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January 3, 2005
The Power to Change Lives
Since Extreme Makeover: Home Edition started, I’ve watched shows from time to time, but more and more I’m enjoying the show. I actually think there are some interesting lessons we can learn and teach our children that come from the show. Typically, Hollywood-type shows like this focus on one thing: money. And this is where Extreme Makeover: Home Edition started.
Since the beginning, they’ve chosen families who have suffered personal tragedy or have a unique hardship. Often these families are very beautiful in their relationships and really need a helping hand. However, the first season in particular, it seemed that they would come in and fix up the home as if this were a cure-all for the families ills. There wasn’t always a clear tie-in for why this would actually help them in any way.
Fast-forward to the current season. By now they have it down and there is always a clear improvement in the family’s actual life (more than just the financial benefit of a new, improved home). For example, in the past two shows I’ve seen, they used technology and creative design to actually improve the lifestyle and living conditions of these families. Last night’s episode included a family of four: the two parents were deaf, one child was blind and autistic, and the other was just a selfless saint helping out his family. The show rebuilt their house using technological advances, which helped the parents function and the autistic child improve. This is where the lessons come in.
In particular I think the show provides numerous “teachable” moments for pre-teen and teen children. These are families with real difficulties that must be coped with over a lifetime. It’s difficult to watch the show without realizing how easy your life is and how much some suffer on a daily basis. In particular for Catholic families we can explain the value of suffering through shows like these as well as the value of doing good works. The show comes in and effectively transforms lives in a very emotional, positive way. They also do more (now) than simply give the family a financial boost, which wouldn’t have any lasting value. This is a great lesson: money can help, yes, but the real benefit the family gets is from the changes they make to their future lifestyle. The show stays away from religion, but does treat the family with respect and points out the strengths of whichever family they are helping. You can tell your children stories about how much some suffer, but sitting and watching a real family struggle makes a visceral impression that’s difficult to shake.
I recommend taking some time to watch – it’s always on Sunday evenings. While we at LivingCatholicism.com don’t typically recommend TV shows, particularly network TV shows, this one is worth keeping an eye on.
God bless,
Jay
Posted by HolyFamily at January 3, 2005 9:30 AM
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Happy New Year to all! Welcome to this week's Catholic Carnival, a baker's dozen of submitted writings from Catholic weblogs. In no particular order: The Night Litany by Lane at The Blog from the Core: Intercessory prayers for all kinds... [Read More]
Tracked on January 3, 2005 11:57 PM
Comments
Jay:
We have become regular viewers of this program in our family, also.
They had an episode a couple of weeks ago where a family of maybe 6 or 7 had lost their mother to cancer, and the show renovated their whole house, and did a fabulous job! The family seemed truly touched and gratified, you could tell that they weren't 'faking it' on the emotions and appreciation for the new digs.
Yes, just when you think that your problems are 'big' and important...just look around, someone usually has things rougher.
Posted by: John B. at January 3, 2005 10:34 AM
