Valoween! Just plain Scary!

As the Month of Love comes to an end, this article about a post-Valentine's Day attack, completely explains why I call the 14th of February, Valoween. This day is clearly scarier than Halloween. It frightens me how society designates one day out of three hundred sixty-five (366 this year) to "show" love. With the constant barrage of ads from florists, chocolatiers and jewelry stores telling men across America to make the day special with a diamond, because like your undying love for her, it too, will last forever, the real meaning of love is lost among the glossy, colorful ads and sentimental television commercials.

Sadly people use the word love not completely understanding the meaning. Real love is not predicated on the size of a bouquet, the number of carats in a ring or whether cupid pulled back his bow and hit the bulls-eye in your heart. No my friends, real true love endures the test of time, stands tall through adversity, does not hold grudges, does not with-hold communication or pout over the lack of receiving gifts.

Love is patient and kind, it does not boast, is not vain and does not keep score of wrongs. Until the masks are removed and our focus is instead on the relationship and not the "shiny stuff", the real spirit of love will be lost and love will continue to be relegated to one lonely day, in the shortest, coldest month of the year. Love is not a commercial enterprise. Love should be given everyday.

Freedom to Love or Hate

I don't know what makes me more sad, the passing of the beautiful and talented Whitney Houston or the profound venomous hatred being spewed by some very ignorant persons.  What makes America so great is our freedoms.  We have the freedom to worship in our desired way, speak freely and openly against our government, without fear of death.  We are also free to dislike people based on their religion, race or gender and we can choose the books, art and music which we enjoy.  If you don't like the music of a particular person, group or genre, you are free to choose something that is more appealing to you.

However, our freedoms are no excuse for using the battles of one person as a platform for jokes and hateful speech.  It is inappropriate, classless, and purely evil to use the untimely death of anyone as a time to spread  racist propaganda.  We each have personal struggles and demons and have experienced the death of a loved one.  Whitney Houston's death is tragic. She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend.  The color of her skin and her past addiction does not lessen the pain of loss for those who love her.

Whitney Houston has left an indelible mark on the music industry and fans world-wide.  She has won over 400 awards, including 6 Grammy's. She will be remembered for her contributions and phenomenal talent for generations to come.  What are you doing with your life? What will be your legacy?

Frankly, it is of little consequence if you dislike Hispanics, Africans, Asians or any people group.    You and your narrow-minded way of life and thinking, has enslaved and trapped you in a state of torment all your making.  I won't offer any prayers on your behalf, because sadly, you will not accept any kindness from people like me.  No matter.  Thankfully, you are not the keeper of heaven or hell and your insignificant life is marginalized and shortened by hating other racial groups.  As Whitney sang in one of her many hits, "it's not alright, but it's OK!"