American Idol Shouts to the Lord

Did you watch American Idol this week? I caught the end of the episode that closed with the finalists singing Shout to the Lord. I was perplexed. That's probably why I enjoyed reading Josh Harris' post on his reactions to the performance and the many others who responded to his blog. Check it out. What did you think?

Curious about Oprah's Spiritual Perspective?

"Do you watch Oprah?" This has often been a question that when posed to me brings anxiety. The truth? Yes, I watch Oprah on occasion. I enjoy her engaging personality and celebrity guests. I also detest some of her shows topics and her perspectives that don't coincide with a true christian perspective. Granted, these unbiblical topics and perspectives would bother me coming from any media source, but they trouble me more particularly when they come from Oprah because she often identifies herself as a Christian believer.

Therefore I am left with anxiety when I am approached with the question, "Do you watch Oprah?" I have been looked down on by fellow believers when I confess that, "Yes, I do." It's also been a source for conversation with non-believers and an avenue to share my faith. I've even been known for sending an email to Oprah explaining my frustation with how she contradicts herself from one show to another based on her guest and for not appreciating the value of marriage.

Oprah's show has brought me a lot of laughs, entertainment and cause for reflection. I still have a conviction about watching her show blindly however and I want to encourage others that if you choose to watch her show that you do so with a filter. Not everything on Oprah should be considered safe and as we approach all of life's matters we need to do so with a biblical perspective.

I'll never forget the christian philosophy professor who allowed us to watch an episode of Friends in class as long as we played, "Spot the Sin." That simple lesson sticks with me today as I am bombarded with media influences.

For a more in depth look at Oprah's spiritual perspective, you may find this article as interesting as I have. Remember to think critically.

It's all about Him

I watched the View today and found it surprisingly encouraging and wanted to share the reason why. They hosted author Denise Jackson, wife of famous country music artist, Alan Jackson.

I've always enjoyed country music and anyone who does is typically a fan of Alan Jackson, but today my admiration for him and his family jumped quite a bit. His wife wrote a book about their marriage and life together as she recalled it's challenges and her personal struggles as a stay at home Mother. It was through her struggles and their separation that she discovered the love God had for her. She called out to him and he answered. Her marriage was saved and so were she and her husband.

Through all of this they have come out on top and want to encourage others with her book and his song (available in this linked article) that she co-wrote. I hope their faith and music encourage you as much as it has me today.