I’d like to open tonight’s post by offering my prayers for those in Haiti, as well as the innocent people in Afghanistan (Afghani and American) as the Taliban is pillaging through the country. Lord, please offer your protection and be their refuge in the storm.
OK. Onto tonight’s post…
I don’t know if there’s something in the water this week, or what…but lately, I have just been really saddened by society — particularly when it comes to love and relationships.
I mean, first you’ve got NYC Governor Andrew Cuomo’s alleged sexual harassment that led to his resignation from office. Then you’ve got Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, who had a sex tape with a prostitute leak last week. Also, over the weekend, I went to see comedian Ali Wong, and literally 1/3 of her stand up show was all about how she wants to cheat on her husband. And then, finally, I stumbled across this show called “F-Boy Island,” where…I don’t think I even need to explain the premise of that cinematic masterpiece.
But it’s as though everywhere I turn, I’m being smacked in the face by this counterfeit definition of love and relationships.
And to be honest, it makes me really sad.
I think part of the reason I’ve been so taken aback by the jarring disregard for love and respect recently, is because I just spent the week in Utah, with my friends and my special gentleman, where my heart overflowed with real love and respect from quality relationships, and so it’s been grating to readjust to life outside of the “vacation bubble.”
But thinking about all these examples in the news, it’s clear that we’ve strayed so far from the Truth, and so lost sight of God’s true meaning of love —
In today’s society, we don’t love people, we use people.
Which is precisely what Pope JP2 warned about in his book, Love and Responsibility: “A person’s rightful due is to be treated as an object of love, not as an object for use.”
For when a person merely becomes a means to an end, that’s where abuse, distorted notions of love, and other counterfeit definitions of affection run rampant.
And do you know what it all boils down to? The dignity of the human person.
This topic really hits home for me, because it was the basis for my recovery from anorexia.
During my eating disorder, I was using and abusing my body to no end. There was no love, no respect, no appreciation for the sanctity and dignity of [my] human life…no. I was using my body to gain a distorted sense of control, striving for perfection, through the form of abuse: namely: starvation, over-exercise and self-hatred.
And by the grace of God, at 78 pounds – literally at death’s door, Jesus broke through the stone wall fortress in my heart, and helped me see that my body was a gift, given to me by the Father. One that I was instructed to care for, nourish and respect, as it was not only created by God, but created in His image. It is a temple of the Holy Spirit. And simply because of that fact, it has an inherent dignity and value that cannot be denied, deduced, or destroyed.
My life had immeasurable value.
And from that day forward, I vowed to treat it as such, every single day.
I learned that day, the magnitude and importance of the dignity of human life: which is the basis for what it means to truly love, the way Christ loved.
I think that’s why all this news recently leaves my heart aching and feeling so broken: because it completely contradicts that: both the dignity of the human person, and Christ’s definition of love.
Because, you see, what broke through my heart that night at inpatient, on that momentous day that I let Jesus into my heart, and embraced recovery….was when I finally saw Christ on the Cross for what it actually was: an act of pure, self-giving love.
It was realizing that He did that for me – the broken, hurting, manipulative girl with hair that had all fallen out: Me. Realizing that made me want to reciprocate that love to Him…making my body an act of worship, giving it to Him in the form of a healthy, nourished body…the masterpiece He made.
That love – Christ’s selfless love – is the love, that as His image bearers, we are to strive to live out.
Not loving from the utilitarian standpoint, using others as means to an end…but from a self-giving place that wills the good of the other, no strings attached.
Just like all good things, the enemy has twisted that pure love, and placed in our hearts dissatisfaction, distrust, unquenchable desire, dependency, doubt — all distorting that pure Christ-like love, into the counterfeit love we have today – a love that is selfish, aggressive, self-serving and exploitative. And we’re seeing that play out in various ways in every headline mentioned above.
I don’t know what the solution is to this counterfeit love epedemic that is raging on all around us, but I do know, that you and I have the power to live as examples of the way Christ intended us to love and respect one another.
“Love one another as I love you.” John 15:12
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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60 responses to “Cuomo & Counterfeit Love”
Good blog, and yes there is so much in our society that says it’s love but isn’t truly love. Two weeks ago my pastor was speaking about love saying that the english language is so bankrupt for words to use instead of love. I think that’s part of what’s been happening in our society. As words get thrown around their meaning slowly fades away.
thank you so much Zachary! bankrupt for words, wow what a powerful thought. and so true!!! i agree. glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I’m glad I stopped by as well and I’m actually surprised that I was the first comment on your post.
On a separate subject, I’ve just started working to turn my blog series “Welcome to the Armory” into a short book to make it easier to get into the hands of Christians. It’s focus is on the armor of God and how the pieces all fit together as a unified whole. You can find the complete series in the Scroll Rack section of my blog. Would you be willing to help me in reaching audiences by doing a spotlight on it when it comes out?
You may want to add the former guy and Matt Gaetz to your short list. Just sayin’
thanks for your input Peter. Hugs and love xox
Ah, My Sister, you DO know the solution! You quoted it… John 15:12
Amen, and Amen!!
thank you Myron! Leave it to the Good Book to show us the way! 🙂 glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I didn’t know about Biden’s son as I never watch the so-called news. Our country is in decline. I love the photos though, you two make a lovely couple, Caralyn!
Thanks John, I appreciate that. Yeah, decline indeed. we are in need of major prayers! Hugs and love xox
Pray for the Spirit to pour out into the hearts of all, and ignore those headlines. there will be more and more of them, and the goal will be simply this; drowning the Spirit within. In these times, its written, there will be confusion, wars, confused leaders, etc,… don’t worry about them, they are written about, but keep your Faith strong; compassion and kindness works best, amen
yes! that is a beautiful prayer. thank you for sharing that. you’re right – gotta keep our faith strong and our eyes fixed on Jesus! Hugs and love xox
imagine this, a man walks the street, everytime he see;s a female he rubbernecks, one day he is so engaged with his ways, he is run over by a car, cause his eyes were not on the road. Crisis are the same, they distract us from what is real, amen
Oh gosh, wow – powerful example
I identify with your sorrow over the world. It gets harder to cope with everything week after week, because there is no respite from bad news, whether at work or out. Sorrow fills my heart.
You wrote that you don’t know what the answer is, but did you realize you gave it in the same paragraph? Be the light of Jesus within our own lives. It really is that simple, although isolated “candles” often start losing hope when there are so few of us. That’s why it’s important to gather together whenever possible to strengthen and encourage each other.
Last Saturday I wrote about how we got here. There are two basic roots of our current evil. One is Alistair Crowley who began plotting in then early 1900’s to bypass adults and win over children to his satanic ways through rock and roll. The other source is a 60 part program authored by the Russian communist government to destroy America from within. Discovered, it was actually entered into the Congressional record in 1963. While the Cold War ended, many of those principles remain in play. You might find it interesting reading.
Hang in there as we all pray for each other, stay rooted in the Word, and shine as best we can for Jesus!
Oh Jeff, I’m sorry youre feeling that sorrow too. It really can be crushing. And you’re right – there really is nothing more powerful than sharing Christ’s light and love in whatever way we can. That is a big, yet simple thing. And you’re right – that’s the importance of fellowship and living in communion with those on the same path. oh my gosh that is a fascinating line of thought. I will absolutely check that out. it sounds like it’s going to be a provocative read! yes – praying and encouraging one another! Know that I’m praying for you and your family!! big hugs to you all! thanks for sharing your wisdom, Jeff! I always look for to and appreciate it! xoxo
Prayers and hugs for you!
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So very well said. Love is a person and until we are willing to see that goodness and surrender to it, we will continue to get caught up in how the world defines love rather than rest in true love and happiness. You are a great witness of Christ’s love. Keep up the goodness!
thank you so much friend! You’re right about that – we must surrender to His love! Hugs and love xox
It’s simple. We should not watch such crap that has no real value. I don’t. Those are destructive programs promoting disturbing behavior that brings out the worst in people. It’s shameful. There’s not enough family oriented shows that I loved while growing up. There is too much toxicity. Good post Caralyn.
You’re right about that Derek! THanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I agree – we need good quality programing! Hugs and love xox
Precious Caralyn, what you wrote is exactly a conversation I just had with friends. It’s very heavy on my heart and I started a post called “Disposable”. And disposable love is included. My past has trauma. And emotional abuse is included. I become angry at our world’s view of love and in general, behavior. I stand at the cross with you~in hope and a promise that the perfect love that exists is from our Savior. And together we will reach home. I love you and your heart. ❤️🤗 Karla
Hi KL! Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this! i’m glad it resonated with you. i’m looking forward to reading your post – sounds really powerful. I’m so sorry to hear that abuse has been in your past, that breaks my heart. Yes – standing at the Cross with you as well! Jesus’ love heals all wounds! Love you friend! Hugs and love xox
Thank you so much, too! I appreciate your words so much. And prayers! Christ has indeed healed the wounds. The learning and loving experience has made my life one of great gratitude! Love you precious lady. Xoxo 💛
Amen to that! God is so good!!
Another great post. There is so much I want to say, I hardly know where to start as this is a big topic for me. This epidemic of “false love” is not without a cause. Much of it if not ALL of it can be traced back to the destruction of the family and the loss of a father in the home. We now have young me trying to prove their masculinity through sexual conquests because they didn’t have a father around to show them what being a man looks like. We have women vying for any male attention because they didn’t have a father that told them they were beautiful and they had tremendous value just as they are. But then we can crank the volume all the way up, when we add to this mix men who take drugs in order to improve the size of their manhood and women who are getting boob jobs etc. All of this crescendos into a massive “SOMEBODY PLEASE LOVE ME!” Sadly, they will do ANYTHING for what they think is love. Then when the relationships fail, they fall deeper into a lifestyle that is simply poisonous to the souls. The ONLY way out is with a relationship with God through Christ. Only then can we understand what true love is. His love is never ending and never failing and always there for us. We just need to ask him in and allow him to love us.
Wow this is such a powerful response. thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! you’re right – this false love is an epidemic, and we’re putting our trust and hope in all the wrong places! amen! Christ is the only way out and only hope! Hugs and love xox
Well said. It’s such a deceptive counterfeit that forsakes the genuine for a temporary pleasure. True love sacrifices, values, and builds up. When people are simply tokens for our self-gratification, we leave a trail of brokenness in our wake.
thank you so much Michael for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – true love sacrifices. isn’t that the truth! Hugs and love xox
A beautiful, wonderful, expressive and poetic article between enjoying nature and the sea with family, restaurant and eating, everything about you is sweet, beautiful and wonderful, thank you
thank you so much. i appreciate that. Hugs and love xox
Excellent!
thank you so much HJ! I appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
Such insight, inspiration, and wisdom. As we pray; we should include that we can demonstrate true love for mankind and lead others by our examples. By our words, deeds, and examples we can compel change in the hearts and minds of others. Thank you for your words of inspiration and encouragement. Hugs and Love 🤗 & ❤️.
thank you so much HJ – you’re absolutely right , that is an important thing to pray for! joining you! Hugs and love xox
Anything God is, the counterfeiter, the liar devil creates a version that is alluring but empty of substance. He flips it upside down. He does this with anything but gets the most victims with false love because God made us to love. So God says love is self-sacrificing and Satan says love is self-serving and people in their prideful state of sin prefer that. They just don’t realize God provides deep satisfaction, peace, love, etc. while Satan’s false version leaves you hollow and empty because he only has lies and can back nothing up. This is why we see this. The best we can do is not to give validity to the false version and show lavishly God’s perfect love. We must write about it, show it, talk about it, be it. The best way is to keep a close relationship with Jesus and know Him well. Great post. Love you as always, my beautiful friend. Hugs!XO😃❤
hello my beautiful friend! You’re right about that – the enemy will try to steal our hearts and joy through such counterfeit things. I appreciate you sharing your heart on this. you have such a lovely spirit, it shines through! love you friend! hugs xox
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[…] Cuomo & Counterfeit Love […]
Thank you Tonya for the link up! Hugs and love xox
and thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Many of these politicians are evil. While Biden proclaims to be Catholic I see nothing of the sort. Many other people who harm others are the same or similar. Yeah it’s sad to say and see that this is happening but its history repeating itself. Not all people are bad but not all people are good either.
We try to lead a life with God but others choose not to follow him. Many politicians choose to ignore God and some of them even embrace Satan. This is something where we need to pray for our country which was founded on worshipping God. It’s no longer like that and its the reason this country is so divided now.
Amen, thanks for praying for Afghanistan and Americans there. For NY, I declare truth, elderly welcomed, babies in womb welcomed, Gov mansion open to families, more buildings for all people in Jesus’ name
I often wonder why we humans settle for counterfeits. We have every thing from counterfeit watches, fake or knock off Levi’s jeans, to counterfeit adventure (the boardroom), and as you pointed out, counterfeit love of all forms. Maybe it goes back to the Garden of Eden, where our first parents Adam and Eve chose their will over God’s. The moment we chose to define good and evil instead of letting God define it for us, we probably began to settle for the lies of the devil. I too have to examine myself for the areas where I have accepted the lies over the truth in the Bible. Xoxo
Beautiful post and so true!!!🙏
Well said. It’s so sad what “love” has become…
A beautiful and true post, Caralyn. Christian love is absolutely grounded in respect for others as people made in the image of God. xx
I think with the whole modern idea of relationships, they always seem equate sex with Love. Let’s get one things clear, sex does not equate to love. It equates to lust. People making and breaking relationships, etc., all comes down to one thing.. Lust.
Love has become conditional.. Not the unconditional love that we are supposed to have for one another.
[…] Cuomo & Counterfeit Love […]
Thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
I don’t know the solution to this universal problem either, except to say that one person at a time we exhibit what true love in relationships looks like. And we pray. Thanks for your words.
Thank you for this post. Jesus IS the answer! The joy of the Lord is our strength. Ultimately, God is sovereign over all – even the evil – and wins in the end. And so our job is to LOVE (as Christ loves) others – not just the ones who love us. AND He has given all we need to do this through His divine power through the true knowledge of Him (2 Peter 1:3). Blessings.
Thank you for this beautiful strongly argued post. What you say of our society(American and British) is so true. God bless!
We can’t fix what’s wrong with the world. Only God can (and will). What you’ve done in this piece is what the Bible tells us we CAN do – spread the Gospel truth about our Savior to those who have ears to hear it. God bless you for your ongoing testimony about Christ’s rescuing you from your self.
Really good read. Very true words. Thank you for your amazing blog!
Excellent, Triple B. Pls read this — https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/113669656/posts/3505665819
You wrote, “I don’t know what the solution is to this counterfeit love epidemic that is raging on all around us,” but then you went on to contradict yourself … because you DO know the solution; “… you and I have the power to live as examples of the way Christ intended us to love and respect one another.” That’s the answer… one loving act at a time. Thank you for shining your example, Caralyn!
Thanks for sharing.
True, true, true! If we had purposefully set out 100 years ago to devalue human life, it’s hard to see how we could have gone about it any more effectively.