“Is there a price for FREEDOM?”

This world we call “land of the free” is getting more and more costly every single day. Whether it’s the price you pay because of the color of your skin, the level of education you have or who you know, there is always a ransom, set to be rendered at the end of each transaction toward equality. No one is exempt! When the repo man comes, he will leave with anything he can attach himself with. Nothing is left unharmed. Your body, your mind, your determination, your loyalty and ultimately your soul will be tested and pushed beyond the breaking point, allowing the power of evil to disease your spirit. Equality, according to Webster is: the state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank or ability. Will there ever be such existence?

One would think that it being the year 2012, centuries from the fight against discrimination, segregation, sexism, racism, and any form of inequality, that we couldn’t encounter the harsh realities of prejudice, but sadly, we see and hear about more hate and violence than love and compassion towards one another. Having compassion is the greatness gift one can be blessed with, but many individuals refuse to acknowledge such amazing quality! We are too busy putting down on, gossiping, and discouraging each other than the opposite. One would think that because we all possess equal rights, this sort of illness would cease to exist as much as it does, but the world that we live in and love so much is slowly enraging an epidemic that will eventually kill us all. It is up to us, the people of this potentially great nation, under God, to change the outcome of our unpredictable future. Sadly, now we still face something thought to be put to rest, or buried with Jim Crow!

We turn on our televisions, radios, computers to shocking headlines such as “hate crimes” or “racial profiling” cases. I overheard someone ask, “Why does everything always have to be about race?” Great question! When someone finds the answer that proves otherwise, please let America know. The seven deadly sins are plaguing this country, our society, making them deadlier than ever. Envy, greedy, pride, gluttony, sloth, wrath and lust rule the world, fueling hatred now more than ever and not just between different cultures, but among races as well. We have got to do better, but first want better in order to know better! I pray that God doesn’t wipe us out to create a better world, before we GET IT…

Love! Love God first, love yourself and then love others. Love shouldn’t be about someone’s skin color, sexual preference, level of education or where they live. It should simply be LOVE! Until we fully understand this concept, nothing is going to change. I’ll pray otherwise because I don’t want my children to grow up and become victims to the hatred surrounding them. I’ll teach them to stand up for what they believe in, to be leaders instead of followers, to listen in class while the teacher is speaking, to be compassionate, brave and friendly. I will also teach them to be wise and be careful of the company they keep, to don’t just let anyone into their circle, especially someone who is hot-tempered, prejudice or doesn’t value or know their self-worth. I will teach them that bullying or being bullied isn’t accepted. I will teach them to respect themselves and respect others. That a smile can speak a thousand words and laughter cleanses the soul. That friendship isn’t a one-sided gesture and true friendship will last through any test or trial. I will encourage, motivate, and inspire them to be the best that they can be. That they are precious, special and that their life is theirs, a gift from God and don’t try to live someone else’s. Lastly, I will show and tell them how proud I am of them and how much I love them.

These things are crucial, yet essential to whom they will grow up and become. “Train up a child in the way that they should go and they will not go astray” but know that we cannot be with them always or trust them to do the right things. Teach them that lying is something that isn’t tolerated and shouldn’t become a habit. Instill in them that every defying action has a severe consequence because you are the parent and they are the child. If this world has a future with peace, love and happiness, our children should now without a shadow of a doubt that they can be, do and reach anything their mind is set on doing. We, should lead by example and not be hypocritical, judgmental or any word associated with the two. Until then, we will continue to see young people make headlines and not in a good way. The color of someone’s skin will predict their lifestyle and financial security. Who someone loves will plague the hearts of ignorance and foolishness will reign supreme in this land that we all call “free”.

Until next time, be encouraged, be inspired and be blessed!

Smooches,

Keke Chanel