Who Needs a Love Letter?

The month of hearts and flowers is upon us, and every year I try not to make too big of a deal over it. We can talk about how it’s so commercial, or makes people feel lonely, or even that guys will break up with a lady just to avoid the pressure of the whole thing. But to me, the reason I don’t put too much weight on it is IT DOESN’T MATTER. Like so many things that have super-high expectations in our lives, nothing is going to live up to the hype. There’s Christmas Day hype, New Year’s Eve hype, and Valentine’s Day hype all in rapid succession. And Lord help you if Wedding Day hype falls in there somewhere. Nothing causes more tears than unmet expectations. If you allow it, depression and anxiety aren’t far behind. That’s why it’s important to put the hype in perspective.

Fortunately, I have the most self-confident, well-adjusted man in history to guide me through the Season Of Angst. Be jealous, y’all, my love knows me, accepts me, doesn’t get angry or lose his temper, inspires the best in me, and strengthens me at my worst. Oh, he likes my husband a lot, too.

Here’s a description of the lover of my soul:

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by mankind,

a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

Like one from whom people hide their faces

he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

(Isaiah 53:2-3, NIV)

No, my guy did not get a mailbox full of Valentines. He also had a squad of so-called losers that made his showing up to parties a major drag. Yet, he had a following of tens of thousands in his lifetime. He never bragged or felt the need to explain or justify his behavior. He laughed a lot. He was patient and respectful to those who opposed him, even in the face of lies and devastating accusation. How? How can one person be constantly rejected and experience suffering without shedding a tear over it? The Bible tells us it caused Jesus great pain and suffering to be rejected, yet there was never a reluctance to love openly, or reprisal for disrespect. There’s not any story in scripture where He sought power to punish any human being for their transgressions against Him. Heck, I was not chosen for cheerleading my junior year in high school and almost went off the rails. Not to mention what happens when I feel like I’m too fat for everything in my closet, or think about the boss that was bully.

Jesus walked in amazing grace because He knew who His Father was…and is. Walking in communion with God, and casting your cares on Him, makes all the little injustices and discouragements diminish. The ability to consistently face sorrow and disappointment with confidence and clarity, can only come from knowing deeply who God says you are.  

If you are struggling with The Hype and disappointed by unmet expectation, remember the only love that matters. The love that empowers, emboldens, and embraces. Spend time with your Valentine reading what He has to say about you. You will find the joy you seek there, as well as the ability let go of the disappointment this world sets us up for. It is the greatest love letter you can get this season. If you want, get a box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers while you’re at it. Why not? You’re adored, even in your sweatpants.

Style Speaks IV

FASHION & FAITH INTERACTIVE EVENT

This Saturday!!!
Click the picture to get your ticket today!

Join the Party! Style Speaks IV is all about YOU! Spend the afternoon being pampered, empowered and shopping local pop-up shops and salons. #IamCreatedWoman

2.18.17 || 4:00pm - 7:00pm || Venue: 800 Congress || $35

1st hour, Beauty & Bubbles
2nd hour,Power & Purpose
3rd hour, Fashion & Philanthropy

Click HERE for tickets & more details