The path of love is not the absence of fear. Real love is made possible through vulnerability. Vulnerability is the possibility of having one’s heart open enough to let love in, and also let pain in.  The path of love is not the avoiding of suffering, but the welcoming of joy and suffering alike, the way a gracious host would.

So no, the path of love is not being impervious to fear.

It is simply the stubborn refusal to let fear have the last word.

Omid Safi, We must Cling to Love

photo Eric kilby