Unity Like Love Must Be Taught

Unity, Like Love, Must Be Taught
By Calvin T. Mann

As we enter the month of February, Love is in the air. In spite of Covid impacting babies and marriages we
continue to press forward toward a greater goal that unites us. The intention of Love and unity is back in
the leadership of our county. The former administration could have used Love to save the people and the
country. But instead chose disconnectedness and separation. Causing a crisis across the many
demographics of people during a time when love and unity was needed most.
Even during our darkest most challenging times, Love was seen. We have seen couples in the hospital lying
next to each other singing and holding hands as they endured the physical and mental hardship of this
crisis. Even in hospitals the medical team comes together not just for work but for a greater way to love
and help others get through some of our toughest times we’ve seen in this decade. They survived and
helped other do the same by using love to endure. Love has shown our resilience. How we can come back
from such an intense and disproportionate reaping.
As with any storm, there is a brighter side of our struggle that shows us that in time love will find a way. In
these last year’s especially 2020, I saw love on a two-way street! I mean so much is being seen when it
comes to expressions of love. Let’s take flowers for example. In 2020, I saw more men than I ever have
buying flowers for people they love. In spite of this crisis, people were dating and finding love in midst of
the storm. On my Facebook timeline, in 2020 I saw at least 20 new marriages and the baby-making
business is still booming!
As I think of how love finds its way, I am reminded of this love story of timing, crisis, and long-time friends.
This story is about two friends who for years did not see each other in a dating way. In fact, all they knew
was their friendship and the relationship to their work of purpose. One day, seemingly out of the blue, the
man would get a call from her after 4 years of very limited contact. Shocked because he had not heard
from her he was excited to hear her voice. He knew from their conversation, that something had changed;
it was more intimate than before. Deep inside he always thought she would be a good catch just not for
him. They set up a time to meet and talk about what was new and how each other had been face to face.
He anticipated meeting her and suddenly that time had come. She expressed that she wanted more than
just his friendship but recognized that he was down and going through quite a bit. They decided after
talking at the dinner to just be friends. Although they both wanted more decided it was just bad timing.
Months would go by, she would help him when he needed some cheering up or a friend to talk to. She
could see he was hurting from the loss of his family and he was most distraught by the separation from his
children. In her eyes this was painful to see. One day while they were sharing time, she would ask him for
a kiss and knowing his state of mind he said no. More time would go by, then he would ask her and she
would say no.
People looking in on their friendship thought they were dating but instead they were supporting each other
with love and respect. Many years would pass but they treated each other kindly. Finally, there was a
moment that things changed. It happened on an evening walk with a nice breeze, they decided to hold
hands as they walked. There was a powerful energy present in their touch and that’s when they turned
and kissed for the first time! It was magic for them both. And so began their movement toward Love.
In spite of the “beat ups” from their past love found its way. I learned that many of us may never have that
shot toward your dreams and goals when or how we expect them yet we are not alone. There is always
someone watching, praying and waiting for love to grow. But are we wise enough to nurture it without
force and in our truth? Often, timing works for us and not against us. We have to begin cleaning, healing
and removing our bad habits and old hurts for relationships that need to be right so that they can have a
healthy start. Can you imagine where we all could be today, if we worked on ourselves and let love find its
way? Stay tuned as we pray and fast for changes that only the work of Love in the restoration of family can