This is Baby, a sad looking Yellow Lab Retriever Boxer mix that my stepdaughter and I found in the parking lot of a Dollar General store last July. She was thirsty, hungry, hot — the temperature was 105 when we found her — and her life was very much in danger, with all the trucks and cars speeding by. The store manager told us that she had been hanging around, living on the streets, for at least three months.

Her sweet personality melted our hearts. After giving her some food and water, I scooped her up in my arms and we brought her home.

I took the above picture the day after we found her. She looked hopeless and helpless, frightened and sad, like she had been beaten down by life.

I took the picture below, two months and five days later. She doesn’t even look like the same dog. This is the healing power of love!

Love heals dogs, and love heals humans. I have experienced the healing power of love in my own life, and I have seen the miracle happen in the lives of others.

The awesome thing about love is that it flows both ways. We give our rescue dogs love, and they give us love right back.

I believe that God is love, and love is kind. I believe we were created by God, made in His image of love.  I believe that love is as necessary to life and health as the food we eat and the air we breathe.

What causes PTSD? In my case, and in my combat veteran husband’s case, our PTSD was caused by horrific violent acts. Acts of abuse, acts of terror, acts of war. Acts that are the polar opposite of kindness, gentleness, and nurturing love.

Hate kills, but love heals. And the greatest commandment is love! (Matthew 22:36-40)