Do not conform to the pattern of this world. , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Photo Credit-Gospel Herald
I've never watched a season of Dancing With The Stars before now. For one thing, we're really too busy for TV. Even if we weren't seriously busy, sitting for two hours is a long time when there's no plot. I have a hard enough time with riveting two-hour films. I check Facebook. I fall asleep. I go wipe down the kitchen cabinet....
But this season I decided to watch DWTS (Dancing with the Stars) when I found out who they'd casted for the show. I was plum giddy when I learned that Alfonso Ribiero, Carlton from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air would be a contestant. Carlton (the cardigan-wearing prep)didn't cut it on Fresh Prince as far as the cool factor, but I tell you….the man can cut a rug. I, like the hoards, have waited for him to perform his trademark "Carlton Dance". This past Monday night he did it, and the world cheered.
It might have been that I would have watched DWTS this season for Carlton alone, but then there's Sadie Robertson.
You know Duck Dynasty's sweetheart?
-The daughter of Duck Commander CEO.
-The seventeen year old bright-eyed, dimple-faced brunette with a million dollar smile.
You probably know those things. But did you know that she has a youtube channel called TheNewDifferent? She and a friend give pep talks referencing scripture to encourage young girls to be "in this world and not of it". Maybe you heard that she partnered up with dress designer Sherri Hill to create a line of modest prom dresses. The line is called the Sadie Robertson Live Original.
Photo Credit-Sherri Hill
She's lit.er.ally wearing her faith. She's the main reason I decided to be a devoted fan for this season's DWTS.
And I'm not going to lie. I knew I was going to vote for her before I saw a single step, ball change.
..........And then I prayed she could dance.
That almost seems wrong. DWTS is a dance contest after all.
But I love what she stands for. I love what her family stands for. I love that they stand.
Period……
Because so very many of us don't these days in the name of political correctness; in fear that voicing our convictions will prove us hypocritical or downright hateful .
The Robertsons were given a show by A&E based on their seemingly backwards way of living despite being quite wealthy (Those beards!). In a society where dinner is seldom served around a table much less prayed over, the Robertsons scooch up together and pray over Miss Kay's "Boiled Squirrel and Dumplings". They're the real deal. The Robertson brothers who work together spend more time arguing and loitering than they do working. In several episodes it's pointed out by the patriarch, Phil Robertson, that the grandkids spend too much time on their technology. They're a family I can relate to when there are few families on television at all. They mess up and they make up. But despite, or maybe because of their fallible human nature, they always turn to prayer.
But for the grace of God, played out on my TV screen
In all honesty, I don't watch Duck Dynasty because I find myself sitting on the edge of my seat in suspense… "Will Jase EVER get those Christmas lights up?!". I don't watch it because it makes me bust a gut from laughter, though I do find it funny. I watch Duck Dynasty because I find it refreshing. I watch it because my family can watch it without fear of profanity or uncomfortable sexual situations. I watch it because it's one of the last evidences of televised faith (besides the "700 Club"). The fact that it's entertaining is a grand bonus.
Sadie's dance numbers on DWTS have proved to be tasteful as have her costumes. The camera captured Sadie praying with her parents before she went on to dance during the first episode. This past Monday on tribute night, she gave wonderful testimony about her family and faith. That makes me happy.
AND......THE GIRL CAN DANCE
with all of her clothes on and without being a sexual object which apparently seems to be hard to do.
I tried to make a family event out of the show. Rylie watched a few of the dances through a crack in her hands which otherwise covered her eyes. She told me after the second episode that she "needed therapy after seeing that".
Sitting in front of our television or in traffic, we're in the world. It's unavoidable no doubt. And so much about that is frustrating and quite disappointing.
Thank goodness there are still Sadies who are filled with the Spirit. That Spirit bubbles over.
Even on the dance floor.
#teamsadie
7-13 So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! Jesus, staying true to God’s purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them. As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance:
Then I’ll join outsiders in a hymn-sing;
I’ll sing to your name!
And this one:
Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together!
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Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope! Romans 15:7-13 (The Message)
