We all create our own definition of the word love. It’s often misused, abused, unappreciated and disrespected. If love was a person he/she would have scars all over their body from repeated murder-suicide attempts and be exhausted from reincarnation.
For those who believe, we were provided with a true definition of love, based on a foundation of sacrifice, unselfishness and forgiveness. 1 Corinthians 13 Apostle Paul teaches us that our spiritual gifts are invaluable without the foundation of love. No matter what translation you use it’s still the same:
Love is patient, kind, rejoices with truth, bears all, believes all, hopes all,
is never ending.
Love is not braggadocios and certainly not competition.
Being of the flesh with distorted views we naturally fail to build and maintain this solid foundation. We may give one part but not the other, why? We are self-serving individuals who only will give to get immediate satisfaction! We want it all and if we can’t get it from one we will snip a piece here, snatch a piece there and schmooze a piece everywhere else. Despite acquiring all these pieces they still don’t create the whole so we continue an unending cycle of piecemeal behavior. We are so caught up in societal greed trying to get as much as we can, and are blurred. When we do have a whole piece we can’t see clearly. Driven by all the wrong things (which seemingly appear to be right) to the point that when our corrective lenses kick in its too late because it’s gone and the damage may be irreparable. What next? Back to the cycle we are most familiar, safe, non-committal and affords us the greatest control… or so we think…piecemeal.
L-O-V-E versus L-U-V … Much like our personalized definition of the word our spelling isn’t any different. From my view the spelling dictates the meaning as well. When you are involved with a person and he/she writes ‘luv you’ or ‘luv always’ does it have the same effect as ‘love you’ or ‘love always’?…Look at it… think about it…
Some will argue it’s only the spelling. Really?… Well let’s look at common everyday words: there, they’re, their; hare, here, hear, hair; some, sum; know, no; to, too, two… These words sound the same, spelled differently and clearly have different meanings. So why would anyone think l-u-v means the same as l-o-v-e?
L-U-V is the safe word. Used for acquaintances and the like. When someone writes this to you it’s an indication of where you stand in that relationship. In rare cases it’s sincere but for most it is what it is: non-committal, arm’s length, you better manage your expectations in that relationship …
L-O-V-E the word of power, commitment, dedication! Used for something or someone that is real to you, doesn’t mean you are real to them, but you are hoping it’s mutual… When we sign a card to our parents, spouse, mate, lover, best friends, children… and spell out love there is no doubt in their mind of your definition… In some cases it will be spelled love but mean luv, goes back to saying what it takes to get what you want… Here we are focusing on the real meaning! That word you read in an email, text, card, note, that will send chills up and down your spine, make your heart flutter, bring a smile of hope to your face if you share the same feeling or it can make those fine hairs stand up on your back because it’s not reciprocal and you need to find a way to manage the situation, run for your life.
When I receive a card I may not remember the verses but I do remember how it’s signed. Recently I received a hand written note, I remember the brightly colored ink it was written in and it was signed L-O-V-E. May mean nothing to you but it meant a lot to me.
I am often a giving and selfless person to a fault, as I call it my blessing and my curse. Negative life experiences have left me with so much baggage yet I am still willing to take that leap of faith… just to end up flat on my face over and over again. Makes me laugh and cry as I write. So far I haven’t given up but I do become weak and disillusioned, however, I believe in the Most High, I know that those who intentionally give bitter fruit will get rotten fruit in return.
Prior to the digital age we gave more thought to words. We knew the value of not only the spoken word but the written as well. So, where has it all that gone? Why we are so emotionally disconnected from one another?
L-O-V-E versus L-U-V. We play on words like we play on one another’s feelings. This one word can make or break a nation so why haven’t we learned to respect its power? Could it be that we don’t respect our selves, relationships or the feelings of others? Is it just a silly game as we masquerade to get the perceived next best thing?… (Did you catch the musical reference to songs performed by Stephanie Mills and George Benson?)…
For me I luv many, and love few. There is no doubt when I present a feeling that it’s real! I don’t need to falsify to gain short term satisfaction when I desire the long term blessings good, honest, sincere love can bring.
The fruit on my tree remains sweet despite the few rotten pieces I have received in between. I am not without fault in the play on words but I have learned. Whether it is in this life or another L-O-V-E will always triumph over L-U-V.
*Inspired by Minister S. Emmanuel Epps’ sermon on “Making a Love Connection” delivered at The Park Avenue Christian Church, August 12, 2012, in addition to the love and luv I have and continue to give/receive..
© Soulmuze 2012
Soulful Storytellers LLC 