Monday, March 31, 2014

Love, A World Language

When you travel the world you realize how small it is.  Throughout your journey you will come to know that our sufferings and our delights are very much alike.  I have learned that a smile can tumble any wall of insecurity. In your travels you will learn that although our challenges may be different our ability to overcome challenging circumstances define who we are.  Just a few weeks ago I had the privilege to spend a few days in Istanbul.  I didn’t know the language; I was not proficient in their customs or religion but I knew a language that would transcend our differences, love.  Everywhere I went I carried a weapon that could disarm the fiercest character or the lowliest temperament.  I walked into the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered streets and over 3,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.  I looked into the eyes of each vendor and imagined to myself, their families.  I wondered to myself, what was their life journey like?  I purposefully locked eyes and gifted them a smile, the only thing I had to offer.  I prayed for each one of them in my own heart.  I knew that the best gift I could give them was a message of encouragement through eyes of love.  The bible says, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love." (John 15:9)
As you travel through your day’s journey, whether it is in your community or around the world remember you are a carrier of life or death.  Your words can encourage or your eyes can condemn.  Just as we have received God’s love despite what we have done.  Give the gift of love to everyone you encounter, just smile.


©Rosalinda Rivera. All Rights Reserved 2014.