Taryn R. Hutchison's Blog: The Glorious Muddle, page 37
March 23, 2012
"Logical" and Lost
Tomorrow (March 24), our nation's capital will host the Reason Rally. The organizers bill it as the "largest gathering of the secular movement in world history." The group is using the terms secularism and atheism interchangeably and claiming that tomorrow will mark the official birth of the secular/atheist movement.
According to an article I read entitled "Why the Reason Rally is Unreasonable" by Rabbi Ben Hirschfield, the 38 scheduled speakers, including Professor Richard Dawkins and comedian Bill Maher, put their "faith in having no faith." Hirschfield goes on to say that "this rally is not simply about protecting the rights of non-believers, but about the inferiority of religious belief." He adds, "By suggesting that the rest of us who find meaning in faith makes us less than reasonable, is itself neither a fair nor reasonable suggestion."
Some churches have planned to protest at the rally, feeding the stereotype that they're unreasonable and judgmental. I wonder how Jesus would respond, if He was here? I think His heart would break for these lost people who He created. We get a glimpse of that in Matthew 9:36. "Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd."
My faith is the most reasonable thing about me, but Jesus' love for me is not. His love is totally illogical. God the Son loved me from the beginning, knowing the very worst about me, and He still pursued me. I can't fathom that. In a couple weeks, we will celebrate the greatest event the world has ever and will ever know. Jesus Christ took on human flesh and willingly gave up his life for people who rejected Him. He died for me, and He died for the secularists and atheists, too. Isn't faith the most logical response to a love like that? Let's pray that the unreasonable love of Christ finds them and never lets them go.
According to an article I read entitled "Why the Reason Rally is Unreasonable" by Rabbi Ben Hirschfield, the 38 scheduled speakers, including Professor Richard Dawkins and comedian Bill Maher, put their "faith in having no faith." Hirschfield goes on to say that "this rally is not simply about protecting the rights of non-believers, but about the inferiority of religious belief." He adds, "By suggesting that the rest of us who find meaning in faith makes us less than reasonable, is itself neither a fair nor reasonable suggestion."
Some churches have planned to protest at the rally, feeding the stereotype that they're unreasonable and judgmental. I wonder how Jesus would respond, if He was here? I think His heart would break for these lost people who He created. We get a glimpse of that in Matthew 9:36. "Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd."
My faith is the most reasonable thing about me, but Jesus' love for me is not. His love is totally illogical. God the Son loved me from the beginning, knowing the very worst about me, and He still pursued me. I can't fathom that. In a couple weeks, we will celebrate the greatest event the world has ever and will ever know. Jesus Christ took on human flesh and willingly gave up his life for people who rejected Him. He died for me, and He died for the secularists and atheists, too. Isn't faith the most logical response to a love like that? Let's pray that the unreasonable love of Christ finds them and never lets them go.
Logical and Lost
Tomorrow (March 24), our nation's capital will host the Reason Rally. The organizers bill it as the "largest gathering of the secular movement in world history." The group is using the terms secularism and atheism interchangeably and claiming that tomorrow will mark the official birth of the secular/atheist movement.
According to an article I read entitled "Why the Reason Rally is Unreasonable" by Rabbi Ben Hirschfield, the 38 scheduled speakers, including Professor Richard Dawkins and comedian Bill Maher, put their "faith in having no faith." Hirschfield goes on to say that "this rally is not simply about protecting the rights of non-believers, but about the inferiority of religious belief." He adds, "By suggesting that the rest of us who find meaning in faith makes us less than reasonable, is itself neither a fair nor reasonable suggestion."
Some churches have planned to protest at the rally, feeding the stereotype that they're unreasonable and judgmental. I wonder how Jesus would respond, if He was here? I think His heart would break for these lost people who He created. We get a glimpse of that in Matthew 9:36. "Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd."
My faith is the most reasonable thing about me, but Jesus' love for me is not. His love is totally illogical. God the Son loved me from the beginning, knowing the very worst about me, and He still pursued me. I can't fathom that. In a couple weeks, we will celebrate the greatest event the world has ever and will ever know. Jesus Christ took on human flesh and willingly gave up his life for people who rejected Him. He died for me, and He died for the secular atheists, too. Let's pray that the illogical love of Christ finds them and never lets them go.
According to an article I read entitled "Why the Reason Rally is Unreasonable" by Rabbi Ben Hirschfield, the 38 scheduled speakers, including Professor Richard Dawkins and comedian Bill Maher, put their "faith in having no faith." Hirschfield goes on to say that "this rally is not simply about protecting the rights of non-believers, but about the inferiority of religious belief." He adds, "By suggesting that the rest of us who find meaning in faith makes us less than reasonable, is itself neither a fair nor reasonable suggestion."
Some churches have planned to protest at the rally, feeding the stereotype that they're unreasonable and judgmental. I wonder how Jesus would respond, if He was here? I think His heart would break for these lost people who He created. We get a glimpse of that in Matthew 9:36. "Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd."
My faith is the most reasonable thing about me, but Jesus' love for me is not. His love is totally illogical. God the Son loved me from the beginning, knowing the very worst about me, and He still pursued me. I can't fathom that. In a couple weeks, we will celebrate the greatest event the world has ever and will ever know. Jesus Christ took on human flesh and willingly gave up his life for people who rejected Him. He died for me, and He died for the secular atheists, too. Let's pray that the illogical love of Christ finds them and never lets them go.
March 19, 2012
A Spiritual Lesson from My Bulbs
Some of the wisest people I know spend much of their time with their hands in dirt. All those hours spent among earthworms must help them draw profound insights. I'm new at gardening and I'm not so profound to begin with, but I did have one insight the other day.
Steve and I spent Saturday morning transplanting bulbs hidden underneath our juniper bushes, placed there by someone else years before we arrived on the scene, undoubtedly before the junipers grew to overshadow them. We unearthed ugly turnip-looking bulbs that will magically transform into pink tulips, white crocuses, grape hyacinths, yellow daffodils, and orange day lilies. Stunning, vibrant flowers whose beauty is only seen by Steve and me, and only when we purposely pull the prickly branches aside to peek at them. These flowers' brilliant gifts are being wasted. They were made to showcase God's beauty and creativity, to bring joy and hope to our hearts. And no one can delight in them while they remain hidden.
As we dug the bulbs up and replanted them, I wondered how often our gifts lie dormant and unused. God gave all of us natural strengths and abilities, and often we toil our lives away in work that doesn't fulfill or motivate us, labor which isn't appreciated. The spiritual gifts reserved for His children are meant to encourage and build up the body. We're not supposed to keep them to ourselves until they shrivel up or rust out from disuse, no good to anyone. Neither are we to hide or downplay our gifts because we're timid or don't want to step out of the comfortable shade.
Maybe our transplanted bulbs won't make it in our new location – I can't promise much because I'm a novice gardener. But we had to try, even at the risk of failing. We had to reposition them so they at least have a chance to shine. What about you? How can you shine?
Steve and I spent Saturday morning transplanting bulbs hidden underneath our juniper bushes, placed there by someone else years before we arrived on the scene, undoubtedly before the junipers grew to overshadow them. We unearthed ugly turnip-looking bulbs that will magically transform into pink tulips, white crocuses, grape hyacinths, yellow daffodils, and orange day lilies. Stunning, vibrant flowers whose beauty is only seen by Steve and me, and only when we purposely pull the prickly branches aside to peek at them. These flowers' brilliant gifts are being wasted. They were made to showcase God's beauty and creativity, to bring joy and hope to our hearts. And no one can delight in them while they remain hidden.
As we dug the bulbs up and replanted them, I wondered how often our gifts lie dormant and unused. God gave all of us natural strengths and abilities, and often we toil our lives away in work that doesn't fulfill or motivate us, labor which isn't appreciated. The spiritual gifts reserved for His children are meant to encourage and build up the body. We're not supposed to keep them to ourselves until they shrivel up or rust out from disuse, no good to anyone. Neither are we to hide or downplay our gifts because we're timid or don't want to step out of the comfortable shade.
Maybe our transplanted bulbs won't make it in our new location – I can't promise much because I'm a novice gardener. But we had to try, even at the risk of failing. We had to reposition them so they at least have a chance to shine. What about you? How can you shine?
March 9, 2012
Justice for the Helpless
Yesterday was International Women's Day, a legal holiday in many countries and a day to celebrate women everywhere else. But women in much of the world are downtrodden and trapped, unable to provide the necessities of life for themselves or their dependent children. Their needs run much deeper than a bouquet of flowers or a nice card can fix. They are the most vulnerable among us.
We're told over and over again in God's Word to help the helpless - the widows, orphans, and aliens. We're to stand for justice for the oppressed.
"He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, and to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?"
Micah 6:8
Check out this website with ideas of how you can help Empower Women, End Hunger and Poverty. http://worldrelief.org/recent-stories/international-womens-day
We're told over and over again in God's Word to help the helpless - the widows, orphans, and aliens. We're to stand for justice for the oppressed.
"He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, and to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?"
Micah 6:8
Check out this website with ideas of how you can help Empower Women, End Hunger and Poverty. http://worldrelief.org/recent-stories/international-womens-day
March 4, 2012
Grammar is Fun!
You may not know the significance of today. Yes, it is our former Presidential Inauguration Day, ending with Franklin Roosevelt's inauguration on the very day my mother entered this world. But it is also something else.
It's been six months since National Punctuation Day, and grammarians need more reasons to celebrate. Today is National Grammar Day. The official website (http://nationalgrammarday.com/) states that language is something to celebrate, and March 4th is the perfect day to do it. It's not only a date, it's an imperative: March forth on March 4 to speak well, write well, and help others do the same!
National Grammar Day was established in 2008 by Martha Brockenbrough who also founded the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar. So how exactly do you join in the frivolity of the day? Well, some stand near signs, jotting notes with smug smiles or snapping photos with their cell phones, ridiculing the grammatical mistakes of the ignorant masses. Others humbly brush up on their personal grammar skills, perhaps going so far as to take an online grammar quiz; that is, if their hearts can stand the excitement.
Grammar is difficult. It's hard to keep its and it's straight. Using loose when you mean lose might just be a typo, but I'm certain that their, there and they're were put on this earth to trip us up. We can all benefit from a refresher course. So today is the day. Let's go split some infinitives and have fun!
March 1, 2012
Leaping into March like a Lamb
March entered this morning like a lamb; will it leave us like a lion? I love how this month of fickle weather, one day spring and the next day winter, is flanked like bookends by symbols of Christ, the majestic Aslan-lion of Judah and the spotless sacrificial lamb.
This year, the first of March came one day later than normal. Leap years contain an extra day every four years to keep us in step with the seasons. Since it takes 365 ¼ days to revolve around the sun, if our calendar year always contained 365 days, over time, we'd celebrate spring's arrival while feasting our eyes on autumn foliage and body surf in the ocean during winter. In other words, we'd feel like we're Down Under.
Those born on Feb. 29, roughly 1 in 1,500 people, are called "leaplings." My birth year was a leap year. Leaplings born at that time have just entered their teens. (I'm not jealous.)
But that was yesterday. Today, the first of March, is Martisor Day in Romania, my favorite day there. Romanians celebrate both the imminent coming of spring and the love that adds a certain springiness to our steps all year long. With the huge snows that smothered Eastern Europe this winter (including 15 feet of snow less than two weeks ago), I'm sure Martisor couldn't come quickly enough this year. Martisor is a reminder that the winters of our discontent won't last forever. It infuses people with hope that spring will soon arrive with its fresh vitality.
And it causes us to look to the Lion who will right all wrongs and the Lamb who gave his life so we can have new life. Easter is on its way!
This year, the first of March came one day later than normal. Leap years contain an extra day every four years to keep us in step with the seasons. Since it takes 365 ¼ days to revolve around the sun, if our calendar year always contained 365 days, over time, we'd celebrate spring's arrival while feasting our eyes on autumn foliage and body surf in the ocean during winter. In other words, we'd feel like we're Down Under.
Those born on Feb. 29, roughly 1 in 1,500 people, are called "leaplings." My birth year was a leap year. Leaplings born at that time have just entered their teens. (I'm not jealous.)
But that was yesterday. Today, the first of March, is Martisor Day in Romania, my favorite day there. Romanians celebrate both the imminent coming of spring and the love that adds a certain springiness to our steps all year long. With the huge snows that smothered Eastern Europe this winter (including 15 feet of snow less than two weeks ago), I'm sure Martisor couldn't come quickly enough this year. Martisor is a reminder that the winters of our discontent won't last forever. It infuses people with hope that spring will soon arrive with its fresh vitality.
And it causes us to look to the Lion who will right all wrongs and the Lamb who gave his life so we can have new life. Easter is on its way!
February 24, 2012
Gobsmacked and Flummoxed
To say I am amazed doesn't quite carry the wallop I want, so I turn to my British counterparts with their richer vocabulary. I am gobsmacked, flummoxed even. (Astounded, bewildered.) But mostly I am humbled.
My little book has sailed past the 2,000 mark. And I'm not doing a thing. I never expected it to sell, and I promise, I won't keep updating you with boring sales figures. My intention is to let you know that I think God is doing something here. It's definitely not me. I just write my blog and respond to invitations to speak or be interviewed by radio shows. But I'm not initiating any of it. No marketing. No publicity. No promoting.
Writing itself is grueling work, and it's personal. In making myself transparent, it thrust me out of my comfort zone into a realm laden with insecurity. I would never have set myself up for that if I didn't believe God called me to do it. With the faint hope that my book might encourage a handful of people. I offered it to God with open hands, asking Him to take my meager gift and do something with it. I wished for my book to become a catalyst to help people take the next step of faith – whatever and wherever that might be. And as I trusted Him to use my feeble words to infuse other people with courage, He also provided me with the perseverance I needed to see my task to completion.
You may think, what's the big deal about selling 2,000 copies? It's not like your book's a best-seller. To me, it's huge. It confirms that God can use anything - even We Wait You.
The average book in the U.S. sells only 500 copies and frequently a print-run for an unknown first-time author is only 2,000 copies. My book has exceeded both. I am in awe at what God is enfolding. He took my loaves and fish and He's multiplying them. And I want to give glory to Him. Only to Him.
My little book has sailed past the 2,000 mark. And I'm not doing a thing. I never expected it to sell, and I promise, I won't keep updating you with boring sales figures. My intention is to let you know that I think God is doing something here. It's definitely not me. I just write my blog and respond to invitations to speak or be interviewed by radio shows. But I'm not initiating any of it. No marketing. No publicity. No promoting.
Writing itself is grueling work, and it's personal. In making myself transparent, it thrust me out of my comfort zone into a realm laden with insecurity. I would never have set myself up for that if I didn't believe God called me to do it. With the faint hope that my book might encourage a handful of people. I offered it to God with open hands, asking Him to take my meager gift and do something with it. I wished for my book to become a catalyst to help people take the next step of faith – whatever and wherever that might be. And as I trusted Him to use my feeble words to infuse other people with courage, He also provided me with the perseverance I needed to see my task to completion.
You may think, what's the big deal about selling 2,000 copies? It's not like your book's a best-seller. To me, it's huge. It confirms that God can use anything - even We Wait You.
The average book in the U.S. sells only 500 copies and frequently a print-run for an unknown first-time author is only 2,000 copies. My book has exceeded both. I am in awe at what God is enfolding. He took my loaves and fish and He's multiplying them. And I want to give glory to Him. Only to Him.
February 18, 2012
Being Missional in Boredom
"Missional" may be a current buzz word in churches today but the concept is not new. As followers of Christ, our lives have purpose. Everything we do and even say must be driven by that purpose, help fulfill that mission. We live our lives intentionally and strategically, out among the people of the world, reflecting God's missionary heart and embodying the life of Jesus in our communities.
Even in boredom and drudgery, we can live out our purpose. Brother Lawrence practiced the presence of God as he peeled potatoes in his 17th century monastery. Most days in my new job don't exactly engage my mind. I'm assisting a gentle soul who has done the job alone for 30 years and is having trouble letting go. Our office could benefit greatly from some delegating, instilling ownership, and time management skills. (Don't worry, no one I work with even knows I have a blog so I'm safe to say this.) If the work was all there was to it, I would question whether I'm in the right place.
But it's not. My purpose is bigger than the clerical tasks or the paycheck. It's in the missional aspect of becoming an insider at Lenoir-Rhyne University. I took this job hoping to make some friendships with a few college students and be used of God in their lives.
And then I found out what's already happening here. The Cru (Campus Crusade) group at L-R is student-led and it's on fire. Roughly 10% of the student population is involved. When I was on staff with CCC, I dreamed of having a group like this. They are leaders, they love Jesus, they're sharp, they have strong social skills, they're strategic, they're relational. The Servant Team is made up of Greek Presidents, star athletes, and the Homecoming Queen - students who have influence. Each year about 25 go on summer projects. Graduating seniors are coming on staff. It's unheard of for a small campus without a staff team.
The Cru staff coach, responsible for 30 campuses radiating out from Charlotte, visits every few weeks and is excited for my help. There's also another former staff couple who pastor a church in town and help out. I've met with all of them and found kindred spirits and automatic friends. We all think God has great plans for L-R students and something big is happening here. And I get to be part of it.
I don't know exactly what my part will look like, but I know it's why I'm here and I can't wait to find out. I can handle a little boredom for this.
Even in boredom and drudgery, we can live out our purpose. Brother Lawrence practiced the presence of God as he peeled potatoes in his 17th century monastery. Most days in my new job don't exactly engage my mind. I'm assisting a gentle soul who has done the job alone for 30 years and is having trouble letting go. Our office could benefit greatly from some delegating, instilling ownership, and time management skills. (Don't worry, no one I work with even knows I have a blog so I'm safe to say this.) If the work was all there was to it, I would question whether I'm in the right place.
But it's not. My purpose is bigger than the clerical tasks or the paycheck. It's in the missional aspect of becoming an insider at Lenoir-Rhyne University. I took this job hoping to make some friendships with a few college students and be used of God in their lives.
And then I found out what's already happening here. The Cru (Campus Crusade) group at L-R is student-led and it's on fire. Roughly 10% of the student population is involved. When I was on staff with CCC, I dreamed of having a group like this. They are leaders, they love Jesus, they're sharp, they have strong social skills, they're strategic, they're relational. The Servant Team is made up of Greek Presidents, star athletes, and the Homecoming Queen - students who have influence. Each year about 25 go on summer projects. Graduating seniors are coming on staff. It's unheard of for a small campus without a staff team.
The Cru staff coach, responsible for 30 campuses radiating out from Charlotte, visits every few weeks and is excited for my help. There's also another former staff couple who pastor a church in town and help out. I've met with all of them and found kindred spirits and automatic friends. We all think God has great plans for L-R students and something big is happening here. And I get to be part of it.
I don't know exactly what my part will look like, but I know it's why I'm here and I can't wait to find out. I can handle a little boredom for this.
February 10, 2012
Of Whom the World was Not Worthy
Part Two from an article I wrote this week for my local paper. Scroll down to read about St. Valentine in Part One: Suffering for Love.
Followers of Christ around the globe still suffer and die for their faith, even in our so-called civilized age. Why do they willingly, even fearlessly, suffer? They do it for love - not romantic love but because the love of Christ compels them. They are able to do it only because God loved them first.
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." (I John 4: 18-19).
Christians are dying for their faith at the rate of one every five minutes, according to "The Price of Freedom Denied" by sociologists Grim and Finke. On average, 280 Christians were martyred every day (12 per hour) over the past decade.
The word "martyr" comes from the root word "witness." Our common usage speaks to a steep price exacted for that witness: death. In Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith chapter, anonymous martyrs are included as people who exhibited great faith. They are called "those of whom the world was not worthy."
Witnessing can bring feelings of unease, but we don't risk being tortured because of it. We may be ridiculed for our relationship with Christ. But persecuted? I don't think so.
Most Americans are oblivious to the plight of the persecuted. Many deny that it could possibly happen today. Yet last year alone, 105,000 new Christian martyrs entered heaven's gates. That's a steep increase from 1900, when 34,000 were murdered.
While we freely worship in churches, thousands of our persecuted brothers and sisters around the globe worship in chains – imprisoned for their faith. Maybe this Valentine's Day, the red color of our cards and flowers will bring to mind the blood of martyrs.
And remind us to pray for those who suffer for the love of Christ. Those of whom the world was not worthy.
Followers of Christ around the globe still suffer and die for their faith, even in our so-called civilized age. Why do they willingly, even fearlessly, suffer? They do it for love - not romantic love but because the love of Christ compels them. They are able to do it only because God loved them first.
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." (I John 4: 18-19).
Christians are dying for their faith at the rate of one every five minutes, according to "The Price of Freedom Denied" by sociologists Grim and Finke. On average, 280 Christians were martyred every day (12 per hour) over the past decade.
The word "martyr" comes from the root word "witness." Our common usage speaks to a steep price exacted for that witness: death. In Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith chapter, anonymous martyrs are included as people who exhibited great faith. They are called "those of whom the world was not worthy."
Witnessing can bring feelings of unease, but we don't risk being tortured because of it. We may be ridiculed for our relationship with Christ. But persecuted? I don't think so.
Most Americans are oblivious to the plight of the persecuted. Many deny that it could possibly happen today. Yet last year alone, 105,000 new Christian martyrs entered heaven's gates. That's a steep increase from 1900, when 34,000 were murdered.
While we freely worship in churches, thousands of our persecuted brothers and sisters around the globe worship in chains – imprisoned for their faith. Maybe this Valentine's Day, the red color of our cards and flowers will bring to mind the blood of martyrs.
And remind us to pray for those who suffer for the love of Christ. Those of whom the world was not worthy.
February 6, 2012
Suffering for Love
The following is from an article I wrote this week for my local paper. Since the word length is 600 and blogs should never be more than 300 (a fact most bloggers sadly ignore), I have split it into two installments.
This week, Americans will spend roughly 14 billion dollars on Valentine's Day. The average person will fork out about $103. We will send out 190 million valentines by snail mail or electronically. Florists typically bring in one-third of their annual revenue this week, selling approximately 110 million roses.
Some might say opening their wallets makes them suffer. But the roots of Valentine's Day can be traced back to someone who suffered to the point of death – and all for love.
According to the "Golden Legend," a medieval bestseller compiled around the year 1260, the historical person St. Valentine was persecuted as a Christian. Roman Emperor Claudius II threatened him with death if he didn't renounce his faith. Not only did Valentine refuse, he even tried to win Claudius over to Jesus Christ. Claudius had Valentine beaten and imprisoned, sentenced to death. While awaiting his execution, Valentine healed his jailer's blind daughter and converted her entire family to Christ. He was decapitated on February 14, A.D. 270.
How was Valentine able to endure torture and death? He undoubtedly looked to Christ's example and counted the eternal life Jesus offers worth more than his temporal life on earth. "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." (I John 3:16).
Over the centuries, the tale has become embellished. One story line, probably propagated by the greeting card industry, says that Valentine wrote to a young lady (either his beloved or the jailer's daughter) the evening before his execution. He signed it, "From your Valentine." Hence, the custom began.
It's a stretch to go from Valentine's story of sacrifice and courage, taking place nearly two millennia ago, to giving chocolates and heart-shaped cards today. But there is a modern-day account being written which is closer to the reality Valentine endured.
Stay tuned to read Part 2 and find out about the modern-day story.
This week, Americans will spend roughly 14 billion dollars on Valentine's Day. The average person will fork out about $103. We will send out 190 million valentines by snail mail or electronically. Florists typically bring in one-third of their annual revenue this week, selling approximately 110 million roses.
Some might say opening their wallets makes them suffer. But the roots of Valentine's Day can be traced back to someone who suffered to the point of death – and all for love.
According to the "Golden Legend," a medieval bestseller compiled around the year 1260, the historical person St. Valentine was persecuted as a Christian. Roman Emperor Claudius II threatened him with death if he didn't renounce his faith. Not only did Valentine refuse, he even tried to win Claudius over to Jesus Christ. Claudius had Valentine beaten and imprisoned, sentenced to death. While awaiting his execution, Valentine healed his jailer's blind daughter and converted her entire family to Christ. He was decapitated on February 14, A.D. 270.
How was Valentine able to endure torture and death? He undoubtedly looked to Christ's example and counted the eternal life Jesus offers worth more than his temporal life on earth. "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." (I John 3:16).
Over the centuries, the tale has become embellished. One story line, probably propagated by the greeting card industry, says that Valentine wrote to a young lady (either his beloved or the jailer's daughter) the evening before his execution. He signed it, "From your Valentine." Hence, the custom began.
It's a stretch to go from Valentine's story of sacrifice and courage, taking place nearly two millennia ago, to giving chocolates and heart-shaped cards today. But there is a modern-day account being written which is closer to the reality Valentine endured.
Stay tuned to read Part 2 and find out about the modern-day story.
The Glorious Muddle
Life is messy and it’s also magnificent. Traces of grace can be found in both the mire of daily drudgery & the moments so spectacular that you know it has to God.
Beauty and adventure might be around t ...more
Beauty and adventure might be around t ...more
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