Love - "Eye Know It"

The thing about being in another country, within another culture, is that I can quickly see that love is more than an idea, it is an exchange and an experience.  When love is present, everything seems to work.  When love is absent, hidden or repressed; everything seems to contort into pain, discomfort, or even insecurity.  But how do I know if I am loved?

Good question.  I don't have an immediate or scientific analysis for how I know if I am loved.  I guess that I simply "know" it.  Let's think about it further and let's get specific.

The last time you met someone at work or church or at home, as people, we immediately greet or avoid each other.  A flurry of information is passed between our senses, our biology, our posture, our words, and our presence. Within those first few moments, a person can quickly deduce a lot of information, such as: do they like me, are they happy to see me, are we on good terms?  etc...

All of that information happens in a quick moment.  And in that moment, we can often determine whether or not we are loved and loving.

Love as a Science & Creator

In the age of scientific discovery, some have found that love can be biologically, chemically, and electrically measured.  There are so many studies on this, I will contain it to one.

Dr. Amen, a forerunner in brain analysis, is doing some groundbreaking work that scientifically proves the importance of love attachments towards healthy brain function. Dr. Amen actually scans the brain to discover whether or not a person has had a drug issue, trauma, depression, or other brain injuries.  A lack of love is considered to cause a brain injury!!

Check out his talk about love as a drug (substance): Dr. Amen Talks About Love or his book that talks about the impact of emotional trauma on the brain and relationships.

Love is also a creative force.  I believe that love is as real as carbon, hydrogen, amino acids or any other building block for creation--it is both tangible and measurable and it is also flexible in the unique ways that love combines us with people, places, memories, and experiences.  Love, as a substance is something that our brain translates (biological basis of love) and our heart absorbs.

Consequently, love is a fundamental building block that reflects both our scientific and creative origins and could be viewed as the tangible experience of our Creator.

"Eye Know It" 

So how do we communicate love?  Yes, there are the "5 Love Languages" that Dr. Gary Chapman talks about.  But more simply, love and acceptance are transferred from your eye to my eye, through eye contact (citation from "Thrive Recovery"). 

We can give and receive love as quickly as an electrical impulse passes from your eye to my eye, 6 times per second or so (ibid).  It can be that fast!  Love is simple, biological, spiritual, and emotional and is all wrapped up in a little packet of information that flies from my brain, through my eye, to your eye, and back through your brain.  If I have love in my heart, you will see it.  If you have love for me, I will see it.  Our brains will complete all of the other details.

Disclaimer: there are clearly more than one way we can receive the biology of love, which is why people who are blind can give and receive love.  I am simply keeping this topic simple and broad and so am focusing on eye-to-eye contact.

Oh, and I was just listening to another study that indicated that the electrical rhythms of the heart are strong enough to change our brain's patterns.  But again, the science around this is all new, so I will leave you to your own research.

Love & God

As a person who believes that God is love, this puts my faith into very simple and plain terms.  If there is love in my heart, you will SEE it.  Your eyes will receive it, your brain will interpret it, and depending on your internal health, your heart will feel it.

So lets be plain.  Either you will see that I love you or and I will see that you love me, or we won't.  But deep down, we will each KNOW the difference. That doesn't mean that our brain stops thinking once a signal is sent.  For example, some people see love, but turn it into passion whereas others see interpret love as codepency etc.  But again, this blog post is going to remain simple so I won't go into that right now.

Love as a Currency

It is interesting to note that my capacity for love will determine my ability to share love.  The more I have, the more I can give.  The less I have, the less I can give.  Thus, what I have, I share.  It is unlikely that I can give more love than I myself have experienced.

For example, let's use an illustration with money.  If I have 100 coins, I can share 100 coins.  If you want 200 coins, I either have to borrow from someone else or owe you a debt.  Either way, the difference has to come from somewhere (my pocket, your pocket, or someone else's pocket).

I believe that love is also a currency that we trade in.  If you want all of my love, you will expect me to have the capacity to meet your needs.  However, if I am deficient in love, then I either owe you more or need to rely on someone else to meet your need.  The benefit of faith, is that if we are each connected to God as our primary source of love, we have an eternal supply.  If we do not have the benefit of faith, then we must rely on the limited capacity around us to supply us with love.  Either way, the choice of currency is ours.

This is why love is not just about individuals: we are inter-dependent.  Just think of massive amounts of love-transactions that occur on earth every day.  If every person sees 1 person per day...that is...well...it is BILLIONS of transactions.  That is a massive exchange. 

If we withdraw and deposit love, it has to originate from somewhere or someone.  This, again, is why I believe that God is love.  Part of our created design is to receive love (debit) from God, and send it to someone else (credit).  They feed it back to us, and it returns to God.  This is the whole nature of "Royal Law": Love God and Love your neighbor as yourself. It is a give-give-give scenario.  With God in the equation, there is an endless supply and an abundance.  Without God, there is a serious lack.

Love creates love who feeds love back to the Creator.  It's a feedback loop!

Love can also be SIMPLE

Here is a simple statement: I will know you by your love.  Never mind your degrees, your philosophies, your doctrine, your accomplishments, your social status, your money, or your prestige, my brain and my eyes will know you by the love you communicate to me.

So let's practice!  The next time I see you or you see me, let's try this: let's intentionally think of love and make eye contact.  I agree, it might sound silly at first, but I am up for the risk.  Maybe just remind me first :)

Because I really am beginning to believe that love is simple (possibly rare), but altogether simple: LOVE JUST IS.  Either you we love or we don't.  I hope we do.  Because I need love, and I am fairly certain that you do too.

If we want to see anything change in this world, we must understand that love is a building block of our faith, our universe, and our basic identity.  It seems like a good time to practice!  Because love is more than an idea, it is an exchange and an experience of Being.

Christians & Mysticism

I have recently come across a vast amount of knowledge and interaction with "Christian Mystics".  I've been told, by a reliable family member, that Christian Mysticism is an oxymoron.  It is commonly believed, in various mainstream religious circles, that anything mystical is evil and to be feared.  Yet, upon learning more, I have discovered that mysticism is simply an experience (usually quite personal) with God.  

PLEASE NOTE: by "bloggersizing" about Christian Mysticism, I am not saying what is or isn't theologically right or wrong.  I am simply learning through writing.  I do not want fear to govern which subjects I will learn about.  Fear is the result of an absence of truth.  I desire truth.   What we do not yet understand is simply an invitation to gain understanding, knowledge, insight, and wisdom (preferably with revelation).  Let us not fear the unknown when we have a higher belief in an all-knowing God.

Chances are, if you have heard of some of the following terms or stories, then you have already come across "Christian Mysticism": shekhinah glory, Eucharist, Jacob's Ladder Vision, Melchizedek, Theresa of Avila, Holy Spirit visitation, stigmata, visions of heaven, etc.  For more info on Christian Mysticism basics, take a look at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_mysticism


I read an interesting quote from Albert Einstein recently.  “The fairest thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. "  Albert Einstein, The World as I See It, Secaucus, New Jersy: The Citadel Press, 1999, p. 5.


So why even discuss Christians & Mysticism?  What could be the value?  The answer for me is quite simple: Peter walked on water by faith.  I have met saints today who are experiencing profound things that Jesus indicated his followers would experience: healings, miracles, raising of the dead, signs, wonders, unparalleled forgiveness etc.  


Furthermore, I heard a speaker who talked about his experiences of trans-relocating to minister to Christians in prisons.  He is one of many who are sharing such stories. 


So what are your thoughts?  Experiences?  References?

"Dexification" & Freedom

Russell Bishop wrote a very profound article on the subject of "dexification", which refers to the negative cycle of self-justification. Click Here to read Bishop's article: Dexification - Russell Bishop


As Christians, we can get stuck somewhere between Truth & Forgiveness in a most peculiar way (usually involving some distortion, contortion, and fear).  In so doing, we can get caught in the cycle of defending ourselves.  Such defensiveness, proves the absence of peace, acceptance, and love.  Who wants to be around us when we are like that?  It isn't the "contagious love" that so many people seek.


So how do we stop "dexification"?


This is where grace & repentance (true change of ways) comes into play.  Grace gives us everything we need for holiness and righteous living (this definitely means the ability to love our neighbours and forgive whatever issues we may have with ourselves or others).   Repentance is the state of heart that defines the changes we manifest.  Both grace & repentance requires that we believe God exists, God is good, and that God's view of our lives brings a good result.


On the flip side, if we take over for God, and put ourselves in the judge's seat, then we allow for excessive introspective thinking that leads to us to simply focusing on ourselves again.  Such self-focus is like a vacuum that sucks goodness and abundance into a negative hole.  Blech!  Who wants that?


So, when we break-free from self-based reflection, and allow God to search us and know us (Psalm 139:23), then we can release the need to "fix" or "judge" or "rectify" ourselves.  So now we are talking about repentance again.   John Mulinde points out that only God can bring true repentance: Click Here for his 1 hour, life-changing talk: John Mulinde, IHOP, March 1, 2011.


Some summary thoughts on repentance:


So, to break down all of the cycles and threads within these concepts, here are a few snapshots today's blog:


- If you find yourself stuck, dexifying, or otherwise self-focused, try the next few steps
- Be open to God as the author of Truth (yes, there is such a thing)
- Be open to God's revelation search you, know you (Ps 139:23)
- Be open to change (repentance)
- Release one's self from Dexification
- Love God, Love Neighbour as Self (Matt 22:36-40)


How can one have freedom if one will not face God nor truth?  It is the truth that sets us free...

It should be: Jesus+Love+Dominion+Inventiveness = Good

I have been contemplating the results of human invention when it comes to overcoming the ancient strongholds of: power, fear, anxiety, greed, healing, diverting, etc.  Such creative techniques are seen in a variety of capacities:

• Power: Nelson Mandela, Lester B. Pearson
• Fear, Anxiety etc: Ellel Ministries, Neil C. Anderson, 12 Step Program etc
• Greed: Generosity Initiatives (ONE campaign, World Vision etc)
• Healing: Heidi Baker, Smith Wigglesworth etc
• Diverting: Roman Aqueducts, Solar & Wind Power etc

Here are some popular culture Icons that change trends:

• Supernanny - practical measures to overcoming impractical behavior in children.  She brings order and love to houses that are otherwise in chaos.
• Dog Whisperer - understanding animal and human instinct so as to over come maladaptive instinct and behaviour.
• Apple - developing a product line that fundamentally diverts human activities of ALL kinds into a Linux based world, thus escaping the "mire" of a PC-based world.

This is what impresses me about the pop-culture icons: they are willing to apply themselves to good dominion because good dominion is rooted in wisdom.  As Proverbs 1:20 says, "wisdom calls aloud in the streets".  Anyone can listen and anyone can apply what they hear.


This is what I am more interested in: the rapid movements, based in the move of God's spirit, rooted FIRMLY in love, and moving across every boundary for the saving and restoration of all people.  If you have 30 minutes, here is an interesting video on Revival: Revival Hymn.  

IMPLICATION: Wisdom is good, but is incomplete without the full manifestation of it (Jesus).  My hope is that Christians will awaken to hear wisdom, and then, with the understanding of who Jesus was/is, apply wisdom in a Christ-like manor.  The results should be a dominion that builds up and leads all people to understanding God as good.

The question and measures become:

• is wisdom+Christianity=visible?
• is wisdom+Christianity=dominion?
• is wisdom+Christianity=good?
• is wisdom+Christianity=available?
• is wisdom+Christianity=love?

In either case, if a Christian can raise the dead, heal the sick, and invent, but doesn't have love, it is NOTHING (1 Corinthians 13).

So now what?

Well, I want to find the people in the world who fit this formula: Jesus+Love+Dominion+Inventiveness = Good.

I am beginning to source people and groups of people who meet the criteria listed.  In the discovery of those people, God’s “church” could then become a living representative of the living, creating, and restorative nature of God himself.

Here are some living examples of Christians who I've found who have dominion that brings life, restoration, healing:

• California: www.iBethel.org
• Mozambique: www.irismin.org
• Edmonton (Canada): www.citycentrechurch.com 

Here are some historical Christian Inventors and Inventions that are also life transforming and positive:

• Music: Johnny Cash - Unique sound, with a unique story (taught many to be real with emotion and how to overcome addiction etc)
• Mathematics: Isaac Newton (1642-1727) - theory of gravity, optics etc
• Astronomy: Nicholaus Copernicus - Heliocentric universe
• Literature: John Bunyan, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien
• Historical Women: Pocahontas, Joan of Arc, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria

"Jesus+Love+Dominion+Inventiveness = Good"

Your comments are welcomed and wanted!!

Blog by E.D. Lewis

Beliefs, Communication, & Quality of Relational Experiences

"Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn. My God, do you learn."    — C.S. Lewis

I have learned many, recent lessons about beliefs, communication and their roles in the health of my relationships.  

From recent life experience, I have begun to see that communication is rooted in whether beliefs are accurately shared between people.  Those very beliefs will drive all communications that are both sent and received.  Those communications (and perceptions) have a massive ability to adapt or maladapt my experiences and relationships.

The relationships then build momentum (positive or negative) to reflect the messages being sent and received.  How necessary it is to ensure that I communicate a good message!

I have learned...by God, have I learned...

Let me review one of my own beliefs. I believe that God is real and He, as a real Being purposefully forgives me.  From that belief, I deduce that it is good and reasonable to practice a lifestyle of forgiveness, just as I have received consistent forgiveness.

That sounds good, but how do I really know if I am successful in living out my belief in forgiveness?  Simple, I can test it.

With accountability between myself, my peers, colleagues, and authorities, I can test my own beliefs by submitting to their feedback in regards to my actions.  

For instance, if I believe that I am forgiving then the evidence will be reflected back by my conscience, my peers, colleagues, and authorities.  I could even do a basic, sample poll of 10 people and ask each of them:

• Do you believe that I am forgiving?
• Have you seen an example of me offering forgiveness in the last 6 months?
• Have you seen me denying forgiveness in the past 6 months?

The results would give me a sample of whether or not my personal belief is or is not reflected in the reality that exists between people (community).

Granted--there are some statistical issues with my data collection, but it is a start!!

Let's go deeper and consider the connection between belief and believers...

Let's assume that communication is like a network "ping" between two people (similar to a ping between two computers).  If two people are functioning properly, then the ping accurately measures information back and forth. HOWEVER, if one or both of the people are not functioning properly, then the ping may reveal a problem.  It would then be time to do some problem solving and diagnostics to resolve the situation such as:

• A healthy chat over coffee
• A chat with mediation
• Personal Growth through counsel, ministries, books, prayer etc.
• Trust that God's Spirit can sovereignly guide you to a revelation of understanding that leads to change
• Some combination of all of the above

In reality, if I am functioning and send a healthy message of love and forgiveness to someone else who is healthy, then it is reasonable to hope that the message would be received as sent.  HOWEVER, if I sent a functioning message through an unreliable network to a dysfunctional person, then I can reasonably expect a faulty response.


**This assumes that the healthy message is from the sender.  There are plenty of examples of an unhealthy sender and a healthy recipient.  There are plenty of examples of an unhealthy message and messenger.  Etc. etc. etc.

Would it be possible to deduce that the accurate communication of my beliefs is highly dependent on the health of myself and of those I am in relationship with? 

Would it be possible to assume that Shared beliefs=Shared Likelihood of Communication Success?

It is now my opinion that whatever I believe, the relationships that I hold closest will have the biggest impact on the measurement of much of what I believe and do.

As such, it would be advantageous and wise to pursue good beliefs and to surround myself with others who have good beliefs.  That way, whatever true and good belief I have would become accurate, consistent, and REAL.

Because of all of this...

I have an increased desire to pursue what is true, right, and praiseworthy, with a high level of enthusiasm.  In the meantime, I can simply hope that anyone who shares my newfound enthusiasm would bolster and catapult me further in these endeavors.  In contrast, those who cannot or will not run with me, would be left in out or left behind.  These things have a way of working themselves out.

Today, it is imperative that I be willing and conscious enough to sow in kindness, forgiveness, understanding, and generosity, whenever possible, and without concern of anyone else’s ability or willingness to offer me the same.  If I stumble, then I trust that the same Good God that forgave me, is also able to redeem me.

All of this is only possible because of my belief that God is good, God is love, and I am loved.  I trust that God will understand what no man can.  I trust that God will correct me in the areas that I am blind to.  And fortunately, God is kind and just enough to bring me to wholeness and redemption, if I only surrender to His one-of-a-kind leadership.

I want to thank each person who has aggravated, abused, misunderstood, bullied, or frustrated me.  Your darkness helped me to develop a desire for health and light.  Thank you.  You were the wolf nipping at my heels and the fear that drove me close to the Shepherd and His flock (the healthy unity of believers).

Also, I want to thank each person who has shown me loving-kindness, forgiveness, patience, endurance, and forbearance.  You helped me to experience the light that I was otherwise blinded to.  Your health drew me to God's Light until he opened my eyes (it is interesting to note that my Eye Doctor confirmed that my physical eyes are also healing...coincidence?!?!).

For each contributor to my life's story, your choices are marked in the measures of my life and vice versa.  By proximity, our testimonies are now inter-twined, perhaps for eternity!  Maybe that is why we teach that we are "one" body: it is because we are so inter-connected.  May we live and reflect and measure with goodness, kindess, love, gentleness...


Lastly, I want to thank each person who showed me forgiveness whenever I was unhealthy or sent an unhealthy message.  Your forgiveness (and God's), releases me from the consequences of brokeness.  I believe that REDEMPTION is the evidence of forgiveness in action.

Now, I am blessed because I believe well...

I am also blessed because I receive.  The more goodness I receive, the more I am blessed.

I am also blessed because I am loved, am loving, and am grateful for all that I have and have lost.

I hope to believe what is true, believe what is right, and experience the goodness that WILL flow out in all of its measurements.  I also pray that I will experience increased goodness through increased "good" relationships.

I can anticipate that this journey of discovery is an ever-expanding, eternal path.  The good path appears narrow, and I suspect that “few will find it”.  That is why I am so grateful to have been found and to have found the path.

Thank you God and thank you one and all!  

Here's a [personally] applied version of The Message's Philippians 1:3-11

3-6Every time you cross my mind, I break out in thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on ... believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.

 7-8It's not at all [just] fanciful for me to think this way about you. My prayers and hopes have deep roots in reality. You have, after all, stuck with me all the way from the time I was [misunderstood, neglected, or broken] and came out of it in one piece. All along you have experienced with me the most generous help from God. 

 9-11So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in [love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, and self-control] from the soul, making Jesus Christ [available through you life] to all, getting everyone [connected] in the glory and praise of God.

Blog by E.D. Lewis

Dreams of a Website

Over the past few years, I have undergone a personal transformation.  During this time of change, I have met people who have inspired me to grow and to think beyond my current self and framework.  This includes: mystics, authors, writers, inventors, philosophers, game-changers, politicians (yes, even a few of them), business leaders and more.

I have it in my heart to create a blog (and soon a website) that features such great people and ideas and writings.  My goal is to see you inspired, just as I have been inspired.

This blog is now a project.  One day, this blog may even be a comprehensive website.  We will laugh, cry, and tell our life's stories.

UPDATE (2012): Click "Like" on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Elizabeths.Inbox

Cheers!