Not So Mesmerizing After All

Audio By Carbonatix

Take the time to watch any current TV sitcom. Think for just a moment and even allow your mind to scroll through all of the media formats that you encounter every day. Pay attention to that ever-present, shiny, glossy, “what’s hot in Hollywood” list. I guarantee you that you will easily find out that the idea and concept of having a traditional marriage and being faithful to your spouse is not quite the “in” thing anymore.

In fact, most sitcoms tend to make an absolute mockery of anyone who would try to be faithful to their spouse. A traditional marriage is often portrayed as boring, tired, and hardly worth the effort. Instead, TV shows mesmerize and overwhelm us with titillating stories of people who are not only having fantasies, but living those fantasies out by going out on their spouse. And it’s all, of course, in fun—TV world is not reality. But with the repetition of these images and thoughts bombarding our noggins on a daily basis, we easily begin to think that maybe it is okay.

Let me help you take one simple, yet gigantic step back from the saturated message of the media and tell you what I think. I, for one, still believe when a couple is true to each other and stands up for marriage, they give their family and those around them a great and awesome gift. It may not be the cool thing, and sadly not the popular thing either, but it is the thing that gives security and peace to a home. A solid base from a faithful marriage is what gives a family a fighting chance in today’s world.

I have met with many mesmerized people—those people that got caught up in the surreal world of Hollywood and the lessons that it teaches those who watch it closely. And I have yet to meet one that tells me that going through a divorce is just a hoot. Never have I heard, “If only I could go through 12 of them, my life would just be complete.” No, not one has ever said, “I’d love to get remarried and go through a divorce again.” I have never heard this, and honestly don’t think I ever will. Why? Because divorce is not a hoot. Divorce is hard. These patterns and way of life that Hollywood makes look so easy, in fact, have an impact on the whole family. It is taxing! It is a tough reality, not a fantasy.

All of that mesmerizing doesn’t amount to a hill of beans. It gets you nowhere. Though the media tries to make me perceive that it is absolutely glorious, I will continue to write articles to you just like this one. I’ll go to my grave saying if you are married, be faithful to the one you said, “I do” to—no matter how long ago it was. If you would only put as much effort and energy into that real relationship as you might into that possible relationship and chasing after foolish whims, you will discover that the greatest joy can be found when you wholly and faithfully love the one that you’re committed to for life. Being genuine and faithful in the relationship you’re in right now is surely a way you can win at home.