Vintage television: Ricky Ricardo comes home and finds Lucy searching the living room floor. When he asks what she is doing, she replies, “I lost my earring in the bed room” “What are you doing looking for it out here?” he asks. Lucy says, “Because the light is better out here.” For me, the scene is proof positive that a single moment can be amusing, discouraging, and educational all at the same time. How so? If you can overlook the uncomfortable portrayal of women as illogical nitwits and the fact that the show, produced by a man of color WHO scrupulously avoided hiring Black performers or female guest stars, you can see the well-crafted comedy. Looking deeper, you might also see the teachable moment. Things change, people change, attitudes change. What does not change is our desire for acceptance and forgiveness; and our need for love. Like that shiny earring on the carpet. We often find ourselves bent down, wondering why life seems so hard; wondering if our prayers are even heard. Perhaps, like Lucy, we are looking in the wrong place… simply because it’s easier, and the light is better. Look inside… in the darkest corners of your soul. Accept yourself. Forgive yourself. Love even the dimmest parts of yourself. Then, love your neighbor.
Stuart K Robinson is an actor, composer author and CEO of Brady, Brannon & Rich talent agency. www.stuartkrobinson.com
