L❤️VE ... and other stronger things
The only thing stronger than hate is L❤️VE...Is that really true?
I am a Seahawks fan! Yep! GO HAWKS! And, yep. ALL CAPS!!!
As my dear departed dad used to say, "There are two times of the year, Jacks, Football, and Waitin-for-Football." Good Lord, that man was right. He had no sons, so I became his football buddy. Every season was remarkable. Back then, my dad was my person. We watched games in the stands, on TV, and then in the off-season, we talked football while waiting for the next season to begin. And, seriously, lucky me.
The family football tradition lives on with my son and I, now. So, naturally we were ALL IN to watch the Hawks play the Patriots on TV with about 130 million of our closest friends! Part of the Superbowl experience, of course, included Bad Bunny's halftime show. For me, I feel like his performance represents a new era in American music. Years from now, I think we will consider Bad Bunny like we did the Beatles or Elvis Presley when each first appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.
During his performance, a sign in the stadium flashed a message. At the end of his show, he carried a football and showed it to to the camera. Both read: The Only Thing Stronger than Hate is Love.
Since we have now officially entered what my dad would call the Dark Times (well, at least until pitchers and catchers report) I've had some time on my hands, so I've thought about that message for days. Is that true? Is there only one thing stronger than hate?
Thankfully, no.
There are lots and lots of things stronger than hate.
These are those things that fill us with such joy and a sense of purpose that we put down our cell phones (gasp!) and get so engaged we lose track of time. These things make us feel like we are rich beyond measure, with ample time and resources, because we love them so much.
Most of you know what I’m talking about, the things that are stronger than hate include sharing a great laugh with a friend. Sitting on a beach, a park bench or maybe a commuter bus and savoring a sunset that’s happening right in front of you. When you wake to see your sweetheart open their eyes in the morning, the feeling is stronger than anything. Every single one of your five senses (and maybe a few we haven’t officially named yet) are full. The peace of watching your cat, dog, parakeet, a cow, or even a brand-new baby horse frolic for the very first time – and knowing you helped create a safe and peaceful play space.
Joy is far stronger than hate. We have all (or at least I hope you have experienced) the feeling of absolute joy when dancing and belting out your favorite song at a concert or in your bedroom holding a hairbrush microphone. So, too, is the confidence found by encouraging someone, being encouraged by someone, helping another person. Your heart is full when you are inspired by a story and emerge with fresh insight.
The courage of scaling a mountain or learning to speak in front of an audience – that is also stronger than hate. Conquering the scale, walking a mile just because you can, and finally breathing easy because you’re healthy, it’s also stronger because it chases away all the feelings that lead to hate. The compassion of helping a person less fortunate, knowing that the person pulled themselves up by the bootstraps because you offered them the boots. Flat out, compassion is stronger than hate.
L❤️VE makes so many things stronger than hate
That's true. Love makes so many things stronger than blame, anger, boredom, fear, jealousy, cynicism, ennui and the malingering sense of shame that fosters hate. Every time we do things that make us happy, feel joyful, gain confidence, courage and compassion, and the insight to propel us forward. Those things are ALL greater than hate. But it is also true they all come back to love. Mother Teresa said that "We cannot all do great things. But we can do small things with great love."
Love spawns so many things that are stronger than hate. Right now, and every day going forward, I choose to make them verbs and do them in active tense. It’s a promise to myself. We can do all these things with great love as often as possible.
I L❤️VE that!
