Lesson from St. Valentine for our President.

I would be the first to admit that I hadn’t done any research on the history or legacy of Valentine’s Day. Upon doing a google search I discovered a couple of amazing facts about the legend of this amazing individual. Our president didn’t have a great day yesterday clearly having to defend himself against fake news, the resignation or firing of one of his key cabinet members, the withdrawal from another key nominee and his last-minute press meeting. Yes, the announcement of another candidate for Labor Secretary was great news seeing this was the first Hispanic nominee for his cabinet but most of the press conference was for self-defense.

Clearly St. Valentine, if history is correct, was an individual who was more concerned about others than his reputation or his life. How is it possible that POTUS ‘winged’ his last minute planned press conference, notice not meeting that lasted for more than an hour? It would appear after his long-winded defense of his smooth-running team that a little bit of honesty might bid better for himself than an ongoing attack of the press, fake news and avoiding the truth. St. Valentine was willing to stand up to the Roman Emperor of his day against an edict that young soldiers couldn’t get married. He was willing to put his life on the line for these soldiers who were called to put their lives on the line yet couldn’t marry. Imagine what could happen if POTUS were to have the same mindset and set aside ego, brand, business pursuits and serve the average American Citizen that does pay taxes instead of ‘hob nobbling’ with his billionaires he has selected for his cabinet?

I admit that I too struggle with the perception people have about me and at times can be at odds with a kid over some silly little tiff or battle that a day from now will seem foolish. Yet, St. Valentine’s example is one that would aide our POTUS when it comes to standing up against foreign leaders who clearly don’t have the best interest of the world or US in mind! The insecurity of most Jr. High Guys does come back to the size of their hands and stature in face of someone that has called them out. The opportunity for all of us is to stand up to the modern-day bully that could ultimately destroy our freedoms and democracy! The difficulty is that our POTUS is more concerned about crowd sizes and winning the popular vote than addressing the threat of a Russian Ship off our eastern border.

One of the great life lessons from St. Valentine is that he would be willing to give anyone a second, third or fourth opportunity to figure out the real meaning of mercy, grace and justice! He valued all life not just his own as he stood up to the injustice of the Emperor of his day. The ultimate sacrifice that the secret service, FBI, CIA or special ops agent could make one day for our recently elected president is significant. I’m commanded not suggested to pray for those in authority over our government regardless of my personal views. Yes, I need to have an attitude adjustment to see God protect, prosper and teach our leaders of today.

As I handed out Valentine Candy this week it struck me how one of my grandmas, who is an immigrant and citizen, spends her day teaching English while playing Bingo with some friends!