Yes, the above snapshot reflects how I was feeling nearly ten years ago, as I posted a poorly crafted note within my private app. I am so thankful I’ve grown from these petty observations, but between you and me, I believe it is still unfortunate that certain reality shows continue to air.
Seriously, what have they really done to add value to the world, their city, or inside their families’ four+ walls? How many of these people we watch fanatically on television or follow on IG, etc., have later shown us they are not the best examples of parenting or family values (by a landslide)?
I know I am teetering close to the rim of judgment. But stay with me. I promise my motives are purely for good. The real deal is that even before earning an MFA, I examined television and cinema like a student, gleaning from the themes, studying the plots, amazed by the backstories. Recently, while watching a popular series about wealthy and powerful people who finesse deals as smoothly as satin sheets between your toes, I noticed that the cast of characters, each one of them had, 1. either a failing or failed marriage, 2. bad blood between them and their brood, and 3. a dysfunctional connection to parents and siblings. I don’t think it is accidental, either.
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
1 Timothy 6:9-10
It is easy to sacrifice family for fortune and fame. That is the bad news, which should not be new news to you, but here is the takeaway I want to make explicit because I love you and want the best for you. So, listen up.
Hear ye, hear ye, dear readers, we cannot model our lives based on reality shows, so-called family-friendly television shows, movies, or social media highlights and reels. Yes, we are mesmerized by all the glitz, glamour, and perceived gargantuan bank accounts, but we are careless if we deny the messy parts that eventually come out in the wash.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
Mark 8:36 (NKJV)
My challenge to the rest of us is to turn away from the screens for a weekend (or at least re-prioritize how much time we spend watching our screens). Instead of attaching to our devices, let’s get outdoors with the people we love, and use that newfound time doing something enjoyable and bonding with our family. Before it is too late!
Jesus said (about divorce, a killer in families), “Moses wrote this command only as a concession to your hardhearted ways. In the original creation, God made male and female to be together. Because of this, a man leaves father and mother, and in marriage he becomes one flesh with a woman—no longer two individuals, but forming a new unity. Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart.” Mark 10:9 (The Message).
As a divorcee and recovering perfectionist, I hope and pray that you will love the intimacy you discover with God and family! And in the lyrical words of Debbie Deb, “Lookout weekend ‘cause here I come. Because weekends were made for fun.”
Whoop it up with the ones you love this weekend! XO
If you like this blog, please support me by downloading at least one copy of my 21 Days to Your Best Life Yet ebook for $4.99. Ten percent of the proceeds will go to Rizing Starz Incorporated towards the purchase of the #CandraVan.
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