As I’ve been scrolling through all the Valentine’s Day posts online the past few days — the posts on marriage, the pictures of the flowers he bought for her, the details of the surprise date they went on — I can’t help but think about all of the people out there that are hurting this Valentine’s Day…
The mom of two whose husband recently walked out on her.
The gal whose heart was broken in pieces when she discovered the love of her life was cheating on her.
The husband whose wife suffered a traumatic brain injury a few years ago and has never recovered.
The wife of twenty years whose marriage is crumbling.
The single girl in her thirties who desperately longs to be married.
The woman who is in an abusive relationship and scared for her life.
The elderly man who lost his wife to cancer ten years ago and misses her more than words can express.
For many, Valentine’s Day is not a day of romantic gestures and beautiful flowers and heartfelt love notes. It’s a day of pain. A day of mourning what was lost — or what one never had in the first place. A day of sadness and loneliness. A day that dredges up old wounds and past hurts.
I don’t know all your stories or struggles or past. But I just felt today like I was supposed to write something for those of you who are hurting this Valentine’s Day. Who are feeling sad, neglected, heartbroken, and/or rejected.
Here’s what I want to tell you:
1. You Are Not a Failure
Despite how someone else has made you feel, despite what the voices in your head are telling you, you are not a failure.
You may have failed in some areas, but falling down and making mistakes does not make you a failure. It just means that you are human.
2. You Matter
You have worth. You have immense value. Do not believe the lies that others or your own head tells you that says you are worthless or are good for nothing.
Note: If you feel this way, I strongly encourage you to read Brene Brown’s book, Daring Greatly.
3. You Have a Purpose
You have a story. You have unique life experience. You have gifts and talents.
You are the only YOU.
Own the gifts you have been given. They might seem small and insignificant. It might feel like you don’t have much to offer. But offer whatever it is you have to give.
Look for ways to make a difference and bless others. Often, it’s the seemingly small and insignificant things that make the greatest impact.
The world needs your gifts, your talent, your passions, your abilities. Be you, bravely.
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