YOU ARE LOVED

Love is a most potent force.  It does make our world go round.  It puts gladness into hearts, making them skip with joy and excitement.  In most countries around the world, and since time immemorial, a day is specially celebrated for love’s sake.

There are several stories that tell about the origin of Valentine’s Day.

There is one that tells of a Roman citizen who was martyred on February 14 for refusing to give up Christianity and for helping Christians escape the harsh Roman prisons.

Another person named Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine".

There is also a story that tells about St. Valentine, a priest who was jailed for defying Emperor Claudius who outlawed marriage for young men because the Emperor believed that single men made better soldiers that those with sweethearts, wives and families. St. Valentine saw it as an injustice and continued to perform marriages in secrecy.  He was beheaded on February 14, at around 270 AD.

The origins and history of why we celebrate the day of hearts on February 14 may differ; nevertheless, it puts emphasis on a common subject – LOVE.  And celebrating LOVE is precisely what Valentine’s Day is all about.

Giving love and celebrating love on Valentine’s Day is not limited only to the romance between two hearts (romantic love).

Not being in a romantic relationship does not mean one is loveless.

Love is everywhere.  Love is free.  It is a God-given blessing for us to give as well as to receive.