WARNING: Rambling Post to Follow

DO NOT READ IF: You like Michael Jackson and have been glued to the television for the past week or so. You will likely be angered by this post.

Dear News Persons,

Yes, Good Morning America(GMA), Early Show, Today Show, Local news stations, msnbc.com AND EVEN CNN - I'm talking to you.

I am a homemaker. I say that proudly. I LOVE my job. In fact, it's the only job I have ever always wanted. In the morning I lazily wake, switch on the pot of coffee and meander upstairs to pluck my smiling babe from her bed. We coo and laugh and then head downstairs so I can feed her. Generally, of a morning, a flip the television on to GMA to catch the news. See what's happened in the world overnight.

But not lately.

Why? Because Michael Jackson is splashed about the screen on every station. If he's not on one station it's his attorney, his mother, his children or an old photo of Cindy Lou, his most adoring fan from Louisiana at her first concert in 1981. Seriously people. This. Is. Ridiculous.

I tried to find information about our nation pulling our of Iraq. Remember that whole war thing??? That's right there was a deadline for our residence in the country - June 30th. I had to SIFT through articles online because NO ONE WAS COVERING IT!!! Oh, and I don't know if you heard, but our government is attempting a massive overhaul in the area of health insurance. Anyone heard anything on that??? No, Michael Jackson's drug use does not count. Not to mention HONDURAS' GOVERNMENT WAS OVERTHROWN YESTERDAY. AN ENTIRE COUNTRY is dissolving before our eyes and our eyes are glued to an ENTERTAINER'S funeral.

Yes, he was a good musician. A good man, I think that's questionable. I heard it said that his funeral was viewed more than any other event in history. Sick. That's just sick. What is this world coming to when Pop Stars are given more glory and fame than people who are truly making a difference in the lives of others. Can we say idol much?

And that's what's really agitating me. The first commandment is "have no other gods before me." That's what this is. This is the biggest indicator of where our priorities lie as a country, of where people stand as individuals spiritually in this country. I am overwhelmed with sadness more than anything. Sadness for these lost souls who are so entangled in what this world has to offer that they have been following a Pop Star. The Lord offers so much more.

He is infinitely good and loving and selfless and worthy and patient and kind and great and mighty. And there is NO QUESTION about it.

I don't expect the news stations to start covering Jesus Christ. That would be ostentatious, but I do expect them to cover the news. Is that too much to ask???

Politics.

Okay. I have a confession: I am not a fan of politics. I am not a fan of discussing politics. I am not a fan of practicing politics. I, in general, dislike politics.

Then, I was married on December 30, 2006 to a man who minored in political science. So I started to care - just a little. But not much. Clearly. :)

THEN, he strapped me down to a chair and made me watch this show:

The West Wing.

I must admit - it has been love ever since. Ladies and gentlemen I woke up last night around 2 am (due to repeated rib kickings) and what was the first thought in my brain??? A smashing chorus of the theme song for the show. Complete with visions of red and white stripes rippling triumphantly in the wind. -sigh- I. am. addicted.

What's worse is we are almost done with the entire series. Yes. It's sad but true. (I must also confess that there is a bit of bittersweet-ness to this - because now I get to start the series over and again - and I don't have to wait for Conrad to watch the episodes - so while I'm on "bed rest" I can actually fulfill my addictions and then have REAL TIME to spend with the husband when he comes home - as long as it doens't involve running a marathon or something - not that I would do that anyway - seriously - us - run - ha!)

So. Even if you are the person in the room who avoids politics at all costs, give the show a watch, you'll be hooked too. :)

_____

edit to add: I just traveled over to Lots of Scotts. You HAVE to see this video. She has been working with her 4 year old triplets to memorize scripture since the beginning of the school year. They've been using an ABC verse order to help the children - brilliant! One of her sons has A-H down. What a wonderful witness to world! These children already have the word of God planted in their hearts. :)

_____