Reality TV January 18, 2009

I still can’t believe it! I was always the one who said you would have to be crazy to be a part of any reality TV program. So what was I doing with lights and cameras in my house last week?! The answer: God will use all circumstances to teach us what He wants us to learn. And when planning how to teach me this lesson, I think God was chuckling! I do believe He has a terrific sense of humor!

Through an amazing “serendipity,” our daughter was invited to work with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. They asked if she would be interested in being featured in a 30 minute reality TV program. After her proud Dad’s feet were planted back on the ground, we all agreed that this was a spectacular opportunity. I called the producer and shared that Allee was honored and would love to work with them on this project.  I hung up the phone and it suddenly hit me…I had just agreed to be one of those crazy people that allows the nation into the reality of their lives! That was an intense moment!

Reality means: a strong possibility that Debbie will put her foot in her mouth. As an extrovert, who processes out loud, there is a high degree of probability that I will say something that I’ll be embarrassed by later! And with reality TV, there are no “do-overs”; no “oops, I didn’t mean to say that.” But even worse than that…they wanted to start right away which meant no crash diets; no sudden weight loss…just reality!!!

My initial thought was, “there is no way this is going to come even close to resembling reality. I will have my makeup on by 8:00 am…no sweats….a completely stocked pantry with all necessary staples to prepare the pre-planned meal.” No pressure. All smiles. Basically a non-realistic view of reality! I liked that plan. It felt safe.

Then it came time to film and I realized that I’m not one to fake it…plus I’m a horrible actress. I am who I am. With that said, I never want to become complacent. I never want to settle. I always want to cooperate with God’s transforming work within me. I definitely know that I’m not perfect and I don’t try to pretend to be, so why did I feel the need to hide who I currently am? Why was shame playing with my emotions?

The truth is I am not ashamed of my reality. On the contrary, I am pleased with my life. I love Jesus Christ with all my heart. My relationship with Him is healthy and growing. I love my husband. We are best friends. We have a strong and happy marriage. I love my children. They are healthy and bright. I am proud of their character. I am thrilled they love Jesus and are living for Him. I love my extended family. I am trying to live my priorities. My reality is not perfect. For example, Buddy humped the camera man! But my reality is a good reality. It’s a work in progress.

Yes, there’s a chance I may look like a fool. And it’s true that inviting cameras into your private home feels vulnerable. But if I am truly living for an Audience of One, why should I fear the judgment of the viewing audience?

I live before God’s reality camera every moment of my life. He knows me completely. He knows when I sit and when I rise. He perceives my thoughts from afar. He discerns my going out and my lying down. He is familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, he knows it completely (Psalm 139). He sees everything about me and yet He still loves me. As long as I hear His applause, I can handle the jeers of this world.

Lights, camera, action….bring it on! I’m ready to show the world what it looks like to be an imperfect person perfectly loved by a perfect God.

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