A Response to Crabby

So, Lyn at Bloggin Out Loud writes a "Dear Crabby" column periodically. Today's hit a nerve. Thusly, here's my response.

Dear Crabby,

Sometimes it's ok to look at the people in Hollywood - what other great example of how NOT to live is out there that everyone (just about) has heard of? After all...I notice you were familiar with the headlines.

Who cares about Nick & Jessica? Well, for one, I do. After all, Jessica purports to be a Christian. Her father, squicky though he is, used to be a pastor. She made a big deal about how 1) marriage was forever because it was from God and 2) she was a virgin on her wedding day. These were great things that the culture needed/needs to hear and they came from someone who actually has the ability to be an influence. There was a lot of potential for good to come of her life. So for her to break up her marriage (and continuously dress like a slut) is a big deal. Because now, all she's doing for Christians in America is making them look like hypocrites and diminishing the slim barrier between the rest of the world and those of us who claim that Christ influences our way of life.

Angelina and Brad having a baby together is another example that’s worth looking at. No, they definitely haven’t claimed to stand for anything in the past – and in fact have for a long time been children for just about everything that flies in the face of Christianity. However, to see that the American culture just blithely accepts that 1) adultery is ok 2) divorce is just part of marriage and 3) being married has nothing to do with having a child – well, if nothing else, it’s another good way to keep a finger on the pulse of where we are (or more to the point, aren’t) morally. Could you figure it out without them, sure, but again, the fact that there isn’t an inkling of public outrage over their behavior says a lot.

Do they put food on the table? No, of course not. But do they relegate your life to “banal and meaningless”? I would say no. Not if you’re taking the time to actually analyze and process and act on the conclusions you draw from said processing and analysis. If seeing the train wreck of marriages in Hollywood helps you focus on yours and seek counseling when you need it. Or helps you talk to your kids about the difference between saying you’re a Christian and actually acting like one, then I say, read the headlines.

And if nothing else – you just found a huge group of people who need your prayer. Because they’ve gone out and gotten rich and famous – and look where they are now. So one other thing you might consider is if you really want to become rich and famous in your own right – because it’s a lot harder to stay true to who you are and what you believe once you get there. How do I know that? By watching celebrities.

Signed,

Got a life, still read the Scoop