A Women’s Version of the Love Chapter

If  I can sort laundry, talk on the phone, cook dinner and help my child with homework at the same time, but have not love, I’m only an efficient housekeeper multi-tasker.

If I exercise three times a week, prepare healthy meals, drink 8 glasses of water a day and wear a perfect size small, but have not love, I’m only as real as a Barbie doll.

If I give my husband great sex, buy Victoria Secret underwear and wear his favorite perfume, but have not love, I’m only a plaything that will wear out.

If I give all my blankets to the poor, serve Thanksgiving dinner at a homeless shelter, and raise money for endangered animals, but have not love, I still haven’t given.

If I march against abortion, write my congressman concerning moral issues and go to church every Sunday, but have not love, I am nothing but a complainer with a megaphone.

If I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and make him never forget he’s my man, but have not love, I am nothing but a catchy perfume commercial.

If I rid myself of cellulite, wrinkles and unwanted hair but have not love, I am nothing but a self-absorbed you know what.

If I play the piano with great skill, speak with eloquence, and have a beautifully decorated home but have not love, none of it really matters. Who wants to listen or hang around?

God is love. Love is having Jesus in my heart. His love gives me victory when the chips are down. His love gives me patience when the babies are crying, the sink is full of dirty dishes, the dog is barking and the cat is throwing up. His love makes me want to change myself rather than change my husband. His love makes me a lover of the truth and pursue holiness. His love enables me to forgive those who hurt, snub, and betray. His love is strong when I am weak, rich when I am poor and sufficient when I am spent. Without love, I am nothing. With Him, I am full.