The Heart of Valentine

St. Valentine: More Than Candy & Hearts

Every February on my birthday, my mom made a sponge cake (from her goose eggs) and decorated it with white frosting, and red-hot candies. I loved coming home from school to the aroma! I always looked forward to it although my birthday was after Valentine's Day, I was still her little Valentine. It wasn't until much later, that I really understood what the story of the man behind Valentine's Day meant to her as my mom loved bravery and heroes. These days, St. Valentine and his special day gets reduced to cards, candy, and commercial love. But the real story is quieter—and braver.

Valentine lived in a time when the Roman Empire outlawed Christian marriage. Love, commitment, and faith were considered threats. Valentine disagreed. He secretly married couples anyway, believing love was sacred and worth protecting.

That decision cost him his freedom—and eventually his life.

Before his execution, legend says Valentine wrote a note signed “from your Valentine.” Not a flirtation. A farewell rooted in faith, courage, and devotion.

St. Valentine wasn’t about flowers or romance for show. He was about choosing love when it’s risky, protecting commitment, and standing firm when it would’ve been easier to comply.

That’s a story worth remembering.

This February, beyond the candy hearts, maybe we honor the kind of love that’s quiet, loyal, and willing to stand alone.

That kind of love still matters. The kind I write about in my stories. If you haven't already, check them out!

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Here's another good read about St. Valentine written by Peter Baye: https://www.kingofkings.org/2024/02/07/the-story-of-saint-valentine/

EXACTLY how mom's cakes looked! Photo created by ai