Two pieces of information really struck me in chapter 6, Love. First, I was thoroughly impressed that the author included a quote from the book Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom (1997). I feel this book is arguably one of the best of the recent books depicting the complexities of a "love" relationship. The character Morrie Schwartz embodies the ultimate ideas of love. He is kind, loving, passionate and has a contagious sense of humor that transcends from the current moment to far into the future. His love for life had a deep impact on everyone he met, including the readers of this famous book. I used this book to teach 11th graders when I was doing a student teaching experience several years ago. One student actually said "This was the first time I read a whole book." That simple quote told me how powerful this book truly is. It's one that everyone should read.
Our authors were very thoughtful to include Albom's work. Unconditional love involves loving one through every possible outcome. For example, in Tuesdays With Morrie, the author sees Morrie in some pretty compromising states, especially while Morrie is in the hosptial. Morrie slowly begins to lose control of his basic human functions and the author can see beyond that. That is true love. The ability to see through another's darkest moments. Our text also uses the term "authentic love" to describe this kind of deep love in which love enhances us and those we love (Corey 2006) It seems that most people crave this kind of love more than anything in life and we are lucky if we can find it.
I was also very happy that our text included a reference to Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most notable saints of love. The prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi embodies everything that true love should be. I am convinced that if everyone truly lived the words of this prayer we would live in a perfect world. One of the most notable lines of the prayer "Where there is hatred, let me sow love" My parents taught me to live this way and I have always sought to do so. My father has written several articles on Saint Francis of Assisi. My father noted that Saint Francis of Assisi also regarded animals as his "brothers and sisters" and "part of God's family." My father loves animals and deeply respects all living things to the point where he will not consume any meat. Authors Patterson and Dalton (2011) beautifully illustrate the power of the prayer in their own version "We come to sing a song of praise to you. O'God. the Lord of Heaven and Earth who by your power and out of your love have created all things and called them good." The love of Saint Francis of Assisi can be used a guidebook for living life, no matter what religion one may practice. Love and kindness is the ultimate way of living.
Corey, G. & Corey, M.S. (2008). I never knew I had a choice: Exploration in personal growth (9th Edition) Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole
Patterson, K. & Dalton, P. (2011) Brother, sun, sister, moon: Saint Francis of Assisi's canticle of the creatures. San Francisco, CA: Minna Murra.
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