A gift I give freely, unconditionally, without expectations,
A lifestyle that forgets self, focusing on the other,
A power that destroys fear and chases out weakness,
A strength with endurance gives unending life,
A grace without rough edges, makes all things beautiful,
A gentleness that can handle the most delicate, fragile creation without damage, like a butterfly on a flower petal.
A vision that sees the good through the bad, finding room for affection,
A hand of comfort, caressing, touching, lifting, building,
An openness that expresses affection, unguarded against vulnerability,
A faithfulness that never tires, even through rejection,
Love. A bloody cross and an empty tomb.
-Roger Deemer, September 21, 1986