Live Second Post #2: Love Defined

Live Second: 365 Ways To Make Jesus First by Doug Bender contains 365 daily readings and prayers meant to inspire people to consider what life might look like if Jesus were First. I am one of many bloggers who loved the I am Second book and was invited to participate in the launch of this one. This is my 2nd post from Session 2 and it is Relationships: Love Defined.

The video from this one is Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs who married, divorced, and later remarried. Their story was told in the first I Am Second book, plus many details were shared in the recent book about their daughter, Lauren--Still Lolo.

There were several topics available in this section, but the one I chose was Love Defined...based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-8. Many are familiar with this passage, but I like the way it was presented to me once---by personalizing it.

If Cindy speaks human or angelic languages
but do not have love, she is a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 
If Cindy has the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if Cindy has all faith
so that she can move mountains but does not have love, she is nothing. 
And if Cindy donates all her goods to feed the poor,
and if Cindy gives her body in order to boast but does not have love, she gains nothing.
Cindy is patient, Cindy is kind. Cindy does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not 
keep a record of wrongs. Cindy finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in <sup>the truth. Cindy bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Cindy's love never ends.

I wish those things were true of me, but I can not lay claim to even one. I fail daily, but Jesus will never fail when we depend on Him to be all we need. If you want a relationship to work, Jesus is first. When I think of the relationship I have with him I am second...and that is a wonderful thing!!</sup>
 

I greatly appreciate the free ebook I received to be a part of this launch campaign, and I recommend you check out the offers provided for this week.

Still Lolo by Lauren Scruggs

Still Lolo: A Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family's Journey of Hope by  Lauren Scruggs, the Scruggs Family, and Marcus Brotherton. In December 2011, Lauren (“LoLo”) Scruggs, a 23-year-old fashion journalist, suffered a sudden injury that made headlines around the world. She had been on a short flight to look at Christmas lights and, upon exiting the small plane, was hit by the still-moving propeller blade. A frantic 911 call, several major surgeries, and thousands of prayers later: Lauren lived. But she lost her left hand and left eye. And she had to face some incredibly difficult questions: What kind of future will I have? Where is God in all this pain? Will anyone ever be able to love me now? In Still LoLo, Lauren speaks out for the first time since her accident. She and her family reveal what really happened that night, what Lauren’s life is like today, what got them through their journey toward healing, and how they conquered all odds to persevere as a family. It’s a compelling and fiercely beautiful story of faith, determination, and staying true to who you are—no matter what. (from the publisher)

Lauren, Cheryl, Brittany (bottom)
Jeff and Shaun (top)

It's hard to believe that it has been nearly a year since this accident. Lauren is a friend of a friend, so I remember getting a message about the accident and being asked to pray. I also followed her progress on Caring Bridge as I continued to pray for her and her family...and I stayed in awe of what God was doing; I cried on the bad days and rejoiced on the good ones...and was tremendously blessed by the strength and hope this family found in tragic circumstances. Reading the more detailed ups and downs of the past year through the memories of Lauren, [her twin sister] Brittany and each of her parents enforces the power of God in each of our lives. More than just a summary of the past year, this is also an honest portrayal of a family that has been shattered through divorce but mended stronger than ever through Jeff and Cheryl's remarriage. The security these parents tried to give their daughters during the years apart, is an inspiration and example to others whose marriages have ended. It also covers the girls childhood, relationships, career paths, and provides a glimpse of their lives.

Young, beautiful, and just starting on her career in the field she loved, including launching LOLO Magazine , Lauren's life changed in an instant. Just the physical impact alone of losing her hand and her eye are numerous: Depth perception changes, and having to relearn basic tasks that you normally don't even think about are hard enough, plus there was also unimaginable pain. Lauren gives us insights into the physical, but she also shares the emotions she went through (and, I am sure, will continue to face). The physical, emotional, and psychological pain, the fears she faced, and the triumphs are shared with raw honest emotion that truly speaks to the reader. Throughout it all, her faith, her family, her friends, and her physical fitness each played a role in her recovery.

Lauren doing push-ups

She mentions a song, Restoration, based on Psalm 30:11 that has special meaning for her and is a promise she clings to as she adapts to changes in her life. Her habits of healthy eating and regular exercise had to have been a large plus in her healing, but there were equal parts of a determined strength to overcome odds, and the assurance that her life is in God's Hands...no matter what. I believe this is a book that can provide hope and inspiration to people of any age, but a special encouragement to young women. Lauren is a prime example of taking the interests and abilities God has given you and stepping forward in faith and gratitude for His blessings. I highly recommend the book!

Lauren's recently released  "I am Second" video.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.