I am mindful that for some, many perhaps, this does not seem to be a holiday worth celebrating. I am conscious of the fact that some people may find themselves feeling downright miserable.
Of course, this is probably not uttered as much as it is experienced. When others are basking in flowers, chocolates and teddy bears, how could one possibly share of their own disappointments, rejections and loneliness?
A day focused on love and significance to another person somehow so easily gets distorted into meaning one must have a significant other to be celebrated.
You may be a reader today that is feeling lonely. You may feel rejected, wondering what's wrong with you. You may find yourself disappointed... yet again.
Not so long ago my young daughter said the following, "Mom, sometimes girls think they need a boyfriend to feel special."
This broke my heart!
I am saddened as I realize my daughter has already learned of this ugly lie that struggles to be passed off as truth. How is it that we so easily find ourselves looking to others to affirm our need for value?
It angers me to think of the energy that it takes to fight this lie. But I will do it. With everything in my being I will stand... and fight.
I know the personal fight within myself that this lie has generated. I know the battle that rages in the depths of my soul as I continue the war to sort truth from deception.
I refuse to let her be swept away in this horrible torrent of looking for and hoping in people to gain her value when that is a great lie.
I invite you to eavesdrop on some of the words we exchanged as we rode in the car together that evening that she shared that thought with me... my beautiful daughter created in the image of God... and I.
You are significant.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) "For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."
You are loved.
Jeremiah 31:3 (MSG) "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!"
You matter.
John 3:16 (Amp) "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life."
You are never forgotten.
Is. 49:16 (Amp) "Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands."
You are never alone.
Ps. 139: 11(MSG)"Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I'm immersed in the light!"
To each and every reader today... whether you classify yourself as having a significant other or not... may I have the honor and privilege of wishing you a very Happy Valentine's Day weekend...
all because of HIM!
Originally published Feb. 2010. I felt that this truth was worth repeating.
Thank you for you post. I have long thought that Valentine's Day is a money making holiday and in many ways cruel. Cruel to those who have lost a mate, struggle with the relationship with their mate or don't have a mate at all. I have silently protested the "holiday". My husband and I have never done much for this day. We don't see the need to set aside 1 day of the year to spend money and tell each other we love one another. We have 365 days we can do that. :) May we endeavor to change our view of this day and see God as our Valentine.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was worth repeating! I'm glad you reposted it.
ReplyDeleteFor many years I believed that lie! I know my children probably believe it too. I love these scriptures!
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