LOVE not HATE: Where there is love, there is a way

By Gina Luv

Gina Luv is an African American poet, who is a writer/author . Her writings can relate to a diverse audience, in which, many can relate to love over hate, that is why the title of this book is called LOVE not HATE.

LOVE not Hate was written and inspired by Gina Luv in the hopes of making a difference. As we know, the work of change still has a ways to go. That being said, this beautiful book of poems, inspires a difference in many, many ways as Gina Luv, once again, touches on many important topics. Each topic expresses and encourages the importance of love over hate, in which, Gina Luv speaks of the simplest things that we can do to create positive change, starting with simple respect for one another. She also encourages for us to love and respect ourselves, who we are, our worth; as well as, she inspires and encourages us to believe in ourselves, even through the struggles and battles in our lives, in which, she uses the terms, “You’ve got this,” “You are not alone, and together, we can get through it.” In this book, Gina Luv also shares her own struggle of not loving herself enough at one time, which led to self-harm and not feeling worthy. Now, as a message to herself, in one of her poems, she expresses, “I owe it to myself to say, ‘I’m sorry.’” She also gives all the glory and praise to God.

So you see, it is within Gina Luv's hopes that this book will inspire a difference within us all. And the purchase of this book will be, you, too, making a difference in the hopes that you will share whatever inspiration you take from this to give that same encouragement or hope to someone else who is in need of some inspiration in their life- perhaps a family member or friend. Think about it, this is a time that we all can use some inspiration. Some in the hopes of either getting back on track, or staying on track with believing in ourselves- or doing what's right by loving ourselves as well as others. On that note, together, let's make the changes needed, in order to make a difference. Much love to all, and God bless.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Aug 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9781977266521

Gina Luv

Gina Luv is a poet, writer and author. She is also a believer of faith and of God. We know she has a goal to make a difference by encouraging love over hate. For more info about Gina Luv, please visit: www.thesetearsicry.com 

Book preview

LOVE not HATE

Why love to hate, when hate doesn’t love us back?

It attacks us, and keeps us down at our lowest points in life.

It takes away those that we love.

And it gives no remorse to our pain and suffering.

But yet, so many continue to follow this pattern of hate.

Why not love?

Don’t be afraid to love, to show it, to spread it,

or represent it. There is no shame in acknowledging what the world needs.

I stand to honor love, I believe in us, and I believe that change is possible. I will not stop

believing, because for me, giving up is not an option.

And with that, I encourage all to love not hate.

THE CROSSROADS in LIFE

When you run into a crossroad in life,

don’t give up, there is still hope for ending up on a straight path.

Life doesn’t give up on us, we give up on life.

TOBACCO vs. YOUR LIFE

If smoking is what you love to do, think about what you love more -

Tobacco, or your life. For those who use tobacco,

please understand that I am not judging you,

but would like to spare you from any problems that can arise,

that may be a threat to your life, as well as others.

And though I say this, I also know that some things aren’t that easy to just give up. But I

also believe that some things are worth giving up, if it effects lives. And if you are

someone who uses tobacco, that includes your very own.

And with that being said, if that is the case, make the choice to save your life, there is no

price value greater than that. Just believe in you, have faith, and know that your life is a

life that matters, just as much as any other.

And though tobacco is not a love, or hate thing,

it is a part of making a difference by saving lives, and as stated, that includes your own.

Don’t wait until you develop a problem that may, or may not be curable.

Say NO to tobacco.

Much love to all, and God bless.

DRIVING WHILE UNDER the INFLUENCE

Driving while under the influence, whether it’s drugs or alcohol, could be crucial. Not just for you, as the driver, but for innocent people who walk, ride their bikes, or drive alongside of you. Your failure to be a responsible driver affects the lives of others. I have heard and have seen the hurt and pain by victims and their families who have suffered due to irresponsible drivers. Families whose loved ones were critical, and some who didn’t survive, in which, my heart goes out to the victims and their families. Though I have always felt their emotions and pain, it hit even harder when my family and I had become the victims of a driver who was driving under the influence. It was the scariest moment of my life, almost losing my family, as well as my own life. I am grateful that we were all okay, suffered some injuries, but we survived what was a very serious accident, and not just an accident, but a hit and run. Driving under the influence is nothing to play with. When you take a chance, you not only risk your own life, but others as well. And while some may serve time in jail, or get a slap on the wrist, the lives of others may be ruined forever. And with that being said, be wise in your choices and decisions. Think before getting behind the wheel of a car if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Remember, if you are under any type of substance, or alcohol, there are many ways to be safe - call a family member or friend. If that doesn’t work, there are so many other options, including Uber or Lyft.

And if that is not an option that works for you, wait until you sober up, there is no excuse.

Be a responsible human being by not driving under the influence.

It’s the key to saving lives, your own, as well as others.

Much love to all, and God bless.

IF WE ONLY SEE COLOR

If we only see color, the world will never change.

In which, prejudice is a huge problem in our society.

So, if we realize the problems that exist, then let’s fix them.

Let’s not focus on color, but the fact that we are all human beings.

And if we can do that, we will then see a difference.

A difference that will benefit all.

LOSER vs. EFFORTS

A loser can sometimes be a poor sportsman, a person that can’t take losing. A person that thinks they have to win everything, instead of being proud of their efforts, and the fact that they tried. Instead they shatter their own self-image and pride. And it’s not always those in question who are beating themselves up. Sometimes it’s those who are supposed to be the line of support, cheering them on, and proud of their efforts no matter what. We, as human beings, have to realize that not everything in life is about winning or losing. The fact that you gave it your all, and had the courage to stand tall, you’ve conquered something. You’re not walking away a loser; you’re walking away with dignity; an example of being proud no matter what. Everything we do in life to achieve our goals, dreams, or successes, are all due to our efforts, courage, beliefs, passion and strength. And with that, we have to continue being the encouragement, admiration, and inspiration for ourselves, as well as for those who we seek to inspire.

I also want to mention that, if you are someone who puts others down after their hard work and efforts to give it their all, then you have to stop being a sideline-noisemaker/ the Debbie Downer. Instead, try being an encourager. Though there’s nothing wrong with lecturing, there is a right way, and a wrong way. Try walking in their shoes even if they don’t fit. And believe me, you will see the positive side of love and support, something that we all need in our lives.

And last, but not least, another message for the person in question who doesn’t give themselves enough credit, know that hard work, dedication and giving it your all, is your medal of honor. Believe in you, even when others don’t. Your purpose is much bigger than what they can see. And when it does spark, it will bring some light and hope to those who don’t believe. And with that, never let the negativity or those who lack in faith, take away your shine.

Never give up. Always keep trying. And always be proud of your efforts.

Much love to all, and God bless.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Accomplishments are what we make, and should be proud of.

Though others don’t always acknowledge the accomplishments of others,

never let that take away your happiness and joy to celebrate.

Remember, you are celebrating you, the accomplishments of you.

The hard work that you’ve put in to get to this point in life.

If they don’t see you now, they will down the road

when your accomplishments begin to unfold.

But until then, continue being a success in accomplishing your goals.

Much love, and congrats to all.

God bless

THE VALUE of not JUDGING

Don’t judge others, get to know who they are,

and you just might like who you’ve gotten to know.

There is so much more to others than what you can see. Reason why,

because purity is on the inside.

Therefore, what they say is true: Never judge a book by its cover.

And with that being said, the value of not judging is much greater than what you would

get out of judging.

FAILURE

Failure isn’t because you didn’t succeed

at what you wanted to accomplish,

it’s when you give up.

You can succeed at whatever you want,

and you will, when the time is right.

But giving up can’t be an option.

Fight, and when you feel that you have failed, don’t give up, try again.

And remember, winning isn’t the only thing that makes us a winner.

A winner is also when you give your all in the challenge.

LOVE vs. HATE

Love resides here,

but hate is not welcomed.

Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.

Be who you are, not swayed by hate.

It would take all the goodness out of you,

leaving nothing but the worst of you.

And with that being said,

LOVE not HATE

LOVE not HATE

LOVE not HATE

Say it, ‘til you feel it.

THE NATURE of SMILING

A frown can darken up a room,

but a smile can brighten up the day.

Smile more often, you will then notice a difference,

so will everyone else around you.

Because the nature