I was reading about why we celebrate Valentine's Day and Bishop Valentine marrying people in secret during a time marriage was outlawed. It is a beautiful gift he gave and he and those he helped obviously felt it was worth the risk.
I think of the challenges some people face even today just to get married to the person they love. It seems odd that any human would stand in the way of another human's right to express love to their partner. Even with the Supreme Court saying marriage is a legal right there are still places refusing to provide these services.
While I sit, snuggled with my husband and watching out daughters today; I am happy. I am living my dream. But I cannot help but think maybe Valentine's Day could be more. Maybe instead of a holiday that has been commercialized and caters to the chocoholics, maybe it should be a holiday of voices. We could let our voices ring out in gratitude for those who get to live this right and also let our voices rise together demanding this right for all.
To feel loved is something we all need. We may show it in different ways, need it in different ways, and receive it in different ways; but love is a necessity. It is a basic human right. And marriage is one way we are able to express this love. The same act that Bishop Valentine fought to give people thousands of years ago is still withheld from some. In honor of Valentine's Day, in honor of Valentine's sacrifice, let's remedy this and give everyone the right to marry the love of their life.
I'm grateful to be so blessed to have been allowed to marry (twice). I'm grateful for my amazing husband. I'm grateful to live my dream with my beautiful family. I'm grateful to have assisted others in finding places they could marry when our own state did not allow. I'm grateful my state does recognize the right for same sex marriages. I'm grateful for everyone who is expressing love today. I'm grateful for the love I receive each day and for the abundant love I have to give.
How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? How can you have your voice heard in making love available to all?
May today remind us that we are all human and all in need of love. May we share love as easily as we breathe and cherish our loved ones each and every day. Have a beautiful day!