This past week, TV stories have had a resounding theme: second chances. Starting with last Monday and the season premiere of The Bachelor, the theme began. The bachelor this year is the bachelor from a couple years ago who left empty-handed with no fiance and is back with his baggage "in check". The premier proved this about second chances: they do not come without skepticism. Every one of the 25 girls came with doubts about his intentions even more so than the 2 girls he left standing alone during his last season. With every step he takes forward and every good answer he gives to the many questions will come more skeptical thoughts and chatter amongst the women. We'll see if that skepticism keeps him from a true second chance or has no effect on it becoming reality.
Another story of second chances came from every major news show on air: The Man with the Golden Pipes. A homeless man held a sign stating that he had the gift of voice and a news reporter took the bait asking for an example. He got one and it became the famous clip that I'm sure you've seen. While the past week has been a whirlwind of TV appearances, job offers, and contract negotiations for Ted Williams, the point from which it started proves this: second chances are hard to come by. While his own actions and decisions led to the circumstances that ruined his "first chance", that same skepticism proven in my first example shows here too. To have been homeless hoping this is the year for the past ten years second chances don't come easy. There are several reasons the skeptics are out but only time will tell if his voiced commitment and thanks to God will keep him grounded and on track!
The third TV lesson on second chances regarded Heaven and showed that they can be treated wisely and reap benefits! On Parenthood, a bird died on the back porch and the very young girl who lived there, along with her parents, brought it inside to nurse it back to health. Obviously, you can guess that feat didn't work out so well.
The parents disagreed on how to explain where the bird would go after dying. Despite the disagreement, the mother, when on the spot, told her daughter about Heaven. Her explanation included some long-awaiting family reunion which included, not only the bird, but Daddy's mommy who died when the girl was really little. Ah-that explains Daddy's rejection of Heaven as the explanation to share. At the show's end, it shows his subtle emotional breakdown and gratitude to his wife for reiterating the realization of Heaven. It was a heartwarming example of a real life struggle others surely face and the relief shown by giving Heaven a second chance. We welcome him back to reality!
To dig even deeper into second chances: one news story is showing the fight for one. Over the weekend, Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford was shot in the head during an attempted assassination yet to be explained. Continued headlines stress her fight for a second chance at life. This gives yet another lesson about second chances-and perhaps the most important-there is often hope. Skipping the skepticism, helping along the journey and trying to get to the positive ending that a second chance can have leads to the hope that surrounds and the warm fuzzies we all get regarding stories of second chances. Thus, we can all help others in need of or in the midst of second chances by providing hope and encouragement rather than more obstacles through doubt. That is my favorite conclusion of all this week's lessons from TV regarding second chances!
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