Story Time With Ella

I had devotional for yesterday, the 14th, Valentine's day. I prepared especially for that day. I wasn't able to do my devotional yesterday, but went ahead and did it on today. I think the story is applicable to every day life and unfortunately, in the secularized world that we live in, you most likely won't hear it. However, if you'll sit back in your computer chair or couch, I will tell it to you now. Just enjoy the story.

This story takes place a long, long time ago, in the year 270 A.D. in Rome. Claudius was emporer at the time. Now, Claudius was a wee bit crazy, okay, very crazy. He wanted to be god and the only god that the people worshipped. Thusly, he was very jealous of any other god. He outlawed Christianity and persecuted Christians who would not renounce their faith. It was a very rough time in our history.

About that same time, Claudius wanted to send men to battle. Men were refusing to go to battle though, as they didn't want to leave their families. So Claudius came up with an idea. He thought if men were no longer getting married, then they would be more willing to go to battle. So he outlawed marriage as well. Anyone caught getting married was sent to prison.

During this time, there was a devout Christian, a bishop in fact and his name was Valentine. He thought that people should be free to love God and to love each other. So he did not turn from his faith and in fact, invited couples to come to him and he would marry them in secret. Soon, Claudius found out and had Valentine arrested. During a period of time, Claudius got to know Valentine, I'm guessing through the trials, and discovered what a devout, passionate man he was. Claudius tried to convince Valentine to renounce his faith, saying if Valetine would do so, he would forgive Valentine and make him an allie. Of course, Valentine refused, so Claudius sentenced him to a 3-part death: beating, stoning and decapitation.

During Valentine's wait for his execution, he met the jailor's daughter, Asterius, who was blind. He fell in love with her, but sadly, it wasn't meant to be on this earth. But, a miracle did occur before Valentine's death. Miraculously, Asterius' sight was restored and she was able to see Valentine's face.

Before Valentine's execution, he wrote Asterius a final note, signing it "From Your Valentine". This is where we get the phrase. Valentine died on Feb. 14th 270 A.D. He died for love, love of God and love of others.

We should not forget those who have gone on before us, those who have set an example. We have to learn from their mistakes, as well as the glory brought to God. My question to you now is, not will you be mine, but will you be a Valentine?