The Power of the words "I LOVE YOU"

Nick Vujicic spoke at and to our church Sunday. He also threw out the first pitch at the Traverse City Beach Bums game (see photo)--no small feat for a guy with no arms.  

What struck me most about this event was not the over 3,200 people who showed up for the three services (although I was shocked how many came at 8 am), nor the 400 or so people who gave their lives to Christ or rededicated their lives to God.  That was amazing, inspiring and very moving.  

But what really "got me" was the power of the words "I love you."  Nick said it over and over--at the church; at the ball park--over and over he said, "I love you" or "God loves you."  And it felt so good to hear.  

Don't get me wrong...I know that God loves me.  Most times I haven't a clue as to why but I know he loves me.  But it still felt so good to hear it.  Those words--rightly spoken--have immense power.  And then I thought of all the people who attended our services who rarely, if ever, hear those three life-giving words.  We live in a world filled with "I HATE you!" or "You make me sick" or "Who do you think you are?!?"  But the "I love you's" are too often far and few between.

So here's a shout out to my friend Nick V.  Thanks for telling us what we all need to hear, feel and know at the core of our being--that we are loved and lovable--with or without arms and legs.  Thanks for reminding us that Jesus loves us so much that he willingly gave his life for us...and that he would do it all over again if he had to.  Thanks for saying those three words that can sweep away despair and fill us with hope and purpose.  

By the way, I love you too.