Whether it be acts of domestic terrorism or suicide, we are losing far too many of our loved ones. For some, it's a daily struggle to get out of bed in the morning and function like a normal human being and many of those will choose the "opt-out" path. Still others self-medicate to cover up the pain and anguish they may be experiencing and the aggregate result is addiction that can, and often does, lead to death.
When I saw the reports about Scott Weiland being found dead in his tour bus, I caught myself screaming at my computer screen. The flow of expletives were generous and I guess that news coupled with all the other crap news we're seeing was just too much. When I stopped screaming, I had to hold back tears. A talented, gifted vocalist whose life was cut short way too damned early.
Scott Weiland (48) was the singer for Stone Temple Pilots and later, Velvet Revolver. Both were in my top 10 list of bands I enjoy and appreciate. 48 years old, my friends. 48. He and his new band were scheduled to be in Oklahoma City on the 15th of December.
The reports have not indicated what the cause of Weiland's death may be, yet his struggle with drugs in the past has been well documented. We lost another one, friends. A talented musician, excellent front man, and broken human being. He was broken ust like the rest of us, but his brokenness manifested itself in a very public way.
My advice is to take some time today to just love, to simply be at peace and share that peace with those within your sphere of influence. We live in a world where conflict is part of our daily diet and it's an all-you-can eat buffet. We aren't guaranteed any set time on this planet which means that every second is as precious as the previous. Some will argue, "Gee, Ron, he was just a singer."
Bullshit.
Scott Weiland was someone's friend. He was loved by his wife. He was a son to his parents. He was all of those things and more just as you reading this right now are to those around you. Are you "just an electrician?" Are you "just a pastor?" Are you "just a stay-at-home mom?" Get the point? We are far more than our station in life, the amount of cash in our banking account, more than where we live or what we drive (or don't drive), we are more than the rice cooking on the stove, and you are more than what you think you see in the mirror. You are loved, you are valued, you are important, and you are created in the Imago Dei - the image of God.
I used to be one of those "if it was drugs, he probably got what he deserved" conservatives, but that thinking is what makes the rich richer, and the poor poorer. Someday, I hope you come to the realization as I have that every living, breathing human being has value and should be treated as such. Except pedophiles and terrorist; they deserve to die.
Scott Weiland's death sucks. Losing anyone for whom we care sucks. Death sucks.
Of course, this is just my opinion and I could be wrong. Wait. Nope. I'm not wrong.
"Gorilla"
