I had the privilege of going to an event on Wesleyan Campus sponsored by Ujamaa. It was a spoken word, poetry event in celebration of Black History Month. I can truly say it was an awesome event. There were so many talented students that shared their feelings about love, falling in love, falling out of love and more. There was a special group from NYC- WeAreWritersBlock group. They too were Hot!
One of the poets said, " If you are not loving, you are not living." I agree totally with that statement. Another poet said she was not looking for Love, but looking for Real. Since she could not find anyone to be true and really love her. One of the Master poets shared 10 things you want to tell a Black Man! She has a book out with a collection of her poems. Then one of the poets expressed his feelings toward God, and what was taking place in his life since his Mother was diagnosed with Cancer. It was very real and inspirational.
So much talent in one room was amazing to behold. I took it all in, and left feeling so proud of our young college students. They were using their God given talents to bring love, light, and laughter to a sometimes dismal world. I applaud them.
So what does it really mean to Love Out Loud?
To Love Out Loud is to take action in loving others by demonstrating and showing our love for them. It is not mere words, but actions. It is giving to the poor, helping the homeless, feeding the hungry. It is visiting the sick, visiting the prisons, visiting the elderly. You see to Love Out Loud requires that we take action.
In our relationships, it is showing our love by treating our spouse, mate, partner with respect, dignity, honor, loyalty. If your man is disrespecting you and degrading you by putting his hand on you and calling you all kinds of names, or if he is not being faithful and constantly cheating on you, you have to ask yourself: "Does he really love me?"
Or if you happen to be involved with and loving someone else's man, you have to stop and ask, "Why do I have to get someones leftovers?" Love yourself and do not be anyones extra, appetizer. No matter how much they say they love you. If you are 2nd, they can not Love you Out Loud! It is mostly in secret, behind close doors. We deserve better than that. Please don't settle for the leftovers. It is better to wait than to settle. I know, I can hear someone saying, "I don't mind having his crumbs. It's that good. "
But fast forward to when you are in your 40s, 50s and you realize that you are still single and alone. You then discover that you have wasted your best years and chances of finding your soulmate- when you are young and everything falls in place, without exercise and the Magic Body suit. You begin to see that you spent all your time being 2nd-getting the crumbs.
Trust me, take the time now to get your own man. When you hit 40, 50, and your man still can Love you Out Loud! after 10, 20, 30 years- it makes all the difference.
On the the same level, we have to give them what they need and go out of our way to make them happy.. (without breaking God's biblical standards) So, are we Loving Out Loud?
As Pastor Harvill says, "Love is what Love does."
Begin today to Love Out Loud! Start with the people close to you and then continue to put your love in action by helping the poor, visiting the sick, helping the hungry, and helping the community. There are many ways to Love Out Loud! Just start where you are..
