I doubt many of you have heard or read a governor’s State of the State Address. They are usually grandiose with lists of plans for the coming year. Astoundingly, near the end of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s address in February, he talked about something I rarely hear in political speeches– he talked about love.
Here are some quotes: “I am begging my fellow politicians, my fellow Illinoisans, my fellow Americans to realize that right now in this country we are not fighting over policy or political party. We are fighting over whether we are going to be a civilization rooted in empathy and kindness— or one rooted in cruelty and rage.…
“What you choose to arm yourself with in this fight – love or hate – exposes which side you are fighting on. Only the weakest of people believe that love is the weakest of weapons..
“And it turns out that love actually is all around – and that those who think that cruelty can destroy it, are incapable of understanding the power of a nation moved by it.”
I recently read that love is a new focus at Harvard University . Scholars are researching the science of love. Others at Harvard are exploring how love impacts education, the workplace, friendships and religious communities. And they will be giving us suggestions about creating a life filled with love.
And take Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. House minority leader. He works to put love into action through legislation. For example, he advocates for the right to love through the Respect for Marriage Act. It protects the rights of same-sex and interracial couples. He emphasizes “respect for marriage” is a freedom that protects dignity for all Americans, emphasizing a commitment to equality and community justice.
In my book, Everyone’s A Change Agent: For Better – For Worse, I propose the three most powerful words in any language, any culture, anywhere in the world are “I Love you”!
In my childhood family, “I love you” was never spoken, although we knew we were loved. I find this true of participants in my forums. Rarely was “I love you” overtly expressed in their families. It’s even harder to say “I love you” to a friend. When I do, it changes our relationship. It brings us closer and makes us more caring.
I think saying “I love you,” like any skill, requires practice. The more we say it, the easier it gets.
Bottom Line: I believe LOVE is the universal, creative power in our world. I call that love-power “God” and when I express love, oppose injustice, support justice, do acts of kindness, I am stepping into the universal power of love. I am doing God’s will. I am part of love’s healing energy that is available to each of us.
I believe LOVE is the universal, creative power in our world. I call that love-power “God. ” When I express love, oppose injustice, support justice, do acts of kindness, I am stepping into the universal power of love. I am doing God’s will, love’s will. I am part of the healing energy that is available to all of us.