TENETS OF LOVE

FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY

As I listened to Luciano Pavarotti and Friends in their War Child Concert for Liberia, I was brought back to a time when I was a child and how there was a little necklace that meant so much then. 

There were 3 charms on the necklace – FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY.  I remember reflecting on what faith, hope and charity meant as a youngster and it has guided me throughout my life. 

In many ways, the necklace of the time, during the peace revolution of the 60’s and 70’s – somewhat of a symbol at the time – was instrumental in keeping first and foremost in my mind how actions impact others.

Faith – the belief in something greater than yourself – for me, God Almighty – faith in the possibility of man to reflect the image of God by their actions and interactions with others along with their ability to see the implications or the consequences to what they do.  Also, knowing that it is what keeps me believing in the possibility of a better world – one inclusive of all people.  Faith that LOVE is the most important aspect in life – it is what will conquer hatred – love will overcome.

Hope – hope for a brighter future, hope for a better world, hope to become a better person.

Charity – being charitable to all and if there is a difference of opinion, trying to understand it from another perspective. 

I suppose as a little girl, it was an ideology I strived for because of the chaos surrounding me and wanting things to change but being powerless to change things then.  It’s hard to think back to that time and what my thoughts were focused on – I just really remember the necklace with the symbols for faith, hope and charity and the necklace I wear now in many ways carries the same symbols.

The heart locket which contains the ashes and some hair from my son, representing love and hope – albeit was a love and hope for my son that was taken away from me, yet he remains with me every day.  The cross symbolizing my faith in Jesus and him sacrificing himself for us.  The amulet of the guardian angel as well as the teardrop in some ways representing charity.  God sent his angels to watch over us.

When I saw the little ones sing at the beginning of the video, it reminded me of a time when the desire for a better world took root in my heart.

That was a long time ago now, but it was never forgotten.  The impact of my thoughts then still resonates within me today and that hope for the future has never died. 

I’m not sure when I first became aware of the biblical passage, or words to the effect of, you never know when you entertain angels unaware, so essentially always be kind and charitable to others just in case you do entertain angels unaware; this took root within me and has stayed with me my entire life. 

The 3 charms on the necklace so long ago were the peace symbol, the anchor and the cross.