[Steppes] A special Valentine

[Chiara Francesca]

Happy Valentines to you too dear!

Thank for that great historical reference. I like it when it is written in
such a way that it is easy to remember and still contains reams of
information in so few words. :)

Chiara Francesca


-----Original Message-----
From: lindenwood-bounces at lists.ansteorra.org
[mailto:lindenwood-bounces at lists.ansteorra.org] On Behalf Of alkudsi at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 10:35 AM
To: steppes at lists.ansteorra.org; lindenwood at lists.ansteorra.org
Subject: [Lindenwood] A special Valentine

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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