---
title: "The Message"
date: 2026-01-26
author: "Laurie Stroud"
featured_image: "https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Valentine.jpg"
categories:
  - name: "Laurie's Blog"
    url: "/category/lauries-blog.md"
tags:
  - name: "Featured"
    url: "/tag/featured.md"
---

# The Message

**Publisher’s Note**

On my desk sits a small, faded, cut out paper heart Valentine constructed and given to me by one of my sons many years ago. It has sat on my desk for years. Its message is simple and scribbled, “I love you!”

In material terms, it’s just a piece of red and white construction paper. But to me, the message is priceless.

[![Valentine](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Valentine-225x300.jpg "Valentine")](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Valentine.jpg) [![Valentine inside](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Valentine-inside-1-225x300.jpg "Valentine inside")](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Valentine-inside-1.jpg)What message do we send to those we come in contact with every day? Is it a message that says, “I care. You are important. You matter.” Or is it a message that says, “I’m too busy. I’m too tired. My problems are more important than yours.”

As a child of God with the power of Holy Spirit living in us, we have been given the gift of God’s love to share with others. We have an important message to share with each other every day, “God loves you and I do too!” How can we show it today?

*[![Laurie Stroud Franklin](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Laurie-Stroud-Franklin-300x200.jpg "Laurie Stroud Franklin")](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Laurie-Stroud-Franklin.jpg)-Laurie Franklin*

*Founder, [The Christian Family Publication, Inc](http://www.christianfamilypublications.com/).*

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*Celebrating 25 Years of Good News!*

*“Look to the Lord & His Strength, Seek His face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11*