“Thus says the LORD: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; 3 when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away.

I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. 4 Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers…” Jeremiah 31:2-4ESV

It is that time to celebrate Love and Black history; although each of them in their respected places is well-deserving of this celebration, each one should be a part of our daily lives 365 days a year. African Americans have a rich heritage to be proud of, and it cannot be contained exclusively for one month. I felt the need to concentrate on what so many repel from: The Gift of Love and why it is so important to some and not important to others. I have heard the comments and even said them myself, “it is just another day, couples should show love to their mates intimately and authentically. Another good one, singles should learn how to celebrate themselves until the right one comes along. “

As we rethink the relentless conversations about this topic, we have to look deeper into this. Those comments are true, but I wanted to give you a revelation of why we should celebrate Valentine’s Day 2021. During these tedious times in our nation that we all have had to survive, the transition of job losses, stresses and relational disparities, deaths, and uncertainties, the one thing that COVID taught us is the value of saying ” I LOVE YOU.” This day has been set aside as a holiday of expression. If we celebrate all other holidays, then why can’t we do the same for this one? Meet the expectation and go the extra mile to show someone just how important they are! Change your routine and do something different, enjoy the ambiance of love and all that it entails. I have not been single in a long time; however, you need to know that you are a rare commodity and that God has not slighted you. It is a beautiful moment when you can appreciate you and all that you offer. Smile! Do not allow one day or a month to alter the plans of preparation for your special day.

Husbands go the distance. I am challenging us to change the repetition; women deserve to be treated like a queen. I want to encourage each of you not to lose the expectation of what LOVE means to both of you! Celebrate the day that you said, “I DO” and say “I DO” AGAIN, over a cup of coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner; better yet, cook at home! Take the pressure off of an expensive dinner; what if she likes pizza; have her one delivered at work! Put a note on the mirror.  I came across this acronym for L.O.V.E. and thought how befitting.

L- Listen to yourself and your mate

O-Observe your connection to yourself and your mate

V- Visualize and speak wholeness and life over yourself and your mate.

E-Express yourself to your mate, and if you are single, express your desire to God for a mate.

Remember, our actions and words have an impact. In the scripture above, the Love of God bought healing, restoration, and joy back to Israel. What are you waiting for? Celebrate and make this month one to remember. Reset your Love Language. I am praying that this will be a month of Celebration and Victory.

Pastor House