The day of love. Do you know the real background of St. Valentine? Books say he was a Roman Priest around 269 A.D. Because of the war, the Emperor encouraged the soldiers not to marry because they would fight better. The idea of encouraging them to marry within the Christian church was what Valentine was about. And he secretly married them because of the law.
Valentine was eventually caught, imprisoned and tortured for performing marriage ceremonies against Emperor. One of the men who was to judge him in line with the Roman law at the time was a man called Asterius, whose daughter was blind. He was supposed to have prayed with and healed the young girl. This effected Asterius so much that he became Christian as a result.
Valentine was sentenced to a three part execution of a beating, stoning, and finally decapitation all because of his stand for Christian marriage. The story goes that the last words he wrote were in a note to Asterius’ daughter. He inspired today’s romantic saying by signing it, “from your Valentine.”
Did Valentine lay down his life on the line for what he believed? He knew the law. And with the power of the Holy Spirit, are we convicted enough to do that – even to the point of death? We share God’s love for others so freely and don’t even think about it. I think about how Trey’s testimony has gone all over the world and there are some places that people are persecuted for this.
I remember receiving a letter from the band that played for Trey’s funeral that when they went on a mission trip, the missionary in that country had already heard about Trey. I do know that love is what surrounded Trey. I made a remark to a friend. When people are not getting along, it is so easy to blame one another because of their different personalities, their upbringing, their circumstances, etc. And they are Christians. I truly believe that if you are not right with God ↑ then how can you be right with your brother? ←→ When you are and everything falls into line, Christ will be the center of your relationship. †
The first verse we memorize as children is John 3:16 – “God love the world SO much, that he gave his ONLY son (could you do that?), that whosoever believes in me will NOT die but have eternal life.” I changed up a couple of words to make it a little more user friendly. God loves us THAT much and we can’t even get along with each other sometimes in our own churches. Wow. What are we reflecting? Do we reflect love for Christ? It’s hard in this world! It’s hard to admit you are wrong and then love. But like scripture says, remember who loved first. I’m trying every day to be like Christ and I find myself thinking about Trey. No matter how people treated him, whether they were there or not, he still loved them. He knew them, accepted their faults, and loved them. Make it a goal – love as Christ first loved you. As my heart aches, I’m still trying to love those who do not quite understand the love of Christ and the gift of my son.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
I’m praying that God will wrap his arms around me and let me fill His love like never before while I crawl up in a ball and cry today as I miss my son. Just being honest. I look at pictures and in those pictures he is so alive. I am so thankful that I have my husband, Jay, and my boss, Joe, who both understand the hurt and the tears. It’s an empty feeling that only God can fill. So I think I’ll go shopping! Thank you all for your prayers as we walk through these next couple of weeks. They will be very hard on our family. HUG YOUR CHILDREN, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY! AND IT’S OKAY TO TALK ABOUT TREY!
living the life of christ 
Still think of you guys often. Haven’t met you or any of your family, but I followed you through y’alls journey. We are family in Christ though. My heart aches for you, I cry every time i read your posts just because I’m a mom too and I can only imagine your deep pain. Yeh, that ONLY God can deal with. Here’s a hug ((O)). Love you.
I pulled up your blog with Jocelynn sitting next to me, and she said “What’s that?” I told her it was Trey’s mom’s blog, and she said, “I’ll go get the tissues,” and proceeds to bring me three individually wrapped packages. Kids are so observant.
I am still thinking about you and praying for you, Jay, and Collin. I pray that even in the sadness of not having Trey today, that God would give you just as intense a joy for the love you share with Jay and Collin.
I think of your family so often and wonder how everyone is adjusting. Every thing I read reminds me so much of how hard grieving is and knowing that God’s grace and His army of angels is what’s holding each of you. I know it’s not fun, I also know you, Jay and Colin and everyone that knew Trey prays for your family.