As February approaches, many people turn their attention to love. We think about expressing, celebrating, and sharing love. For us as Christians, February is also a meaningful time to reflect on the immeasurable, unconditional love God has for us. This love is not fleeting or dependent on what we do or don’t do; it is a constant, abiding presence in our lives.
When David and I were teaching overseas, I often shared a song with my students called “You Are Loved” by Stars Go Dim. The powerful lyrics remind us that God’s love remains steadfast, even in our most challenging moments. The chorus says:
If your heart’s in a thousand pieces,
If you’re lost and you’re far from reason,
Just look up; know you are loved.
Just look up; know you are loved.
Click here to see a video of the song.
This February, we invite families to carry that message to people beyond our walls through a simple, meaningful practice we’re calling the You Are Loved Project.
Throughout the month, you are invited to pick up small “You Are Loved” crocheted hearts at church and prayerfully share them to encourage others. Maybe leave one on a park bench, tuck another into a library book, leave one with a server at your favorite restaurant, or place one on a coworker’s desk. You can also share them with a neighbor or friend who may be feeling unseen or overwhelmed.
These hearts are a quiet but powerful reminder that God’s love is personal and present and that love can be shared simply, gently, and without expectation. At home, you might talk together about what it means to be loved by God or consider praying before leaving a heart somewhere, asking God to place it in the right hands. It’s also good to reflect afterward on how it felt to share love in a small but intentional way. Remember, this project isn’t about drawing attention to ourselves. It’s about extending God’s love beyond our walls, one small act at a time.
As we move through February, I invite you to look up, know you are loved, and help someone else remember that truth, too.
Jesus loves you, Union Family, and I do too!