The Greatest Love

The sudden and sad passing of singer Whitney Houston reminded me of her first hit song in 1985 “The Greatest Love.”  The point of the song was “learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.”   The song was about self-esteem that carries us through hard times in life.  On this Valentine’s Day 2012 I would suggest that learning to love yourself is often a challenge for us.  The Bible teaches that we are to love our neighbor as our self.  That almost assumes that love of self is unquestionable.  But, is it?  Many people spend their lives feeling unworthy, not-good-enough, or unlovable.

                

The source of true love is God.  God is our creator and giver of every good gift.  As we experience the unconditional love of God we are able to truly love ourselves and others too.  We can help people love themselves by demonstrating the love of God in big and small ways.  We become mirrors of God’s image in every act of kindness and justice.  

Thanks to Bishop Lyght

I am very appreciative of the ministry of Bishop Lyght as a bishop of the Northeast Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.  In December of this past year he chose to retire early for health reasons. His formal retirement will be celebrated at the NEJ meeting in July 2012 in Charleston, WV, where he has served as the bishop for the past 8 years.  He is doing well and residing in New Jersey along with his wife, Eleanor.  The Peninsula Delaware Conference is proud that he grew up in Princess Anne where his father was the pastor.  Many in both Eastern Pennsylvania and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences have had associations with him through the years of his distinguished leadership among us.  He also was the bishop of the New York Annual Conference for 8 years and gave important leadership to the nation during the 9/11 terrorist attack.

               

Bishop Lyght was the bishop who presided over my consecration as a bishop in July of 2008 just after my election.  I felt that his prayers for me were especially meaningful as I launched out on this new ministry.  Please take the time to view the YouTube presentation that is included in this blog that expresses in his own words Bishop Lyght’s insights on ministry and mission in the United Methodist Church.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPNT7rkwJ4o&feature=youtu.be

Follow his good advice and we will truly be doing ministry that reflects the heart of Christ.

               

Thank God for Bishop Lyght.  He has and will continue to be a light for us all.