The Okie Legacy

What The World Needs Now...

"The Greeks had at least three words for love: Eros, representing sexual attraction; Philanthropia, representing love of humanity or creation; and Agape representing oneness with all beings. Cupid, I believe, was the Roman homologue to Eros, but degenerated into Cupidity--greed."

Last weeks article on "Impacts On Others" brought out a lot of responses. A Lady in Illinois sent me the following question... "Why is everyone afraid of the word LOVE? Do you notice the look you get if you say I LOVE YOU to someone. Do not people know there are many kinds of LOVE. I LOVE MY HUSBAND--I LOVE MY KIDS--I LOVE MY BEST FRIEND and I HAVE MADE FRIENDS I LOVE. Each Love carries with it a different meaning and understanding. Where is all the LOVE in this world--Is everyone afraid to show it? Do They even know what it is?" Some have this to say, "Not all are afraid of the word Love!"

Others were merely afraid of being misunderstood concerning the commitment that some might infer (imply) and expect from using the word Love. Love is not an easy feeling to put into words!

Because of so much sexual connotations implied with the word "Love" men as well as women are afraid of commitments, etc... AND the "platonic" part of love has gotten lost somewhere. It really is a shame. B

BECAUSE...Love (and hugs) -- In my opinion -- Are one of the key elements of measuring the impact you have on others. It is the unselfish, unconditional act of true affection for another!

I have had some interesting responses to this thought provoking question. This is just one of them, "My main problem is I would like to say to you or others, whom I have never met, that 'I think you are Great & I love you for that.' I wonder, also, is there no place for a Platonic Love anymore? I think the lack of the use of the word LOVE is the result of the rules according to society today. Also the word LOVE has become tainted by the use of the term "making love" when that is not what is meant. Really, I like to think it is alright to say 'God is Love'."

Others have told me, "We do not always know exactly what the other person may expect in return for having declared his/her love to us, nor are we sure just what type of love that they may be expressing to us. We also do not want others to misconstrue our meaning and think that we are expecting more of a commitment to a relationship than we really are, or that we are conveying to them a commitment that is more than we intend."

Others have felt that there are a lot of people they've admired for what they have done, BUT they might get the wrong impression and misunderstand if they say "I Love You".

It's NOT just the word "Love" that is misjudged -- It's also friends are afraid to even hug someone -- For fear of being looked at funny. If a friend has done something really great or is down, sometimes a friendly "HUG" can bring a bit of sunshine and recognition to make someone's day.

Sometimes I wonder if one person can make a difference by speaking up. I think the answer must be "YES!" I have to believe that there is hope that things will change and maybe they are changing as we speak. Some might call me naive, but I like to call it optimistic! Maybe more people need to speak up more without being afraid of what others think! Love and hugs are really great medicines to cure the cloudy blues and give us Hope.

These words are magic words of medicine, "I think you are Great & I love you for that!" They are words that build confidence and bring sunshine into a person's day. We should use them more often and not be afraid of being misunderstood.

What the world needs now is Love -- Sweet Love! Not necessarily the Eros & Cupid kind -- But the "Platonic" -- Unconditional, Philanthropia and Agape kind. AND -- Don't let us forget the really BIG, MAIN LOVE.... The Love of.... CHOCOLATE for many of us out there!

Go out and live your life to the fullest and don't let fear hold you back. Take a Risk! Live your Life to the fullest! Say "I Love You" when you mean it! Spread Friendship, Love and Hugs and see the Hope and Smiles it brings others.

Let us NOT FORGET that this Kennedy-Bessette Family and their privacy. Give them the space and privacy that they need to grieve for the loss of their loved ones.

Just a short (but interesting) little tidbit thrown in here...I received some information lately that showed a surname of mine listed in the Cherokee Indian Genealogy that Dr. Emmett Starr compiled. So... There may be Indian blood in this family yet. I haven't really researched it to see if I'm related to the WARWICK that was listed. Check out this URL to read MORE -- http://members.aol.com/rarebk/cherokee.html

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