrow and hopefully I’ll get some answers. I’ve been told that I will most likely have to get a colonoscopy done soon. Please pray that God would give the doctors the wisdom they need and for answers because I’m desperate for them. Pray that I would make it an hourly decision to give over the weight of this world that I find myself continuing to put on myself and give it to God. Pray that I would know a rest that doesn’t come from sleep but from God.

Finally, please pray that I would continue to learn what it means to love people as I continue what has already become an unforgettable summer.

Thanks for reading and please let me know if there is anything I can be praying about with you.

Love,

Morgan