I had a recent Facebook post from a man telling of America enslaving blacks and robbing Native Americans. That did happen. It can't be denied. Both situations were a dark period in our history. My response to him was that he was exposing his bitterness, What's to be gained by focusing on the past? History can't be changed, although there are those who are attempting to rewrite it, perhaps to hide their own shameful mistreatment of others.
On this morning's news, there was a young, beautiful, highly intelligent black woman being interviewed. One of the several profound remarks she made is that we have a black President supported and financed by white Hollywood-the very same people Jada Pinkett and Spike Lee are now boycotting. If the powers that be made their choices on a racial basis, they've dishonored the very people they are tying to reward. They've also shown themselves to be less than honorable.
When I was selected to National Honor Society in high school, I was deeply disappointed my good friend, Ellen didn't win as well. She deserved it so much more than me. Then, her boyfriend made the crack that only those in the business courses won. No one in academic courses did. He apologized for belittling my achievement, but he was absolutely right. My honor didn't mean as much after that.
Going back to Ms. Pinkett's outrage, I wish I could hel her understand that her actions are diminishing her husband's previous Oscar. He won that one in the same climate and from the same people who did not nominate him this time. At that time, did they choose him to favor his race or because he was the best? Maybe Halle Berry can sooth her indignation. Or maybe Morgan Freeman. I'm not sure he's ever won an Oscar, but there's none better in Hollywood than him. It's good to know Ms. Pinkett is that supportive of her husband, but I wish she would rethink her position. Accolades came to Will Smith before and he's a great actor. They will again. He's very gifted and has proved it repeatedly.
I can't begin to remember how long it's been since I watched the Oscars. For years, I only watched to see the clothing-until J-Lo showed up in a sheer top with no bra. I'm pretty sure that's when I stopped watching to see what everyone was wearing.
Movies and actors that have won in the past have not always been a good choice. They were an in- your-face power statement saying it was done and there's nothing anyone can do about it. Elizabeth Taylor once remarked she "stunk" in one of her Oscar winning roles. It's been said that Marlon Brando won a sympathy Oscar for "The Godfather" because he didn't win the year before for the "Last Tango in Paris." Or maybe it was the other way around. Richard Burton was nominated repeatedly, but never won. Regardless, winners of awards are not always the best. "Sideways" won and a year or so later, it was admitted it was a lousy movie. Boring pornography was my assessment.
Disappointment at not being chosen is understandable. However, if it leads to bitterness, it's a huge pitfall. No matter how much you achieve, bitterness belittles it. It's like drinking salt water. The more you think negatively, the more you increase those negative thoughts, choking out the positive ones.
It's taken a long time to learn to count my blessings, but I'm grateful it's finally happened. Not counting my blessings didn't make my life better. It made it worse, dragging me down. My lifestyle hasn't changed, but my attitude has and it makes the day so much more worth it. I am blessed.
Verses in Scripture have done a great deal to bless me. Psalm 89:14 says, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Psalm 90:14 says, "Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." He makes me glad all my days.
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