"A New Kind Of Family"

I remember an addiction I had to a certain show a while back. It was a great show, although, looking back- very "corny." Everyone on the show would have similar problems during the same episode, they would all learn a valuable lesson together. The father was a church leader, they preached the importance of waiting until marriage to have sex, yet addressed that teens do engage in this activity before marriage, and the consequences from it. The family loved each other through all these small problems, and even a rebel child who had to be sent to live with the grandparents. YEP- I was addicted to "7th Heaven"


"7th Heaven" now has reruns on ABC Family. I have taken the time to enjoy a few, especially a season I missed during a year without cable, while being a stay at home mom. Becuase of this viewing time, I have gotten to see commercials for the show on this network in the primetime.

Let's pause for a moment and think about the network's name.... ABC FAMILY.... One would imagine that such a network would show uplifting shows with good values, right?

Well, the current shows include : "Pretty Little Liars" "Secrets of the American Teenager" and the such. Each involves young teenage girls who gossip, spread rumors, have sex, often times very casually, and much of it is glamorized. And what is the networks slogan at the end of each commercial: "A New Kind of Family"

It is sad, that we now put on a "FAMILY" network, shows that actually glamorize the actions that are leading to the downfall of a healthy family and society. While it is reality that many teenagers do engage in such activities, there are still those who do not, or those who would not if it did not appear as though the consequences were non-existent on these shows.

I read an article somewhere that MTV actually thinks some girls are now TRYING to get pregnant as teenagers- for the stardom they may be able to find through shows such as their very own "Teen Mom."

The downfall of society begins with the values we teach our children...or rather DON'T teach our children. Should we shun a child that makes a bad decision...no. BUT- we should detour them to the best of our ability, from making such choices. We should help them seek uplifting entertainment that encourages the values and morals we want them to hold.

Satan has realized that the easiest way to destroy the family is from inside the home. While he can't just walk in the door, he has found two very easy entries from television and internet. Both are wonderful tools, but if not used with caution, can lead someone down a path that is destructive to the family and the soul.

I hope and pray that there will be a change in the hearts of man. That shows such as "Pretty Little Liars" will not be on networks that are marketed as "family" networks. I know they will never disappear, but I would hope that they would not be tied to a network that promotes FAMILY in their title or company.