Posted on February 14, 2012 - by jennifer

Happy February 14…

When I received the call asking had I heard about Whitney Houston, I immediately searched the internet and connected with the most reliable source I know: Facebook. Then of course I called my mom, my homie, Crystal and then I kind of sat in front of my computer in disbelief. Not because “someone” died but because it was Whitney Houston. It was unexpected. It was scary. It was tragic. I’ve never met Whitney but just as I do with so many others who sing or put their art form and most importantly, themselves, before this critical, judgmental world, I connected with her music. I bonded with something within her and could sing along and loose myself for a few moments. And knowing that she was no longer in this world as we know it, suddenly forced me to retreat to my place of comfort; my computer, my writing, my place of release…

So many others have been lost already in this first two months of 2012. And regardless to what Whitney and others meant to you, it should force all of us to recognize how quickly life can change and be taken away. Most of us take for granted that those we know and love will be here tomorrow, when the truth is, tomorrow’s not promised.

So on this day, this Valentine’s Day, February 14, let’s use it for something other than just showing romantic love…And instead of moping around or being bitter because you don’t have or can’t spend Valentine’s day with a significant other, show love to a child, parent, friend…yourself. Cause isn’t that what Feb. 14 is really about? If we take away all the commercialization this day has garnered over the years, Feb. 14 is all about showing L-O-V-E. Pure and simple…

Besides it’s so much more rewarding and valuable to express and show love to someone while they can still hear and acknowledge your voice.

Happy February 14 Loves! I love you all!

Rest in Peace: Whitney Houston, Etta James, Don Cornelius and so many others…

Be blessed. Stay encouraged. And NEVER loose faith or give up on love! God is LOVE and don’t you forget it…

JNS