Happy Valentine's Day?
Psalm 27:10b "The lord will hold me close” (NLT). Valentine's Day is a beautiful day for some, but not for others. Today I'm thinking of those whose hearts hurt on Valentine's Day.
For those whose hearts ache to feel loved and chosen. For those who long to start a family of their own. For those who long to be wives and mothers, husbands and fathers. For those who are sick and tired of feeling so alone. For those who wonder if God still has a plan for their lives and hope for their future. For those who wonder fearfully if their dreams will ever come true. For those who have lost the love of their life to tragedy. For those who've been betrayed by those they loved the most. For those whose fairy tales turned to nightmares. For those with scars.
For those who cry tears no one sees. For the person looking on the other side of the screen, watching happy cutesy posts scroll by, wanting to be happy for their friends but all the while their hearts ache. For those who feel abnormal, worthless, or damaged. For those who feel betrayed or disappointed. For those who are tired and weary from the search. From the dashed hopes and "wasn't meant to be's". Holidays are special times for many. And it's not wrong at all to share with others and celebrate the gifts God has given you. But remember those who feel forgotten. Those who feel like they're the exception. Those who feel excluded and unloved. Celebrate the gifts God has given you. But don't do so to up your status or build your own self-esteem. Because there are people out there who are hurting, and we are called to be loving, and considerate, and kind. Share joy. Share love stories. Share what God has done. But don't forget the ones who are hurting. Reach out to them. Listen to them. Show them they are loved; that they are not forgotten.
May we all be reminded this Valentine's Day of how much our Heavenly Father loves us.
Romans 12:15, "Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep" (NLT). Proverbs 25:20, "Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone's coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound" (NLT).
Isaiah 44:21b, "I, the LORD, made you, and I will not forget you" (NLT).
1 John 4:16a, "We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love" (NLT).
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