I’m an Episcopalian. Don’t even know why I opened this piece with this sentence. It was top of mind, I guess. My thoughts a flowing. Maybe because I just finished reading the first thirty six pages of a small book entitled, “The Power of Love.” A great guy … dear friend sent it to me yesterday. Jack Rogers and I have shared openly and subtly to one another the very real power of love. Jack is Chief Development Officer at a prep school in Philadelphia, The William Penn Charter School. The place that has guided much of my life. Shaped my character.

Jack Rogers embodies all that the school is aboutI wanted to write this piece spontaneously this morning because reading these thirty six pages so fully captured my heart, my attention. Took me to feelings that deepened in me. Curious in a way. But real. Even weird? Maybe. But different. Very different. Just deep … and deepening. I write this piece primarily for myself. In the hope I can sustain this feeling. Or at least return to it. Recapture it. Frequently.“The Power of Love” is a series of sermons and reflections shared by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Curry. What hit me … struck me so hard? Mysterious. Ah, like the mystery of faith itself. Curry repeats a constant refrain. The ending of which goes simply, “hold on … hold on.” Imagery came to me as I read these two words. They were mentioned four times in a chapter entitled, “Living the Way of Love.” Living, “holding on” … to love.

In the midst of it all. What’s the answer? Curry postures … love is the answer. Available to all who will hear God’s call. Give love. Receive love. Hmm …  Might be on to something here.

My thoughts took me further. I mentioned previously the decades long Harvard study to define true happiness in life. The answer was just one word. “Relationships” Deep, meaningful, lasting relationships. As I digested this, I thought instantly about the thread through all the best, most nourishing relationships in my life. It was the power of love. Holding on to them.

Bishop Curry supports this so eloquently here. During the sermon he gave at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. When he uncovered this in a gathering of young aspiring priests who were questioning faith in light of all going on in our world. Go get this book. “Hold on … hold on,” he said. All I could think of. My grasp must be and remain firm. The possibility of losing my “hold” is always there. So I must “hold on … hold on.” Be steadfast. Not be knocked off course. Pray. Bless all you have. Be faithful to Jesus. Know him. Love him. Love others. Love all. This is what flowed through my mind and spirit.

I’ll read the rest of the book this morning. The early messages were very defining. “But, Bob? Remember to reach out and thank Jack for the book. Hold on to his friendship … his love.”