His Love is Everlasting

Welcome to Word for the Week, the series in which I:

share my experience of hearing God’s Word in Mass last weekend,
explore what I believe the Lord is calling me to do about that Word, and
ask how this Word might impact your life, as well.

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Last Sunday, I spent most of Mass in the vestibule with 4-year-old Serra. I’m able to savor the days of her early childhood development more lately. For one, we sometimes get a glimpse of what it’s like when all of the children, simultaneously, listen obediently! Not to mention, it’s such a gift to be back in the church building that it seems to matter less whether our youngest needs to be escorted out.

Before Serra and I made our quick exit from the sanctuary during Mass, I heard the psalm response. The refrain brought grateful tears to my eyes, “Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting.” Over the course of the week, I’ve been reflecting on those words that I’ve heard so many times before.

His love is everlasting? That means the Lord loves me through every season. As much as He was for me in my youth, His love is for me now, as well. This word has been a comforting point of reference as I reflect on my outward appearance this week. Currently, my hair is styled in micro braids.

I used to braid my hair like this a couple of times a year in my teens and into college. It’s been over a decade since my hair was in this style, though! (I’m grateful to my youngest sister for taking the time to braid with me.) Braids take me back to my youth and they also helps me feel in touch with my African heritage.

It seems like people speak to me more regularly in public when my hair is braided. Perhaps one reason is because the braids make it easier to distinguish my African ancestry, and therefore people know how to classify me in their mind. Maybe it’s easier to talk to a Black woman than to talk to an ethnically-ambiguous woman.

Either way, it brings a grin to my face. Culture is funny! I’m happy when people feel welcomed to speak with me.

This Word for the Week helps me remember that no matter how other people respond to me, God’s love isn’t determined by appearance. Even beyond how I look, God’s love endures no matter how I feel. Happy, sad, overwhelmed, overjoyed... (to name the first emotions that come to mind.) His love remains, in every season.

We could turn to King David as an archetype of someone who is aware of God’s love in many seasons of his life. From an unknown shepherd, to the appointed heir to the throne, to a young warrior, then anointed king, sinner in need of forgiveness, and repentant father — we can see how David responded to God’s love in every season.

Have there been times when it felt like God’s love was temporary or conditional? Regardless of the season you might be in now, I’ll invite you to join me in this prayer: Lord, please reveal your heart anew today. Show me a glimpse of your love so I can know and experience your steadfast presence again. Amen.

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