just say it!

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

-Ephesians 4:29

With approximately 6.1 billion people inhabiting the earth, how is it possible that so many people feel lonely? Why is it that a large number of people, of all ages and types, report feeling unloved?

The reason I'm writing this is because it's Valentine's Day. A day that seems to celebrate romance and magnify the lonely and unloved feelings of those lacking romance. I feel it is only appropriate to address this issue today.

My uneducated theory, (that has been tested in my brain alone) is that the reason members of our 6.1 billion population feel isolated, unlovable, unwanted, and a multitude of other negative emotions, is not because they are any of those things, its just that they don't know the truth.

Tell me, when was the last time an onslaught of compliments hurt anyone? Why is it that we hold back the things we want to tell people, the things we should tell them? I have no clue as to why, but I feel like we may be embarrassed or prideful, or feel silly about telling someone what we like about them. However, I feel like sacrificing the tiny bit of awkwardness to brighten someone's day may have a powerful effect. To say, "I love your shoes" "You have a beautiful smile" "I really appreciate you".....and on, and on, and on. You know you've thought those things, so here's your homework: just say it!

A kind word may erase feelings of being unloved. An invitation for coffee may thwart the beliefs that one is alone. The taking of someone's hand in comfort, may help them make it to the next day.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. -1 Thess. 5:11

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. -Prov. 18:21

To those Valentine's haters: Believe me, YOU ARE LOVED! By our heavenly Father, who watched his son be tortured and die so that you can live in Heaven forever, by Jesus who sweat blood but carried his own cross for you, by the Holy Spirit that soothes yours soul in times of greif, that lifts your heart when its too heavy to carry. To add to this list: Those who love God are called to love others, seek them out! God will bring friends, co-workers, bosses, teachers, waitresses, children, people into your life to show you how much you are cherished.

To all others: Please don't hold back one more minute. Tell your best friend you love them, and at the very least, smile at a lonely stranger. There is power in the good you do for someone else.

Happy Valentine's Day!