Celebrating Valentine’s Day when there’s a hole in your heart
Last year the red and pink hearts were blurred by tears as I stood in the aisle looking for a suitable card. Problem is, I wasn’t living a Hallmark life. Finally, I settled on one that didn’t tell a non-existent fairy tale and signed it,
I’ll love you forever…
I meant it and I always will, but I’ve learned a lot about love since then. This year I can skip standing in Walgreen’s blinking back a faucet threatening to spill on the floor. I was so afraid of being alone, I wasn’t sure I would survive. Then I realized, I already had. You see, fear and love cannot co-exist.
1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. HCSB
FRAGILE: HANDLE WITH CARE
I’m not afraid any more because the hole in my heart is being filled with a whole heart. Oh there are visible cracks where the fragments are glued back together because once your life is shattered, the pieces never look the same. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though. Only God brings beauty from ashes and turns mourning to joy.
Deuteronomy 6:5, “Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!” MSG
I’ll love you forever…
HEART REPAIR
There was a time my heart was so heavy, I thought about abandoning it and leaving it behind. Instead, I offered the tattered scraps to the healer of my soul. I no longer pray for God to fix my life, rather I pray for Him to fix my heart: not my friends, not my family, not my health, not my circumstances – my heart. He fixes by filling and He fills us with love.
I John 4:8, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” NIV
“The man God uses must be undone” A.W. Tozer
ARE YOU UNDONE?
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Will you spend it with someone special or do you dread the glaring reminder? Before I get an invitation to crash your romantic dinner date, I won’t be totally alone; I’ll be with one of my favorite people on the planet. Of course, it’s not the same.
I’ll love you forever…
ENOUGH
Dear friend, I want you to know you can trust God. He is tender with your broken heart and He wants you seek Him with all of yours. Over and over He asks me, “Am I enough?” My spirit says, “Yes!” while my weak flesh still doubts. But in my heart of hearts, I know He is the, “I AM enough.” My heart isn’t completely whole yet, but I’m offering Him the pieces and He is filling the gaping hole.
Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all of your heart.” ESV
God is the I AM enough #IAM #TrueLove Click To TweetLean in to God. Joy comes in the morning, but sometimes it comes in the mourning. I won’t be in the aisle this year, instead I am going to the throne. Pray for my broken heart, I would love some company on my journey.
For years I have dreaded going to work on Valentine’s Day because I would have to watch the onslaught of florists as they delivered. I was always happy if I happened to be off. Singleness has allowed me to do some things I might not have done otherwise, but it’s been Valentines and a few other social events that have made it difficult at times. I still need to be reminded that GOD IS ENOUGH! Thank you for the timely reminder.
I know a lot of people struggle. It’s hard to ignore
I will pray that your heart continues to heal. I have learned these last two years that God has a much greater future in mind for me than I could ever imagine.
If you can say that I can too!
He gives us His beauty for our ashes, that’s a good deal.
Valentine’s Day can be a bumma for single and married womend alike, not all husbands show affection which leaves the woman feeling emotionally abandoned even though he is physically present.
Praying for you sweet friend.
Thanks for your prayers and your friendship
Thanks for this post. I too have not had a “hallmark” life the past 3-4 years. God IS faithful. He has held me tight as I lay on the floor weeping and hurting. He is picked me up with His word, family,friends and songs in my heart. He is mending my heart and when events occur that rip the wound open again – He reminds me forgive 70x 70— that is hard at times when I feel like acid has been poured into my already broken heart. Then He reminds my How He gave His son for my sins and the grace and mercy given to me makes it easier for me to give. God is my all in all.
I needed this, all of it. Thanks
My heart has heard you say, Come and talk with me. And my heart responds, Lord I am coming. ~ Psalm 27:8
Happy Valentines Day with the greatest Lover of your soul!
I am praying. I’m forwarding this to my daughter who was divorced last year. I’ve been there. {hugs}
That’s the best invitation yet
Praying for you sweet friend. This was beautiful. GOD is using your pain for HIS GLORY. To HIM BE THE GLORY!
He redeems all things
I love your transparency…you’re not afraid to show your heart. God makes all things new, and at this time in your life He’s made you to be a great comfort to many, a beacon of truth to all, and a mighty warrior for Him. Praying you know how much you’re loved by so many!
I promised the Lord that whatever I go through I’ll use for ministry. It’s scary. Prayers needed
May God continue to show you His love through many unexpected blessings! He is so good and so faithful! Thanks for sharing your heart with us. I know God has a wonderful plan for you. Love you❤
I know that too. It keeps me looking forward
I appreciate valentine’s day because I remember a hard time in my life when I saw no chance for a good outcome in my marriage. Yet God took over when I was lost, and healed my marriage …and in the.process brought my husband to the Lord. I read the entire book of Power of.the prayerful wife EVERY DAY AND PRAYED EVERY PRAYER for months. I mourn for those who have been hurt because ive known that hurt. I have to remind myself that my faith is not in man but of the Lord.
Amen,amen. I will never ever stop praying for restored hearts
Your words are insightful and encouraging to point us back to Christ who loves us unconditionally everyday
and doesn’t need a special made up day to express it! Most of these holidays, i.e….grandparents day, sisters day, dog day, etc. are only designed to play on our emotions and make money for their business!?I’m sorry for the pain it creates in those lives like yours that are not what they once imagined while recognizing the upside that your reaction this year shows the progress you have made and also provides a great example of a common goal, we all as Christians, need to focus! Thanks once again for sharing! ❤️
I love that perspective. Thank you
I remember the Valentine’s days following my divorce so clearly… Praying for you sweet friend!
Thank you
I remember some Valentines Days that weren’t much fun. But you have definitely found the answer to times when we feel all alone. If only everyone could know that.
Exactly why I shared
Vickie, I love your openness and honesty and I pray for your broken heart. You seem to always find the silver lining in every situation life throws your way and you encourage me to do the same in my life. I am happy that you are spending Valentine’s Day with one of your favorite people on the planet. That always helps.
Happy Valentine’s Day to one of the sweetest people I know!!!!
Love you!!!
Thank you. It’s my survival tactic
I too am offering pieces of my heart for God to heal… thanks for the encouraging words. I am enough and God has a plan for me!! Prayers for healing for all struggling this day!
Sorry for what you are going through. Thanks for journeying with me
I always chose to celebrate Groundhogs day as my February holiday! Thankfully, we have the lover of our soul always on our side!
That made me laugh! Great plan