To the ones I love, this Valentine dawn
I lift a song before this day’s morning sun
A hymn of thanks for mercies to me drawn
From years faithful Lord has had me won.
To you, my dearest heart, Rev. Christy,
Vicar of All Saints Church, Goodmayes,
Grace upon grace has crowned your calling,
A shepherd’s staff within your gentle hand.
You stand between the world and altar flame
Whispering hope where hearts grow dim;
Yet in our home you speak of my name
With tender strength that steadies hope.
You are my answered prayer at dusk
My psalm at the break of each day;
In every sermon, every trust you say,
I see Christ as He lights our way.
And loving you has taught me this:
That ministry can begin with a kiss
A quiet vow, or a shared embrace,
That calls for sacred, ordinary grace.
To Noble and Chima, sons of my youth,
Whose footsteps fall toward my dreams—
May courage be your armor bright,
Integrity your daily living stream.
Stand tall in truth, and swift to care,
Let wisdom be the crown you wear.
The world may test, winds may shove
Still, build your houses strong in love.
To Adanna and Ezinne, daughters dear
Whose laughter paints my room with light
May favour chase away each fear
And faith outshine the darkest night.
You are the music in my aging days
The poetry in my silent, quiet praise
May compassion be your chosen art
And Christ the keeper of your heart.
To Kamsy, Joshua, and Noah too,
To Chimdi, Chidera, Ethan bright—
Grandchildren, stars in heaven’s blue,
With God’s promise dancing in our sight
May angels guard your growing years,
May joy out-sing your passionate fears.
Run free in fields with God’s holy grace
And let wonders shine upon each face.
When I behold your little steady hand
Wrapped in tomorrow’s endless strand
I glimpse the vast, unfolding plan
That our lineage is in God’s hand.
You echo all our answered prayers,
The harvest of all remembered joys
A living covenant of our living love
Signed by the Father’s hand above.
To my siblings, you bone of my bone,
Companions of my childhood known
Through seasons lost and battles won,
And winding roads our journey done
May peace sit gently at your door,
May laughter fill your homes more.
To all your children, kith and clan
May mercy shape each rising plan.
And to the family of the pew and prayer,
To All Saints Parish now gathered here
Where hearts kneel low and burdens share,
And hope is spoken of in terms so clear
May our love be more than word,
May faith be seen in what is heard;
May every hymn, each lifted hand,
Proclaim the Lamb who chose to stand.
For all who love the living God,
Trust His Son, our saving Lord
Leave grace be where you trod,
May joy like Easter bells still nod.
Leave grace be where you trod,
May joy like Easter bells still nod.
For love was not a fleeting art
Of red roses and their fleeting start
It bled long ago upon a rugged tree
And rose to set the captives free.
And if my words should fade away
That I thank the Lord for each of you
For love was not a fleeting art
Of red roses and their fleeting start
It bled long ago upon a rugged tree
And rose to set the captives free.
And if my words should fade away
Valentine today, Valentine every day.
Let this remain, steadfast and true
That I thank the Lord for each of you
