The Tragic Story of Valentine.

An ordinary man who left an extraordinary legacy of courage.

It’s said that the Roman Emperor, Claudius II, believed married soldiers were no good, so soldiers were forbidden to marry.

A popular account of Saint Valentine of Rome states that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire.

According to legend, during imprisonment, he healed Julia, the blind daughter of his jailer, Asterius. The jailer’s daughter and his forty-four-member household (family members and servants) came to believe in Jesus and were baptized

One thing struck me about this story of St. Valentine: It’s so different from our understanding today of what Valentine represents; it's not about romance or a fancy Hollywood love story.

It’s the story of a man who was imprisoned and killed for what he believed in— a man who lived his belief and died for it. It’s a story of faith, courage, sacrifice, and love.

In a world where at the slightest threat, many are quick to abandon their beliefs and values for popular opinion, trending ideas, or approval from others, Valentine's day is an opportunity to think about staying true to what we believe is right.

It’s a reminder to ask ourselves: what standards and beliefs will I live up to even if it means facing shame, disrespect, rejection, or losing something valuable to me?

Take a moment to reflect.

Are there situations where you cowered when you should have stood up for what was right?

Times you compromised your standards so that you won't become a target of mockery or oppression? If those situations come again, what will you do differently?

This Valentine, we can choose to be more courageous, we can choose to stand for what is right even though we may suffer loss. Ask yourself:

In what areas of my life do I need to be more bold and stand up for what I know is right?

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