I am currently reading a series by Lynn H. Blackburn. It is the "Gossamer Falls" series. It is set in North Carolina. It is full of big families, humor, family feuds, and complicated relationships, because real life is messy.
In the series, the patriarchs and matriarchs are respected. The long, deep, lasting relationships go back for generations. Genuine affection is present in how they "deal" with and protect one another. The men are faithful, fierce, and protective. The women are smart and strong. The southern sense of being good neighbors and hospitality runs through each story. Faith is a part of how they manage family, relationships, and community. I love good fiction with vibrant characters.
This was my verse of the day:
"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." -Romans 12:10
In real life, genuine affection is a beautiful thing. It brings people together. It makes communities strong. We can have differences but still have a deep, genuine love for each other. Most families are an example of this every day. So are our work families, church families, and in our neighborhoods and communities. To take delight in honoring each other is to pour out genuine kindness and caring.
Some of our most precious friendships grow out of ones that have a tenuous beginning. It is so easy to see our differences first, but when we are intentional about honoring each other with the same kind of grace we like to receive, genuine affection grows.
Love big. Love genuinely and with humility. Savor the sweetness that grows from that kind of love.
Today, I am grateful for genuine affection.
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