[Steppes] A special Valentine

[alkudsi at aol.com]

In historical times, the anniversary of St. Valentine's death?was a holy day of obligation in the early Church. It was a celebration of a life given for others, and the enormous love that Valentine exhibited for his enemies during his martyrdom.

Today we view it as a day for lovers, for passion and romantic relationships. For those of us not blessed with a relationship of that nature, and for us all, in fact, I'd like to extend my wish to all my SCA friends a Valentine in its historical context.

Be blessed and remember the love from friends, from family, from co-workers with whom sometimes we share more time than we share with our family, and from people with whom you share interests, ideas and ideals. Most of all, be blessed with a love for yourself, for without it, the love of others has little meaning.? But none of that will matter if you cannot find space in your heart to love even those who you don't like or who have hurt you. Let today, at least, be a day you put those dislikes and hurts behind you and move forward with a more positive attitude.

I want to thank someone who in private reminded me that there are three types of love: eros (passion), philios (family), and agape (transcendant love) and that today should be a day we celebrate all three. She also had the grace to remind me that I was loved, and I thank her very much.

So even though I may not get flowers, candy or material gifts today, I am blessed with the greatest gift of all...love and respect.

Thank you to all my SCA family.

HL Saqra al-Kudsi


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