It takes a lot...

When I'm this close to a deadline, it takes a lot to get me to watch TV. Not many shows have it.

One does.

Grey's Anatomy.

It's not a Christian show by any stretch of the imagination, but like the poems we talked about last month, maybe it is. The sin isn't off screen, the pain isn't left behind the door, but when it's over, every week without fail, I sit and take stock of my life, of my love, of my choices. Some of the devices might be considered manipulative, too emotional or over the top, but if you've read my books, well... let's just say that doesn't bother me. What did bother me was the sound of myself shouting at someone's fictional husband. LOL

I think I must have talked to that TV the whole two hours. Kristina, the Asian intern who lives with Burke but is afraid to love him, had me about on oxygen from screaming at her. She made up for it with the final shot when she grabbed his hand. No Izzy jumping in the bed for her, she simply grabbed his hand, but it was enough. I just wanted her to touch him. Dennie dying? Izzy flipping out and the plot holes associated with it? Alex coming through? Meredith and McStupid? Nope. Don't get me started.

There's just something addicting about honesty, even when it takes you places you don't want to go. In the end, you are left with the question--What would I have done? We'd all like to believe that we'd do the right things, be the right people, but even as we watch, cry and yell at the TV, we know we might not.

We know that we need Jesus.

So enough with the TV church. It's back to the book for me. Check y'all out again soon.

Mary

Comments

[Melissa Bishop]

Hello Mary,
Those of us who are Christians do know that life can get gritty for everyone believer or not. I like Grey's Anatomy too. And all of the C.S.I. shows (not so much the N.Y. one) any way... my point/question is, how gritty can an author get in her book when writing about Christians and the dumb things we all do? I'm not talking about swear words.

[Melissa Bishop]

when I wrote those of us who are Christians, I meant that there are those whom I have run into who are not believers, have possibly never opened a bible and seem to think we Christians never mess up and that we for some reason aren't allowed to mess up. That we are some how grit exempt.

[Marilynn]

Melissa, that's a good question and one every author has to answer for herself. I know that many of the things I watch on TV are not something I'd feel comfortable writing necessarily. (Some are though). I think it's all in how things are handled. On Grey's Anatomy, the way they handled the adultery was not titillating. Instead, I felt angry and sorry for both of them. You just know that it's wrong and that they know it too. The difference is, without Christ, people think they must follow their hearts or "love". A christian piece of work can show the other side of that, faith, perseverance, forgiveness and loyalty. So yes, it definitely is something to prayerfully consider. Where you publish will determine that as well. TV doesn't go as far as movies either though the innuendo can be as strong. It's movies where I can really get put off.

[Melissa Bishop]

Hi Mary,
Yes, inuendo and implication are sometimes for compelling than being blatant about it. In last weeks 'Without a Trace', there were two cases of missing children of different races. One was getting more attention than the other. At the end of the show they did not tell the audience which child was found alive and which was found dead. It was powerful to me not to have that closure.

To Mary and the rest, please keep me in prayer. I have approached my local paper about doing a column and I am waiting to hear back from them if it's a go. I've written a couple of articles for them before. I really hope this is picked up.

Thanks!
Melissa

[Marilynn]

Melissa,
I agree about the power of subtlety. The Bible is amazing that way. Adam knew his wife and she was with child. A lot happened in that sentence, huh? LOL Praying that you'll get to work with your paper. Sounds exciting. Keep us posted. Mary

[Danica]

Great points Marilyn!

[Melissa Juvinall]

Marilyn,
Just stopped by to say hi. My hubbie and I love Grey's Anatomy. Thanks for putting a thoughtful spin on it; it helps explain why we are drawn to the show. I was SO upset when Dennie died.
I can't wait to see you in Dallas this year!
Melissa
PS--In case I have not told you, I LOVED Made of Honor and Pink. My hubbie got them for me for my birthday. Can't wait to read Jade!