Wooden Hearts and Paper Roses
I love using AI image creators to make designs that appear to be either paper cut or wood cut. I do not have the talent or patience to do those crafts in real life, but I’ve seen them up close, and the detail is no comparison to the imitation. Still, I’m thankful for this form of media that allows my imagination to soar–even if it’s on artificial wings.
But as we look at all the abilities of AI, we’re faced with the fact that people can use these tools to create imitations of things they want others to see as real. Deep fake videos have made the subjects wonder how the creators got the detail so perfect that the subject felt as if they were looking into a mirror. Of course motivation is the real behind-the-scenes catalyst that determines if the project is just fun or truly nefarious.
Well before AI and computers, and even before the invention of plastic, real love was being imitated to all sorts of audiences for all sorts of reasons. Usually, the motivations were manipulation. Like Samson and Delilah, someone acts like they love someone else in order to cause that someone else to feel trusting enough to yield to requests. Delilah’s power of manipulation was so great that after she’d proven more than once that she was going to sell her lover out, he showed back up on her doorstep until the one confession too many that cost him his eyesight, his freedom, and eventually his life.
No one really likes the fake stuff, and even less when it’s fake love. My title combines two song titles decrying fake love, or real love coming to an end. Elvis said he didn’t have a wooden heart, so he would feel all the pain of loss if his love interest said goodbye. Linda Ronstadt begged her fake love to take away the real flowers he’d sent her for an (apparently fake) apology and replace them with fake paper flowers to match his imitation love. And though I didn’t add a teddy bear to the design, it’s worth mentioning that Barbara Fairchild sings a lament of a failed love that made her wish she was just a stuffed teddy bear on the shelf of a toy store. By only speaking a programmed “Isn’t it a lovely day” sentiment at the pull of a string, she wouldn’t have to feel the pain of fake love or real abandonment ever again.
There are many more songs with lovers begging each other for honesty and faithfulness. People want to be loved for real, and they want to give their love without fear of it being rejected or abused. And we want those things because we are made in the image of a God who is also called “Love” and has proven He’s not fake in a zillion different ways. And what does He want in return? The same thing back. He doesn’t have a wooden heart so He feels our rejection. He doesn’t want paper roses or Sunday only attention. And, He has no desire to just be a toy waiting for someone to pull His string for a miracle or blessing. Like us, He too wants true love. And in return, He promises real, satisfying love forever.
Matthew 28:20 CSB
[20] teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
https://bible.com/bible/1713/mat.28.20.CSB
And I love the way this promise is stated in The Message Bible...
Hebrews 13:5-6 MSG
[5-6] Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?
https://bible.com/bible/97/heb.13.5-6.MSG
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