I greet The Indwelling Lover.
Today’s “Pay Forward” gift is – Love Part Seven – Storge; a few of its characteristics are - it has a driving need to be needed; an example is a mother giving all to her baby. It is the most homely, comfortable, the least demanding of others, and it’s humble, can serve love to anyone. It is the most common and peaceful of the loves. It often appears to be Agape because it gives so much, but its affection, nurturing can turn into hate. It is a need-love not a Give-Love. Too often people think that it’s their “right” by birth or for the type of relationship or rules we make up, freeing them from any form of responsibility. Storge is seen all throughout nature, like a dog wagging its tail at those they know and barking at those they don’t know. Storge may get jealous when a loved one finds a new way of life that seems to exclude them. Some experienced this when they joined A.A. from their family and friends. Storge is based on dependence, the need for others, and it often turns sick with over-dependency, then fear, anger and resentments. Motherly love is often a love for the helpless. The A.A. member has a need to share their experience, strength and hope with others. A sponsor, even as a mother, has a need for bring their sponsor-ee to the point where the sponsor is no longer needed. Holding on after that time can cause problems. Thy Love, Thy Will be done.