I'm going to preface this post by saying that I am almost 21 years old, I've had three boyfriends, and I've been single for four and a half years. I've never spent Valentine's Day with a boyfriend.
I've had a relationship that ended poorly and skewed my view of romance and how men should treat women.
I attend a campus ministry called Vintage Faith Students. It is a part of the church I also regularly attend, Vintage Faith. It is a loving community that I am so blessed to be a part of. We meet Thursday nights for student-led worship and ministry. Last night had a twist, however. We all dressed fancy, and the boys cooked dinner for the ladies. Nothing is better than mac-and-cheese and potatoes made by a group of college guys. After dinner, the boys performed some worship songs for us, some Mumford and Sons, and presented a video they made about how much they appreciate the women of our church. The evening also included dance lessons and epic poetry readings. It was definitely a night to remember and cherish.
It was so foreign, yet glorious to me to be treated and appreciated this way by a group of young men. Yeah, I have (probably more than) my fair share of guy friends, but this was so much more than just being another one of the "bros." I am so thankful for all of the men in my life, and I know God brought them all to me for a reason.
However, on a more serious note, being surrounded by such genuine love made me think of women who don't know what that is. Women around the world who are sold into human trafficking. Women left by the husbands, fathers, brothers. Women who have experienced abuse. Women who don't know Jesus. Women who don't know their value. Women who don't know they are loved. I am praying for these women. Maybe you're one of them. I am praying for you.
This is the first Valentine's Day that I'm content. I appreciate every individual God has placed in my life, and I try to make sure they know that too. This isn't a day only for couples. This is a day for EVERYONE. Yes, even you. It is a day of love, not hate. After all...
We love, because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19
Happy Valentine's Day, friend.
