June 8, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Pentecost – This is Greek for Feast of Weeks.  For Christians, this is a feast celebrating the time that the Holy Spirit descended upon the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. This day is sometimes known as Whitsunday because of the white clothing that was worn on this day by those who were baptized during the period of time between Easter and Pentecost.

Best Friends Day – If you have a best friend, this is the day to celebrate that very special person. Spend some time with the one who has your back no matter what.

National Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – Approximately 240,000 people in the Caribbean are infected with HIV/AIDS. This day was created in order to provide Caribbean-Americans with HIV/AIDS education, the resources to combat the disease and the opportunity to get important, life lengthening treatments. http://aids.gov/news-and-events/awareness-days/

Upsy Daisy Day – This day is to be celebrated by the three G's. Getting up out of bed this morning gloriously, gratefully and gleefully. You're supposed to do this every morning, but since I know there are a number of you out there who are not morning people, and I don't want you to hurt yourselves, you really only have to do it this morning. I won't rat you out to the glorious morning police, although I can't promise you that your housemates will be that considerate.

World Oceans Day – This is a day dedicated to protecting the oceans of the world. This day is promoted by The Ocean Project and The World Ocean Network and has been celebrated since 2002. There are many activities planned for this day all over the world. See this web site to find one near you. http://worldoceansday.org/

Abused Women and Children's Awareness Day – Celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in June, this is a day to prayerfully end violent behavior in American homes, schools, workplaces and communities. You can help to stop the violence in America that endangers the lives of our women and children. As far as I know there isn’t an Abused Men Awareness Day but that is also a reality in our lives.  Women and children are not the only ones who suffer from abuse.  Men are less likely to report it, but can suffer physical, mental and emotional abuse from their wives/girlfriends as well.

Multicultural American Child Day – Also celebrated on the second Sunday in June, this is a day to appreciate the talents and uniqueness of all children of every culture. We can share our culture with the whole country and the nation and our children will be stronger for it.

Race Unity Day – Yet another celebration on the 2nd Sunday in June, this day was begun in 1957 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. The purpose is to promote racial harmony and understanding, which I personally find to be an admirable goal. The Baha'is believe that racial prejudice is the most challenging moral issue that we face in this country so they wish to focus attention on that today.

Children's Sunday – This day is added to the list of celebrations that are always on the 2nd Sunday in June. There was a movement going to get 100,000 signatures by May 21, 2014 in order to petition the President to officially proclaim this day as Children's Day.  This day has been unofficially celebrated since the mid 1800's and many cities have proclaimed this day along with many churches and denominations. http://www.nationalchildrensday.us/

Name Your Poison Day – There is nothing but speculation out there regarding the origins or meaning of this day. The meaning I prefer to utilize is the idea that this day is about making a choice between the lesser of two evils. Approach any choice you need to make today with this in mind. Pick the thing that is less likely to be bad for you.  Bartenders have used this phrase for years to ask what type of alcohol a customer would like to drink.  

To celebrate today, gratefully and gleefully jump out of bed to enjoy this glorious morning by going to Children’s Sunday at Church with your best friend.  Then tell your friend about the problems with HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean and pray together that violence against women and children will end.  Next, pick your poison and either make a trip to the ocean or prepare for a Pentecost feast.  Whichever you choose make sure you involve multiracial and multicultural children in your plans.

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