September 23, 2020

“Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7

I was doing laundry the other night and as I was folding my daughter’s t-shirt, I read the quote on the front.  It read, “There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people,” by Vincent Van Gogh.  We got this t-shirt for her at a really cool store in Seattle several years ago.  I’ve read the quote on her shirt many, many times. But last night, it totally jumped out at me.

As I sat there and pondered the quote… I couldn’t help but think about the many different people in my life.  We all have those people in our lives who are much easier to love than others.  The ones who are harder to love, we tend to create a more artistic approach on how we show love when it’s difficult.

Whether it’s a close friend who has betrayed my trust, or a family member on the complete opposite side of politics as me – I know my only option is to formulate an artistic approach on how I will continue to love them.

It’s no secret that we are extremely divided as a country these days.  How can you artistically love those who don’t share your same values or beliefs?

– Jamie Williamson, Edmond Campus Dir. of Administration