Can Love Be Counterfeit and Authentic

Trell in the City (Lifestyle)

Can Love Be Counterfeit and Authentic

      Listening to one of my favorite Neo-Soul artists, Raheem Devaughn, on Pandora Radio to the song  titled Complicated. He said, “Bliss, magnificent, orgasmic…Love can be all these things!” But then he says,” I won’t never hurt them on purpose cause she don’t deserve…and I think she’s perfect…But there’s a chance things will change if she knows this”.  I am perturbed if he is saying expressing to a woman about how he adores her, she may change? I think this brother is confused because the last time I was in a relationship… exactly, enough said. So can love be counterfeit and authentic at the same time? This is a matter of different opinions. You may disagree with me but I’m giving it to you anyway.

Before I continue, let me introduce myself. My name is Trellis Bennett, born and raised in Fort Lauderdale. I have an 8-year-old son who is very smart and intelligent, my future entrepreneur. Some of you may know me from my blog, Trell in the City. My topics are written with personality, sometimes it can pinch your nerve, but interesting. Check me out!

What is authentic love? God is authentic love; He loves us even when we are a disappointment to ourselves. It probably isn’t surprising that some are confused by this question. Love has been reduced to a physical act in some generations. In my observant, in some cases, what I see presented as love in the African American community is not love at all but counterfeit or authentic love. We are made for love spiritually, emotionally and physically. It seems easy when you look at it like that, but it is work, sometimes difficult but can be accomplished. Every man’s heart is a scuffle between love and lust. If love at its deepest intensity is a self-sacrificial love, the opposite of love would be a selfish attitude to-wards the other person, not a good feeling.

At this time, I am happily single ready to mingle. I have been out of a relationship for over five years, giving myself a mental colonic cleansing. When I tell you, it is truly refreshing, and not counterfeit. You see, we are made for love and not any kind of love but unconditional and self-giving love. So why do we settle for everyday difficult love? In the bible, Song of Solomon 4:9-10, 12, Solomon recognizes the remarkable beauty of a Shulamite girl, not just her outer beauty, but more importantly her inner beauty. He respects her dignity. No complaints here. Do know that behind the bliss of love, stands the eternal love of God, which sanctifies the love of men and women. Husbands and wives can love each other with physical pleasure because they know the spirit of Christ purifies all human relationships.

The question for me is whether I am willing to wait for the real banquet, or am I so famished for love that I am willing to pass that up to settle for just an appetizer which will ultimately be an unfulfilled love. I will wait!

Counterfeit love can be good or bad. So, how are we supposed to distinguish between authentic and counterfeit love? We can only find true love and happiness when we realize the beauty of authentic love within ourselves.  I can’t sincerely love someone else if I can’t genuinely love, value, appreciate, and respect myself.  Loving implies a surrender of control and being open to life’s events in front of us.