Last night, as I watched Super Bowl 50’s halftime show, I found myself tearing up several times.  I was moved by the solidarity of colors and the mix of music.  Moved by the performances and artistic expression.  Moved by the mix of genres and the energy of the lights and props.  It was a great expression of art and love in a venue that is rarely kind to concerts.

But when I woke up this morning, I saw a number of posts and articles stating my sentiments were misguided.  All I could think was, really, are we still doing this?  Why does everything have to come to this?  What’s even worse is that it is all based on speculation.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love bright colors, rainbows, and flowers.  I’ve transitioned into my hippy status late in life although it’s been buried deep in my soul for years.  When I see “Believe in Love” blazoned across the stadium seats, in letters large enough to be seen from space, my heart swells ten fold and the tears start to flow.

As I sat on my couch, I saw a show dedicated to remembering our past.  I saw a show dedicated to remembering fifty years of music.  I saw a show performed by three rock stars that have stood the test of time with a mix of bubbly energy and off the charts dance moves.  I saw a celebration of two things that bring millions in our country together; football and music.

But this morning I was informed I missed the “real” meaning.  That this show was dedicated to LGBT Love and Black Lives Matter.  Perhaps that is what the media wants us to think.  Perhaps that is what many people believe they are supposed to think.  But maybe, just maybe, we can focus on believing in love for ALL people; regardless of their race, their gender, or what football team they root for.  It is a tough fight to not play into the media hype.

As a person trying to bring awareness to domestic violence, I see so many who would rather ignore the conversation because it is uncomfortable or doesn’t involve them.  Should victims of domestic violence and child abuse believe in love?  She young men and women who are victims of human trafficking believe in love?  What about our homeless?  Our veterans?  Our sick?

We should all believe in love.  Love is solidarity, love is kindness, love is helping your fellow man, love is open-mindedness and understanding, love is peace.  Sadly, I don’t see that in our nation’s media.  Instead, I see news stories and groups set to divide us instead of bringing us together.

No matter what you believe the halftime show was about last night, we all have a choice to make.  We can jump on the media bandwagon and further separation and hate or we can choose love.

I am making a choice to focus on solidarity instead of separation, love instead of hate, and truth instead of propaganda.   Will you?