A Valentine’s Day Reflection for Those Who Are Hurting
I have always loved Valentine’s Day. When my children were small, I’d decorate the house and serve heart-shaped waffles with strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast. I’d join their classes for Valentine’s parties, and we would celebrate again at dinner. Today, as an empty-nester who is often home alone, those all-day Valentine’s Day parties of yesterday feel like a distant memory.
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? For those who face isolation due to health challenges, special holidays can magnify feelings of loneliness. If this describes you, I want to remind you of this comforting truth: Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. When you belong to Jesus, you are part of his body forever. He is always with you and you belong to him! You are not as alone as you may feel.
A Different Kind Of Heart
The Bible reminds us that the body has many parts. Do you ever wish you could serve as a “hand,” helping others in practical ways? Or perhaps a “foot,” running to the aid of those in need? I have often prayed, during my bed-bound days, that I could be a more physically active part of the body of Christ. If you suffer from health issues, you have likely felt the same way. But what if God has called us to a different role within the body?
God encouraged me with this thought—perhaps He allows some of us to serve as a heart.
A real heart does not look like the pretty and polished Valentine’s Day shapes we see on cards and decorations. Up close, an actual heart appears messy, and some people might not want to look too closely.
Likewise, when we compare our struggles with the “polished” and carefully curated images on social media, we may feel out of place, like an actual heart in a world full of flawless Valentine’s hearts! We may even begin to see ourselves as broken people with nothing to offer....
Friend, if this describes you, let me offer you a different perspective. A cardiologist sees a heart differently. A specialist looks at a heart and marvels at the miraculous and intricate way it was designed. Every vessel, no matter how complicated or seemingly “messy” has a life-giving purpose.
If you look closely at me with unschooled eyes, you may only notice only my surgical scars, disability, and cancer. But look again through the well-trained eyes of faith. Every trauma and pain has become a vessel through which I can testify to God’s great power and hope. God excels in redeeming our suffering!
The Hidden Work of the Heart
Have you ever felt hidden away? I have spent many years mostly homebound, feeling hidden away by my health issues. A heart is also hidden, but not because it is unimportant—because it is essential! A heart is sheltered within the body to protect it, so it can continue its life-giving work of bringing oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body.
A heart is specifically placed where it will more effectively do its job.
The role that God has given me in this season is to encourage others with God’s Word—and not give up. Being mostly homebound has given me the opportunity to nurture my faith by studying the Bible and writing devotions. Over the past two decades, I wrote my devotional Incurable Faith: 120 Devotions of Lasting Hope for Lingering Health Issues to strengthen and encourage others facing medical challenges. If you feel limited or hidden, do not despair—God uses even our hardest seasons to clarify our purpose and calling.
Your Role Matters
A heartbeat may seem small or even weak at times, but it brings life to the rest of the body. Likewise, you bring life to the body of Christ by persevering in your role, no matter how small it may seem or how weak you may feel. (Read this reflection on how even weary warriors have a job to do!) Let’s make it our mission to be vessels of grace, making the most of every opportunity God provides. Speak encouragement. Pray for people. Forgive them. Excel in the grace of giving to others. Make the most of every opportunity to tell people about Jesus. Beloved, you are an essential part of the body of Christ, and we need you. And just in case no one has told you lately: You are dearly loved.
