The Power of Love (Updated and reposted from 2/14/2015)

The Power of Love 

Last night at the store, after a long day with hubby at the doctor, there was a little boy we ran into in Walmart. He fell in love with Lilly (hubby's service animal, yes, she's a cat). The little boy was in tears. When I asked him if he was ok he broke down and cried. He said he was there with grandma, and grandpa normally gets her roses for Valentine's Day but he's in heaven now and this is the first time grandpa won't be able to give her flowers in forty years. He also told me, that since his mommy didn't have a husband, he could only afford to buy one of them roses. He asked me who Lilly and I thought he should buy roses for... since we were girls. 

I introduced his mother and grandma to Lilly and my husband and asked them if they would sit with my husband and Lilly while I quickly grabbed the things we needed and that I would be right back. The young man had already shown me their favorite flowers so I grabbed them and snuck up to the service desk. I explained to the people there what I was doing and they let me purchase the bunch of flowers and arrange them in two sets at the counter. As I walked back to hubby and the family, I motioned to the boy to come over so he could sign their cards. He gave me a huge hug. I told him he had a great-grandpa and his grandma needed the flowers also. 

We walked over to the benches and he proudly presented both his mom and grandmother the flowers. He was a lovely boy and was raised to respect the ladies in his life. The grandmother and I spoke for a while. She needed an ear, yet was so used to being the strong one. It was such a blessing to see a young man care about and treat the ladies in his life with love and respect. 

May we all, as ministers, lead by example. Is there someone around you that you know may be lonely and down with the Hallmark holiday that a quick note or a small "in the budget" gift will uplift their spirits? It doesn't have to be a marriage proposal or even a date. It can be a "just because you are another human being" gesture.

GYPSY - February 13, 2015

I asked Gypsy if I could reprint her post from the Truth Dreamer website for my "Sunday Thought" post for the middle of February 2015. I thought it had relevance for all of us.  She agreed.  Gypsy followed a pagan path and was a fellow interfaith minister.  She and her husband both suffered from various physical and emotional issues due to his military service and her life events.  At times these ailments were debilitating, yet she found the strength and the love to be the person we see in her writing. 

 And my point is what?

It takes so little, from even those in need, to give a little kindness that can make a difference in another's life.  Through her kindness, these ladies see that they do not walk their path alone, there are others out there to lend a hand or an ear.  The sweet young child learned some angels enter our lives in moments of sorrow and need.  I would not be surprised if he were to pay this kindness forward, in his future.

Take a moment out this Sunday, and reach out to another person; to buy a single flower for and elderly woman, whose husband may have passed on, or simply to sit and talk to them for a brief moment.  A "random act of kindness" should always be at the forefront of our thoughts.  It takes so very little, from us, to make a moment greater for others.

Besides, I think a smile is a terrible thing to waste.

“It's that wonderful old-fashioned idea that others come first and you come second. This was the whole ethic by which I was brought up. Others matter more than you do, so 'don't fuss, dear; get on with it'.”

-- Audrey Hepburn

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained in 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com