This post is proof positive that it is better to go ahead and go to bed instead of channel surfing. Instead of making the better choice, I gave in to the temptation to watch a little tv before going to bed. I came across The Bachelor: After the Final Rose. Apparently, at the end of this season's matchmaking attempts, the producers were given an ending they never expected. Apparently, when the day of reckoning came, he did not choose either of the final two women. The links and comments on this are numerous. Here's a link to the Google search on "Brad Womack".
Having not watched the show at all and having only read about 30 lines of text regarding the show, I don't really have an opinion on the guy's decision. I did watch the final 30 minutes tonight where the two dissed women confronted him. And I did read enough after the show to find some evidence that the guy might be a cad.
Putting all judgments aside on this guy, I do want to address one thought I had while watching him squirm tonight. What an impossible situation to be in! First of all, there is nothing real about this reality tv show. The show's premise is that it's about how single men and women interact in the courtship process. But honestly, it looks more like the QVC of spouses. You have one person given fifteen possible mates that he or she has to narrow down to one over the course of about five weeks. It's hard enough to work through all the emotions of this with one person at a time, much less a dozen or more and to do so while the cameras roll.
I watched this guy struggle with justifying why he did (could not?) commit. How many times do we have difficulty making commitments when it comes to our faith journeys? Is it because we find ourselves in impossible situations or is it because of something else? How often do we put ourselves in "impossible" situations where our decisions impact our faith journeys?
I have a lot more similar questions and thoughts to add, but I really need to get around to making the right choice and get in the bed. Until I get around to posting part 2 of these thoughts, what are yours?
When is the right time?
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This past week I had coffee with the pastor of the church we're now
attending. I talked for about an hour straight, telling my story. All the
while he prov...
15 years ago
1 comment:
Hello Matt,
Came home in time to watch the final Batchelder show, with the wife. The gentleman in question, originally had twenty-five opportunities to find real love. This is a flashback to the days of King Solomon...wives and concubines and all that. Men often consider those to be the 'good old days' when men where men and women were glad of it! But, this show reveals a certain reality...bringing our minds back to earth.
Cad is a nice word for this gentleman...the best spin we can make of his actions. Both he and his family solicited a firm emotional commitment from both of the young finalists. They were strongly encouraged to say the 'love' word, placing both their hearts and reputations on the chopping block...to stay in the running. Someday, their potential suiters can replay the reruns of these episodes and know with certainty... they were not the first.
Real gentleman protect a lady's virtue and reputation. This may sound sexist...and it is...but real men leave a lady feeling good about herself, regardless of the outcome of the relationship. This brings out the old fashion in me, but the man should loose face...if anyone has to loose face. One of the most telling moments in history came the night Joseph knew that Mary was pregnant, the child was not his, and he decided to desolve the relationship privately. In his discretion, I think Joseph proved himself to be a great man--capable of real love. Thank God for the angelic messenger and the Good News...that told the rest of the Story.
In his appeal to honesty (self-preservation) he could have signaled his own uncertainty earlier. He could have stopped them from committing their whole hearts(selfhood) into senseless peril. I think he relished the 'break of the heart' as a means of establishing his own self worth. He stated he has personal issues...like looking at the man in the mirror. Parts of these reality shows are fake...and yet...reveal profound truth. Is love all about me?
You can tell, the fatherly in me, raised up in defense of two unwise young ladies. I took the bait and was upset.
Anonymously,
Student of the hard lessons.
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