“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
It’s been a while since I had something to say. When I started blogging my intention was always to make sure that the content of what I blogged about was from the heart and relevant, and not just a bunch of words to pass the time and meet a quota. Truthfully speaking I wake up all the time wondering if there is something I want to share and lately I’ve hit a brick wall.
Until this weekend. Feelings started to rush through me like a tsunami when I scrolled through my social media and read some of the status updates on the excitement of the 3-day weekend and “holiday” that many people have off while others were upset that they still had to work.
I’m very vocal about how I feel about commercialized holidays. I loathe the “celebration” of a thing that many people don’t understand nor do they care about trying to find the true meaning of. Full transparency, I participate in several for the greater good of others however in MY house, there is true awareness behind all of these man-made holidays so that true context can be taught and as we gather together, we know of the sacrifices for our “freedoms” and “privileges”.
On a basic level, I don’t like seeing phony post about Veterans Day and Memorial Day when half of the people posting don’t know the difference between the two. People who served and died while serving are honored on Memorial Day. My sister, dad, brother, grandfather etc. and so on who served would be honored on Veteran’s Day. Yet we post pics of them on both just to show how “woke” and connected we are to loving our country and those that served.
I love Thanksgiving. I love the time with my family, the idea of giving back and being of service to those that are less fortunate. That unfortunately is not the true meaning of where Thanksgiving originates from and maybe is the only holiday, I’m grateful there was a pivot to something better. The truth cannot get lost in reset and commercialization. We are bound to repeat history if we do not learn from our past mistakes.
Christmas is not about the gift giving. It’s not big trees and Santa Claus. Jesus was not born on December 25th. The holiday season in itself takes about six weeks from start to finish. What it actual produces is debt, anxiety, loneliness, grief, depression, heartache and so on. Sure, it is the “most wonderful time of the year” for some however for many it is quite the opposite. The pressure to produce or be present is overwhelming, does that align with the love of Christ who is the reason for the season?
I’m so anti-Valentine’s Day it’s not even funny. The history of St. Valentines originated with the Christian Church and had nothing to do with romance at all. It was martyrdom. Someone saw an opportunity to capitalize and make money and boy did they ever. I love love, I want love every day and expect such. The idea of big gesture love for the rest of the world to see how much you love me does not impress me at all. I’ve been this way my whole life. Sometimes my husband listens, sometimes he doesn’t. February 14th means NOTHING to me. I was this way long before he met me.
That brings me back to my original rant. Dr. King sacrificed his life in pursuit of equality and justice for all people. As a young adult, MLK Day meant a day of serving/learning/advancing or growing. We are far from where he envisioned us to be and thankfully not quite where he left us.
We all get caught up in the holidays (holi-craze). Before Thanksgiving is even over, Christmas decorations are out. The day after Christmas, we see Valentine’s decorations. Do not get distracted by the shiny nickel that is placed in front of you and believe that all is well. Literally.
A new holiday has been added. Juneteenth. We are still fighting for equal justice and voting rights. Student debts that disproportionally affect black and brown people. Home appraisals that undervalue the sales of our homes and keep the wealth gap wide.
This is MY RANT. I back up my rant with actions. I get involved and make sure my voice is heard, LOUD AND CLEAR. What will you do?
Holidays can be fun. They can bring you closer to your family and your loved ones. Enjoy them. Celebrate them. I just encourage you to take the time to know what it is you are “celebrating” and why. Having Maya Angelou on a quarter is great, but what about all the years of lost wages and reparations?
Have a most wonderful afternoon and educate yourself!
Love you all!
