February is a month where our society plasters hearts in every corner to signify that it is now time to love. However, it has been time to love. Love should not simply be displayed in visual designs and decorations; it should truly SHOW UP. Love should not just appear, it should point others in where to look: UP… and towards our true and living God. I was so excited when Shanna reached out to me about this devotional. I didn’t want to simply contribute but highlight a few of the sweet friends in the Bible journaling community whose love has shown up for me. Bianca’s love has shown up through service as she boldly drove me around on the unfamiliar highways of Texas in a rented Dodge Durango. Taleah’s love has shown up through her gift of creativity that randomly and so sweetly arrives in my mailbox often through happy mail. Lakecia’s love has shown up through encouragement as she often sends a message to check on me to ensure I am OK, especially when she can tell through social media posts that I may be expending a lot of energy on other things and not enough on myself. Bridget, who I affectionately call “Mama Bridget,” shows her love through compassion as she never hesitates to comment, text, or message me this: IATGOGIY. This means “I appreciate the gifts of God in you” and she always sends this to me at the right time. These beautiful souls have often sat in the background for so many, showing up for others, showing love to our community. This month, I wanted you to hear from their courageous hearts and hear how love has shown up in their lives. In return, I pray we can collectively show up for them, others, and ourselves in the same ways. – LaQuisha Hall

Join us this month as Bianca shares how love shows service, Taleah shares how love shows gifts, Lakecia shares how love shows encouragement, and Bridget shares how love shows compassion.