The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,
and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed.
Psalm 34:18 NCV

Yesterday was Valentines Day. A few weeks ago, my husband announced that he would be preparing for a colonoscopy on February 14th and jokingly said, “Happy Valentine’s Day!”

We both laughed and I knew he would not be taking me out for dinner. Of course, I would have enjoyed it. But having been married for fifty-one years, my assurance of his love is hardly dependent on how we spend Valentine’s Day!

For some people, Valentine’s Day means tears and loneliness instead of smiles and closeness. Those who live in an abusive relationship, those who’ve lost a family member, those who are retired and/or have lost some of their abilities, those struggling with addiction, those separated from family members and living in a culture with customs different than their own, and those in prison can feel, and be, left out and disappointed on Valentine’s Day.

In addition, there are people who live in an inner prison of fear, pain, and discouragement. They may have a crushed spirit, so even if they have social connections, they feel depressed. There have been times when I’ve felt that way. I’m so grateful for the friends who have taken the time to listen to me and remind me that I have worth.

I feel very sad when I hear statements such as “I don’t feel as if I matter.” Anyone can feel that way. One day, after hearing those words from a friend and empathizing with her, I shared the following poem, which I’d written a few days earlier. Reassured of her worth and the value of her gifts, she responded with laughter.

I hope you will read it, believe its message, and pass it on.


 You Matter to Someone
 
You matter to someone
‘Cause there’s no one like you;
 
And for someone out there
Nobody else will do.
 
No one else is designed
To create, say, and do
 
The magnificent things
So distinctive to you.
 
Please share your perspective
Your unique point-of-view.
 
There’s someone who needs it,
Someone waiting to hear it,
 
Who’ll gladly receive it;
Although others may not.
 
Don’t let that trouble you;
Don’t give it much thought.
 
Do not let your talent
Lie idle; it will rot.
 
Without cultivation
It will rot and decay.
 
With care, plant and trim it
Put it out for display.
 
Then joyfully share it
With someone who needs it—
 
A someone who matters
And needs to believe it.
 
Jane Ault
12/13/18

 Most importantly, remember this: “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 NCV).

16 Responses

  1. Love it Jane! You have such a gift of encouragement and counseling and staying honest and true in your writing. Happy Valentine’s day! ❤️

    1. Thank you, Courtney! I love YOUR honesty and transparency, your passionate love for God, and the joy I see in your eyes when you talk about Jesus. You are a blessing!

  2. Jane, thank you for the thoughtful Valentine!
    You surely matter!
    Hoping for a good result from the colonoscopy.

  3. Sending love and prayers your way, Jane! Your writing is such a blessing to our souls in a difficult world! Please keep it coming❤️.

  4. This is so true Jane. I am amazed at the distinctive creative gifts God has created in each one of us. My desire is to use and develop what God has given me. And I hope to continuously encourage others to do the same.

    1. Each one of us is as unique as a snowflake. There are no 2 alike. May God bless you as you continue to develop and share your gifts. Many times, your words have encouraged me. Thank you!

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