Valentine’s Day will come and go but as women of faith, we stand securely and confidently knowing that our self-esteem is not tied up in flowers and candy; it is rooted in God’s love that is sure and unfailing. Whether you are single or partnered, it is time to celebrate Valentine’s Day in broad expansive ways. After all, love is multifaceted. We have huge webs of relationships as sisters, friends, mothers, aunts, cousins, godmothers, nieces, coworkers, church-members and more. Reclaim the day to practice love in all its expressions.
Take time on Valentine’s Day to share God’s love in acts of service, kindness and generosity. Give blood this week. While not as romantic as a candlelight dinner, it is life giving! Buy carnations and take them to a local nursing home. It will bring a smile to many faces. Make and write a heartfelt sentiment to a loved one that you have not seen in a great while. Decide to heal a broken friendship. Pamper yourself and enjoy the company of friends, male and female.
Know that God loves and affirms you. God’s love for you is limitless, unbound by space, time or present circumstance. This love endures and will carry you through the whole of your life.
This is adapted from the article “Celebrating Valentine’s Day beyond flowers and candy,” written by Angie Shannon that first appeared in Cafe. Find Cafe’s favorite Valentine picks here.