"I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love. It's time that I realize...."
-Michael Jackson-
Welcome to the month loooooveee. The places my mind often wonders when thinking about February is visions of cupids, conversation hearts, kisses, date nights, chocolate and roses, etc....and many of you are gagging as you are reading already! Yes, our society has driven into our minds these thoughts about February because it holds that special little day known as "Valentine's". I'm actually not a Valentine's hater at all! I know many people will give you their spills about how it only adds to our culture of consumerism, or how it creates an unwelcome awareness of singlehood for those who are flyin' solo on that day. But, I think as believers in the God who says that he is the very essence and being of love, we can respond with a message that's a whole lot deeper than what's in Hallmark's 99 cent V-day cards. (what?! at least that's where I buy mine!)
In 2009 on the actual Valentine's day the Alpha Net participated in what I thought was one of the coolest events of the year, "Project Love". This was where we gathered together as a network and volunteered our time under the 15th street bridge in downtown Augusta. Working alongside our awesome New Hope Bridge ministry team, we practically showed God's love to the homeless, impoverished, and needy in our city. I think more than any kind of impact we made in the lives of those we served that day, God made a huge impact on our hearts. I don't see that this day should solely be set aside for lovers, but can be a day where we live out God's commission for love in a real, life-giving way. God says our main priority as His disciples is to love Him and love others (Luke 10:27). What a simple truth in a world that is so complicated!
Not only is God interested in us knowing to the fullest extent His love for us, but He instructs us to take and do this message to the ends of the Earth. When we know His love on a personal level, we are able to allow this to overflow into the lives of others. I heard a pastor quote IHOP founder Mike Bickle the other day saying, "God's judgement is always aimed at whatever interferes with love." That's such a truthful statement because when we look around at the conditions of our world, of even our own community we see lives ripped apart because they do not understand God's love. Think about the word justice. It simply means to make right what has been wronged. God is so passionate about making things right, He says "God holds the high center, He sees and sets the world's mess right." (Psalm 9:7 the MESSAGE). We know that He did that by sending His son Jesus to be our rescue plan. But so many others do not understand how strongly God's heartbeat is for them. There are people in our city who's lives are ravished because of their own choices for destruction or from the choice's of someone else which created a ripple effect of damage. It is not right for us to sit aside while they roll around in the garbage pile that Satan has laid out before them. We through "the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18) can be the change they need so desperately.
February doesn't just hold Valentine's day for the Alpha Net, but it is the kick-off month of our Embrace Projects! I know you may have heard various things about what this is, but just keep in mind that these small justice projects are hands-on ways for us to get involved with God's plan for bringing love where it is missed. Joyce Meyer in her book Love Revolution says, "indifference makes excuses; love finds a way." Come on Alpha, let's go in the direction of love! No strings attached. We will put legs on the Gospel this month and show Jesus to those in our community and beyond.
-Haley Lamb
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