“Friend, I read your blog. And it broke my heart. Because while it deeply saddens me to know that such cruelty and betrayal of love resides in this dark, cruel world, I believe that there is a slimmer of hope: love. To me, love gets me through the day. Love has kept me alive. Love gives me reason to keep breathing. You don’t have to believe me, and I’m not trying to force anything upon you. But if you don’t mind, I would love to give you reasons why I believe in love. You listed 36 reasons why you don’t, so I’m going to give you 36 reasons why I do.
It's because my brother wants to give me a hug every morning.
Because my dad bought my mom her favorite flowers on their anniversary.
Because my dad bought me flowers on Valentine's Day.
Because my friend told me that I'm beautiful, and meant it.
Because my parents have been married 21 years, and are best friends.
Because the sun rises every morning.
Because people tell the truth.
Because I know a couple who has been married for forever.
Because people care enough to pray for me.
Because my friend wouldn't let me out of a bear hug until I told him what was wrong.
Because I've seen the way my Mom looks at my Dad.
Because I believe that love is more than having a physical relationship.
Because I have friends who have stayed by my side since second grade.
Because my dogs wag their tails every time they see me.
Because my best friend has never missed one of my shows.
Because I have had someone wipe my tears.
Because my dad decorates my lunch sack every day.
Because our school celebrated kindness.
Because I know people who have traveled to Africa and fed the needy, built schools, and gave water to the thirsty.
Because I have traveled with my youth group to feed the homeless.
Because I know families who have family members who have fought and died for our freedom.
Because a friend cheered me up when I thought I was nothing.
Because I believe that teachers teach not because of a paycheck, but because they care about us as students.
Because my friend told me to get home safely.
Because my mom gave me the last black olive. (they're revered at my house.)
Because my brother gave me his last drink of Dr. Pepper.
Because it's the little things that count.
Because my mom decided to pick us up early - just for fun.
Because my friends care enough to tell me when I mess up.
Because I have friends that stick by me like family.
Because Someone looked at this world and thought, the world needs a Mary.
Because Someone looked at this world and thought, the world needs a you.
Because Someone cares enough about the world to die to save it.
Because Someone thought that our paths needed to cross.
Because of the people I yell at when I'm stressed are the people who will never leave me.
Because people stood by me when my dad's blood sugar crashed and we had to call the ambulance.
Because my mom loves me more than herself - even when she had breast cancer.
Because I know ladies who care for me like their own children.
Because I've come up with 38 reasons, and I could come up with a hundred more.
Now I’m not saying that my life is perfect, or that I’ve never experienced what it feels like to have love betray you, because I have. I’ve had friends leave, crushes dissipate, and hopes shattered. The world is awful. I know. I know you know that I’m a Christian. As a Christian, I believe that love is the force that makes the world have a little bit of good in it. Love is what allows you to be best friends with your best friend. Love is what keeps us all alive. I believe that love is even greater than hope. I believe that God loves me, and you, so much that he sent His Son to die the most painful death that has ever been created so that we might be free and live. He loves us enough to think that the world needs one of us. He loves us enough that He gave us the ability to choose whether or not to follow Him, to believe in Him, to love Him back. I can’t make you believe in love. And I’m not trying to. I simply wanted to explain to you why I believe in love, and where I see love every day. I simply hope that one day, you will see love. And it might not last, but I hope you see love in a sunrise, or your best friend’s smile, or when someone sends a sweet text on your birthday. I strive to show the love of God through my life because without Him, there would be no love at all. I’m praying that some love finds its way into your life. Love you, sweet friend.”
I know this was long, but both my friend and I feel it’s something that needed to be shared. As I write this, I pray that everyone who reads it will feel the love that is all around them. “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13