The Overwhelming Power of Love

The Overwhelming Power of Love
The power of love leaves a lasting legacy of caring.
Published on November 10, 2011 by Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D. in Liking the Child You Love

Love comforts and heals. These powerful words ring so true. We treasure the precious gifts of emotional security and sense of purpose that love provides to us. Love also calms us down. Love helps us to see the good in ourselves and others. Love can also give us the wonderful acceptance to tolerate what we don't like in others and ourselves.

We can, however, take love for granted if we are not mindful of the power it holds. The more we can draw upon love to help us thrive as we live, the more we can leave a legacy of love in the hearts of those who we treasure—even after we are gone.

As human beings we depend on the love from others as well as on our own self-love to find strength and live worthwhile lives. In the letter below written by my terminally ill fiancée, Oi Yin, she shares with her children about the soothing comfort of love as well the responsibilities we take on as we receive it.

Oi Yin lives through her love for the people around her and her love and faith in God. As I have mentioned before, Oi Yin sadly lost her young husband, Rafael, the father of her two children, five years ago to lung cancer. The added pain of Oi Yin being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2010 has made her life, and her children's lives, quite challenging, to say the least. We both believe love has helped carry Oi Yin from an initial prognosis of seven months to now being alive twenty months, as of this writing. We also hope for much more time, not just in months but in the form of years, for Oi Yin to remain alive and to model and convey the message below in person to her children.

At the same time, Oi Yin is very aware of how deadly pancreatic cancer is for the vast majority of those stricken with it. Her words below to her children shine a light of hope for them to thrive from her powerful love, even if she does not survive this terrible disease. Oi Yin's words of love will truly keep her spirit alive for children. Moving and inspiring here, just as she has expressed herself in some of my previous blog entries, I am excited and honored to share Oi Yin's message of love to her children with all of you.

Dear Sienna and Derek,

Allow yourselves to be "overwhelmed" by the power of love. I know Daddy's and Mama's love is irreplaceable. However, you have a huge community of family and friends who love and care about you deeply. Let them fill you will their love. You will need it and it's good for your souls. If you can accept it, I know for sure that you will be able to love others in return.

Please know that you have not been abandoned. You will never be. Love is all around you. All your family and friends will band together to help you feel safe and understood. Allow yourselves to trust and accept the love and support. You will not become dysfunctional from being overly loved :). As a matter of fact, I believe it takes great courage to open your hearts to receive this loving care as you genuinely want and need it.

On the flip side, allowing yourselves to be "overwhelmed" by love comes with responsibilities. Don't forget everyone who is there for you through the good and bad times. Respond with respect and gratitude. If you see an opportunity to give back and you're able, please don't hesitate. Don't forget their generosity, include them in your lives whenever possible, and shower them back with the love they have shown you. Also, never forget their unconditional love for you.

Gifts are often surprises, something you wanted, and intended especially for you. The person usually can't wait to give it to you. Love is a gift! Just say "Thank you!" and let it "overwhelm" you with comfort and joy.

Loving you,
Mama