February Message from Carol Jackson, Executive Director
Posted February 7, 2024
Love lifted me – Love lifted me when nothing else could help. Love lifted me.
The love referred to in this ancient song always cheers my spirit when I need a lift because it refers to the Love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Now, concerning February, many people know that February is often called the “LOVE” month. In thinking about writing my letter to you all for the Families Matter February newsletter, I wanted to explore the origins of our most romantic holiday. What I found in my research were legends too numerous to mention.
However, the word “Love – Charity” has significant meanings. Love (charity) is defined in 1 Corinthians 13:
- Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.
- And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
- And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
- Charity (love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
- Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
- Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
- Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
- Charity never faileth; but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease, whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
- For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
- But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
- When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
- For now, we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
- And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three but the greatest of these is charity.
This is my prayer as we enter into February – the second month of 2024. I pray for all Memphis and Shelby County families. I hope we will unite in love and unity, embracing each other to Strengthen Families, Change Lives, and Transform Memphis as that is the mission of Families Matter.
A special thanks to everyone who believes in and supports the Healthy Fatherhood and Co-parenting and Healthy Relationship educational initiatives of Families Matter Memphis.
Thank you, friends. Thank you for lifting each other in the spirit of love.
Carol Jackson
Executive Director