Words to Live By.

Today I am reflecting on these words:

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples; that you have love for one another."

~ John 13:35

::Sigh::

This is actually my most favorite of my two favorite scriptures in the entire bible. No matter what version. It always sounds beautiful and perfect and has become a mantra that I tell my boys and myself often.

My other favorite one is this:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts."

~ Psalm 139:23

Here's the thing--it doesn't matter what religion or spiritual path you follow. To me, these words are meaningful and serve as a beautiful guide on a path to authenticity regardless of in whom or what you believe.

The first verse is so perfect in it's simplicity. How will people know who you are and what you represent? Not by what you say. Not by how much money you have. Not by how fancy you dress. Get it? Your "story" is tied up in the way you love. Judgement, mean spiritedness, and narrow views send a mighty message that no amount of straight-laced-ness can camouflage. You can be in church every Sunday, have perfect attendance at your mosque, or keep the sabbath without fail. If you can't figure out how to love--I mean really love--no one will see the light in you. No matter where you think that light comes from.

Get it?

To me, Psalm 139:23 is about "the real you." Kind of like "you can run but you can't hide" from who you really are. (Don't we all feel like running and hiding from ourselves sometimes?) I feel slightly scared when I read it. Search me? Know my heart? Yikes. It's like inviting a spiritual pat-down.

More than anything, it reminds me of how glad I am for grace and mercy. The same God who knows the wrinkled and crinkled me, and who has both tried me and known even my most unkind thoughts, accepts me and loves me anyway.

::Sigh::

Knowing who people are and realizing their shortcomings. . . . .but loving them anyway? Letting love, not piety, be your calling card?

Yeah, man. That's what I'm talking about.

Listen. I'm not there yet. Not even close. But I'm trying, man. These words ground me and get me back on track. As a doctor, as a wife, as a mother, as a friend, as a sister, as a daughter, as an individual. In all these roles, I just hope to eventually have the me on the outside mirror the me on the inside.

I'll let you know how it goes. . . . .

***

What words inspire you?