I have sat in my house and listened. I have sat in my house and cried. I have sat in my house feeling overwhelmed and lonely. I have sat in my house and laughed. I have sat in my house and was brave. I have sat in my house and celebrated. I have sat in my house and ate too much. Lord, help me!

I’m dealing with all the things: Covid is on the rise again here in Texas. Masks, is that our new normal? I miss wearing lipstick! It makes me feel like we’re living in a post-apocalyptic world. I miss hugging my friends, shoot! I miss being with my friends. I’m going to stop there before we’re all sad and eat all the chocolate.

Soooooooo, here is something good!

I came across another word for love besides the famous three: Eros (romantic love), Philia (friend bond), Agape (unconditional God love). It is Storge (empathy bond). Storge is basically the love between a parent and child, a family member, close friends or colleagues. It is a protective, “I want the best for you” kind of love.

I believe we are seeing Storge in action on a global scale right now. We have empathy and caring for our health care and front-line workers; for those sick with Covid; for those isolated away from family; those who are facing anxiety and depression and for the social injustice suffered by our black community. I love how we are leaning in and learning.

Everyone single one of us needs that kind of love. We need to know that someone sees us, hears us and will take the time to be there, whatever that may look like.

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4

It’s OK to be concerned with what you are going through, there’s a lot there to deal with, but we also need to keep in mind what is good for and will benefit our community. If we keep being Belly-Button Focused: just looking out for ourselves and doing what’s best for me, we will not be able to be there for others when they need us.

We need to be there for each other. We need to help carry the hurt, the confusion, the anger, the loss as well as being there for celebrations and successes.

“Your attitude should be the same as that as Christ Jesus…”
Philippians 2:5

What was the attitude Jesus had? He was humble. He came to serve. He came to die for us, so we can be with Him forever. While we are not required to die for the world, like Jesus. We are asked to love and serve those around us. That may require a little dying to what you want to do, or reach out to someone that is uncomfortable and a little scary. I think we can do that!

Part of Storge is about the love of a parent to a child (you don’t have to be a parent to have that kind of love for someone) and protection is a big part of it. You will do anything to care for and protect your kids! You know that ride and die love that makes you move mountains?!?

When we feel that kind of protection over our community, when we can feel their pain and stand by them and when we support and lift up those around us we are living out the best kind of love. The kind of love that sticks and doesn’t run when there’s trouble.

I want to live that kind of love.

So, here’s my challenge for the week. Practice Storge. Be there. Be activley present for someone. Let me know how it goes.

Have an amazing day!! You are seen and loved!

All My Love ~
Jodi xoxo

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