When Love Wins Every Single Time...

One month ago today, nine innocent people were murdered because of the color of their skin.  Point blank.  A carefully planned hate crime in the summer of 2015.  Over 150 years after the Civil War ended and nearly 50 years after the Civil Rights Movement of the late 1960's.  It is unbelievable that our country hasn't completely figured it out by now.  The reason?  It boils down to one thing - hatred.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to stand inside the stunningly beautiful and historic Mother Emanuel AME church where the massacre occurred in Charleston, South Carolina.  It is difficult to describe all of the emotions, thoughts, and feelings that overcame me during this brief visit.

The outpouring of love stood out above all though.  You see, that's really what it's all about - love.

And you could feel it.  A strong sense of love.  Vibrant and resilient people exited the pews as we caught the end of a Sunday service.  Church members in choir robes took turns greeting visitors and asking them to come back again.  I can't imagine what it would feel like to experience such a horrific atrocity in such a safe and warm environment.  Beyond that, I can't imagine welcoming visitors after being marked by one just a few weeks prior.

But love, it is not easily angered.  It keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.  And the truth is that love wins every single time.

Love wins when we acknowledge our differences, not deny them.  Love wins when we start educating ourselves instead of remaining prideful and ignorant.  Love wins when we recognize the bias in our own thoughts...and strive to change our way of thinking.  Love wins when we truly understand that we all find our identity in being human. 

"I know that my country was not made to be a land of hatred.

No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin.

People learn to hate.

They can be taught to love, for love comes more natural to the human heart."

-Nelson Mandela

Andrea :)

Love.

Growing up, I always preferred Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes, or Cap'n Crunch to Cheerios.  However, I must say that what they lack in sugary goodness they make up for in doing things the right way...particularly when it comes to their latest commercial. 

If you haven't already seen the commercial under scrutiny, go watch it here.  

Now that you have seen that 30 seconds of sweetness, what did you think?

Seriously, what did YOU think?

Of course, I thought it was perfect!   A positive, yet subtle way to bring awareness to our evolving society.  A great way to show a family that will probably look similar to mine in a few years.  A fun way to celebrate love.  An unfortunate way to stir up controversy.

But why?

Interracial marriages continue to increase across the board throughout the United States.  In fact, I'm sure most people these days know at least one interracial couple personally.  Or perhaps a couple that has a child of a different race whether through natural means or adoption.  And if you don't there are plenty of interracial celebrity couples out there.

Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs

Redskins Quarterback - RG3 - and fiance'

So what's the big deal?

I guess we just aren't ready to see it on TV or the computer yet.  Oh, but wait!  It's ok for Cam and Mitchell to be raising Lily on Modern Family, right?  People certainly still tune in on Wednesdays to watch the little Miss Priss and her two daddies even if she is a spoiled rotten little brat these days. But that's another blog post altogether.

The point I want to make is that I think it's time.  WAY past time actually.  It is refreshing to see a popular company comfortable enough with its brand to push the envelope because honestly that is the only way America will ever grow.  So keep up the good work, General Mills!  Proudly do the job so many others aren't strong enough to do...and keep force feeding them if that's what it takes to get the job done!

Was the commercial a good idea?  What is your opinion?

 Andrea :)