Love. Period.: When All Else Falls

by Rudy Rasmus

When we say, “I choose to love. Period.”
we are signaling to the world that a revolution
has taken place in our hearts.
—PASTOR RUDY RASMUS, LOVE. PERIOD.

What would happen if we truly loved those who are different from us in race, background, abilities, gender, economic status, identity, or physical condition? How would our communities change if we stopped being afraid of those who don’t fit our definition of “loveable”? How would our hearts find greater joy if we acknowledged the risk of loving without conditions—and did it anyway?

Love. Period. is hustler-turned-pastor Rudy Rasmus’s call for us to live the most daring way we can. To refuse to follow the hate and apathy of our world. To speak the words that Jesus “I choose to love. Period.” Love—it’s precisely what God calls us to do.

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2014

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great content, just not my favorite writing. No offense intended!

[A.C. Cuddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What would happen if we truly loved those who are different from us in race, background, abilities, gender, economic status, identity, or physical condition? How would our communities change if we stopped being afraid of those who don’t fit our definition of “loveable”? How would our hearts find greater joy if we acknowledged the risk of living without conditions – and did it anyways?”

Love. Period. Matthew 22:37-38 - That was the ministry of Jesus Christ on this earth. And with that, shouldn’t it be the ministry of all of us that claim to be followers of Jesus Christ? Pastor Rudy Rasmus says an unequivocal YES. It is easy to love those that look like us, talk like us, worship like us, live like us… it isn’t always so easy to love those who aren’t like us.

In this book, the author, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, completely unpacks the Love Chapter – (1 Cor 13:4-7) – in light of the world we live in today and then asks these questions:

- What would happen if you and I took the words of the love chapter and began to apply them to our every day lives?

- What might happen if we embraced the principles of 1 Corinthians 13 and used them as a pattern for all our personal relationships?

- What might happen if we began to move beyond our limited perspective and truly consider the other person in every human encounter?

And throughout the next 200 pages with personal stories, along with the stories of family, friends and associates - both inside and outside his church, Pastor Rudy answers those questions of how responding with Love. Period. changed, not only his life, but also the life of his Church and his Church family.

This is a remarkable book that has given me something to think about when it comes to loving my neighbor. It is a timely message that is sorely needed in today’s turbulent, and unforgiving world.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the Worthy Publishing Blogger Review Program, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, Christian Book Dist, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com

[Shearon · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE. PERIOD. If you think, that title says it all; well, you must read Pastor Rudy Rasmus’ book. I was not familiar with him or his ministry until I read this book. However, after reading his book; I learned who he was and what he stood for, because he openly shared his struggles, and how this love was imparted in him. I have always said the word “love” is an action word. “For God so loved the world that He gave us His only Begotten Son.” God demonstrated what the word love meant by His actions, and that is what this book is all about… LOVE.

In his book, Rudy makes a statement, and then asked a question, “Just imagine what would happen, if somehow the church started putting a period after our love and became ground zero for a Love Revolution. Do we care enough for it to happen? Well, do we? His statement reminds me of how the church in the book of Acts cared for each other. (Acts 4:32-35) There wasn’t a need among them because they loved each other enough to care and share. I stand with Pastor Rudy, and I ask the question “Where is this love?” Why don’t we love each other as God so loved us?

We should all be a part of the Love Revolution; stand in agreement with Pastor Rudy and profess with him, “I will not be a part of an institution or religion that judges or marginalizes a person based on race, abilities, gender, orientation, identity, or social status. But I will be a part of a Love Revolution that fights for the rights of people everywhere to love and be loved by God." Amen, Pastor Rudy, Amen.

This book will make you take a good look at how you love and treat your fellow man. It will cause you to think about the words “I love you, or love you," the next time you say them to someone.

LOVE. PERIOD. Amen!!!

[Dianna (SavingsInSeconds blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action steps suggested in Love. Period. are simple and straightforward. Rasmus impressed me with his conviction that Christians are responsible for offering hope, second chances, and LOVE. He uses unexpected situations like molestation, prostitution, and drug abuse to turn evil to good. Each chapter ends with a series of "Responding" questions that prompt the reader to consider the message. This book would be an excellent backbone to a Sunday School class or small group study. Just as wildfires can start with a small spark, so can love change a hardened heart. I wish I had copies of this book to share with each of you. I rarely give 5 stars but Love. Period. this one deserves it. Just think, if each of us took one action step today to demonstrate LOVE -- how might that bring hope to another person?

I received this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

[April Mayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Fantastic read! At first I was worried it would be to dry but let me tell you it was not. I like all the points Pastor Rudy touched on in this book. One thing that I really liked is that it wasn't just straight to the point information thrown at you to read and digest. Not only did he bring all his valid points home he also did something I truly love he sprinkled it with personal stories of growing up and how each chapter happened to him or related to something in his life. It made all the points personable and very relatable. I love also the fact - how much love he has for his wife :)

[Cheryl Dietr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rudy's story about his relationship with God and those around him as he urges all of us to step out of our comfort zone and love everyone especially those that are "different" from us.Thoughtful, Sensitive and Strong; Rudy Rasmus tells it like it is while encouraging us to love our neighbor, our brother, and ourselves. A little less religion would have been nice but that is where he is coming from and it makes sense when he says it... so...it is what it is!

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good but the only problem I had was the amount of god that was put into love and marriage. Besides the fact that this book argued with some of my beliefs. I felt like it was well written and had a good point on how to love one another in order to have a happy life together.

[Trina Garrick]

Nice and educational read

[LaToya Obasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Rudy Rasmus beautifully blends personal experiences and practical information in this book. I would highly recommend this book for leaders of ministries or any community organizations.

[Steve Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rudy's got great love, great vision, and great courage. Sometimes for my tastes this book slipped into platitudes, but the stories are inspiring.