“Real love is a roof. . . . If I can learn to receive, can I become love that breaks itself open, that pours itself out, and that becomes a roof over another?”- Ann Voskamp
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”- 1 Corinthians 13:7
Ann Voskamp continues Chapter 7 of The Broken Way by stressing the seed of all transformation lies in Christ’s declaration of “NO CONDEMNATION!” Therefore, habits of self-condemnation must be taken to the cross of Jesus- never the court of judgment. As Ann adds, “There is always more grace in Christ than there is guilt in us.”
In 1 Corinthians 13:7, “to bear”- stego in Greek, literally means a thatch roof. Ann expands this concept:
“Love bears all things like a roof bears the wind and the rain, like a roof that bears the burden of lashing storms, brutal heat. Like a bucket poured right out that could make a roof over your head to absorb storms, that gives itself as a container to carry the burdens of others.”
Therefore, the essence of love centers on how much life, not money, someone’s willing to lay down for you. In other words, Ann writes, always continue to make Christ present. Love defines the best use of your hands.
Furthermore, brokenness and givenness stimulate physical reactions. Ms. Voskamp explains:
“The art of being broken and given, of being the gift . . . can continually stimulate the vagus nerve that literally warms up the heart. The gifts of love you give, they literally warm, revive, your heart.”
In conclusion, Ann states, we need not fear speaking our unspoken brokenness or fear feeling like a burden. Real love is a roof.
Today’s question: During your desert, land between time, who’s been a thatch roof for you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Die in the diminutive”
