“O, be swift to love! Make haste to be kind.”
~ Henri F. Amiel
.
The legend of St. Valentine goes back to the early days of Christianity when Christians were being persecuted by the Romans. One Christian, Valentinus, was tried as a heretic and sentenced to death. In prison, Valentinus befriended a guard who respected his wisdom, and soon the guard brought his seven-year-old blind daughter Julia, to Valentinus for lessons.
Daily, the two talked of important things, and Julia developed a deep love and respect for her mentor. One day Julia asked him, “Valentinus, do you think I will ever be able to see?”
Valentinus thought for a moment and answered, “With love in your heart and belief in God, anything is possible, Julia.”
At that moment, Julia was overtaken with a flash of light, and suddenly her eyesight was restored. “Valentinus, I can see!” the child shouted.
“Praise be to God,” he humbly answered.
The next day when Julia came to visit Valentinus, he was gone. He had been taken to his execution. Julia found this note:
My Dear Julia,
Although we shall never see each other again, know that I will always love you. You are very dear to me. I will stay unseen by your side, and I will live in your heart. I believe in you.
~Your Valentine
.
Be a true valentine by reminding your beloved ones that they are unlimited. Inspire them to trust their heart’s wisdom, and miracles will occur.
And if you are your own valentine, remember that all the love you need is within you, just as you are, right where you are.
~I pray to remind my loved ones of their highest potential~
.
Today’s post sourced from A Deep Breath of Life, by Alan Cohen, a favorite author.
He writes, “Consider this book a hand to hold as you scale the mountain of your destiny. In just a few minutes each day, you can step back from your worldly activity and draw in a deep breath of spiritual renewal.”
This cherished book filled with ‘daily inspiration for heart-centered living’ brightens every one of my days.
What a History Lesson! I LOVED IT!!! Happy Valentines Day!!!
Thank you so much for your cheer of support
I was delighted to learn this story myself. It is so touching. I am happy to share it here and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Happy Valentine’s Day to you! Hugs, Gina
I do that sometimes too. I decided this week to learn more about ww1 it’s DEPRESSING OMG! Next week something more cheerful!
Happy VDay!
Thanks and a very Happy V day to you too (you and your Captain
)
Aw, that made me cry! I didn’t know about the child getting her vision restored to her. That’s a wonderful but sad story.
This is a sweet legend indeed and it touches my heart too! Thanks so much for your comment
Thank you for sharing the legend
It was my pleasure indeed
xo
Pingback: “Be My Valentine” ~Alan Cohen « Religion4All
Gina,
I love Alan Cohen’s writings. Once I had the opportunity to do an evening workshop with him. He’s just as wonderful in person! Thank you for this sweet post. I so enjoyed it.
Hugs,
Cathy
Hi Cathy! Oh my goodness I am so happy for you to have spent time in a workshop with one of my heros! His writings deeply resonate with me, and I am sure he would be a wonderful instructor/speaker in person. Thank you so much for your delightful visit and comment.
Love and Hugs,
Gina
Love this, Gina. I have never heard of Alan Cohen, but he sounds like a breath of fresh air every day. I ws going to buy his book, but then I realized that you are my daily breath of fresh air.
Love the letter from Valentine. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Oh my friend, what joy your comments bring! Such a delight to hear myself laugh out loud at your sweet humor. Thank YOU!! Lovingkindness is what you are and what I reflect back to you.
Happy {Hugs!} Gina
I love the story and the message from Alan Cohen suggesting that we “…step back from [our] worldly activity and draw in a deep breath of spiritual renewal.” Sometimes I am so busy trying to step up and step in and keep step that I forget the value of stepping back. I need to come back to my regular time with Word Press and breathe in some of your refreshing insights more often. You inspire me! Thank you, Gina.
I love how you worded that very excellent point, about trying to step up, step in and keep step – and how we may forget to ‘step back’ as Alan Cohen encourages. Yes, I too cherish these reminders and opportunities to simply pause and soak in the goodness. I am delighted to offer some refreshment here! Your visits always make my day even brighter Jan. Love and Hugs, Gina