Is Fame a Drug?

When I think about a TV family, the current televised programs Jon and Kate Plus Eight, Keeping Up with the Kardashians and 18 Kids and Counting would be the first I would blurt out. I also think of the Henne family who have been a tabloid favorite lately. My friend who works for E! Online reminded me of the balloon boy freakazoid. All these families continue to make headlines and keep the spotlight focused on their somewhat bizarre daily activities. What posses these families to continually bring the public into their homes? Why do they sacrifice a "normal" childhood for their children in exchange for temporary fame and tabloid headlines? I don't get it. Maybe it's an addiction. Childhood actor Paul Petersen who played Jeff Stone on The Donna Reed Show said "Fame is a dangerous drug and should be kept out of the reach of children." He should have included adults as well. Nice pic, Jon! Be sure you get a copy for the family album.

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

Let's go back a few years to the beginning of television programming and "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." A situation comedy that had a real family portraying fictional versions of themselves. Confusing? Maybe, but this program is what I consider to be scripted reality TV. This all American family was adored by television viewers and remained on TV for 14 years. The boys David and Ricky, teenagers at the time of the premier, grew up in front of an audience eventually getting married and including their wives on the program.

Today, reality TV has moved to an unscripted version but edited for TV allowing the viewers to witness only what is viewed necessary by program producers. An example would be "Jon and Kate Plus Eight." My daughter and I love to watch all those kids playing, eating dinner and basic daily activities.

What are some of your favorite family programs and why?

"18 Kids and Counting"

I attempted to contact the Duggar family, the subject family associated with this program. This is the e-mail I sent. "My daughter and I watch your TV show and all other TV appearances that we can find. I wonder what influences your decision to have your family on TV? Why did you decide to do the family show on TLC? We do enjoy you sharing your family life but doesn't it feel like an invasion of privacy."

Here's the response. It's quite a lengthy and would appear to be an "out of office" reply.

"Hello from the Duggar Family, Thank you for emailing us, we love hearing how God is working in lives. We are sorry due to the volume of emails we are receiving we are unable to have a personal response to each email. We do try to read each message and pray for the needs mentioned. We would like to share some resources that have helped our family and we pray they will be a blessing to you. We do not make any money off these resources, we are just trying to highlight some dynamic Bible teaching that has drawn our family close to God and to each other. We encourage you to sign up for the Free Daily Success Emails. They are excellent. You can sign up at http://iblp.org/iblp/discipleship/dailysuccess/ . They are packed full of truths that will inspire and challenge you. Also, Dr. S.M. Davis' DVD messages have helped us raising our children. He has many topics on family relationships that are very helpful at http://www.solvefamilyproblems.com/ . More excellent resources for raising Godly young people can be found at http://visionforum.com/ . For young ladies we highly recommend the book "Before you meet Prince Charming". Also, the Jim Sammon's Financial Freedom Seminar has helped Michelle and I to become one minded in the direction we are headed. It has encouraged me to be the spiritual leader that I need to be. It has made us and saved us thousands of dollars by learning practical Bible principles that apply to every day life decisions. Jim Sammons is a real estate developer, the principles he shares apply to everyone of us. He shares story after story in a funny way that my whole family enjoys watching it. It costs about $129 for the textbook and 10 disk video series which is available at http://store.iblp.org/products/FFSP/, it is one of the best investments you can make into your family and business. We enjoy watching one hour a week, for example, like on a Saturday evening as a family or with friends and then discuss it. The Bible principles will challenge you to give every area of your life to God in a new and deeper way and your family will grow closer together as each one individually seeks God. This seminar has helped us get out of debt and has given us creative business ideas to support our large family. This will pay for it's self with your first financial decision. You can't afford not to watch it! If you have not discovered you can be forgiven for everything you have done wrong, we want to share with you Jesus loves you no matter what mistakes you have made! Christianity is not about being perfect, but about receiving forgiveness. The Bible says, "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, (make a mental list and ask Jesus to forgive you for all the things that you have done wrong and ask His forgiveness even for the things that you can't remember; He remembers). Tell Him you make a choice to forgive those that have hurt you in your life. Then ask Him to come in and take over the control of your life and make you a new person. He promised He will. There is nothing you have done that you cannot be forgiven for, except not asking for forgiveness (even if you have been mean to others, self-centered, stolen things, committed moral sins, or murdered someone, he still loves you and will forgive you if you ask). It's FREE! People don't go to heaven because they are good, because everyone has done things wrong. We go to heaven because we have been forgiven! Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. That is what people call being saved. We are saved from Hell. You still will be ashamed of the mistakes you have made, but the guilt will be gone because you are forgiven. Jesus wants to become you best friend, He loves you! He wants you to ask Him and get His advice about every major decision in your life. You will see your whole life changing. He wants you to go back to people you have done things wrong to and ask for forgiveness for what you have done, telling them you have committed your life to Jesus and you now want to live for Him. You will still make mistakes in the future, but daily pray to God and He will lead you. Here is an excellent website http://www.wayofthemaster.com/ , (click on Hell's Best Kept Secret!) that will explain deeper about a relationship with Christ. We look forward to hearing how these resources have impacted your life. God bless you and your family as you follow Him! -Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar Proverbs 3:5,6,7 http://duggarfamily.com/PS. Also Michelle's book "The Duggar Family, 20 and counting" is out, it can be ordered at http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1142345&item_no=585633Publisher's Description:The Duggars: 20 and Counting! is a behind-the-scenes look at the supersize family that fascinates millions of television viewers around the world. From Idaho to Istanbul, people want to know how Arkansas parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar efficiently and lovingly manage seventeen (soon to be eighteen) happy, homeschooled children without going into debt -- or losing their minds!This, the Duggars' first book, is an entertaining and enlightening collection of stories, photos, recipes, tips, traditions, and practical ideas designed to answer the questions of the curious, such as:Why do you have so many children?How do you provide for your family financially?How do you handle mealtimes? Transportation? Laundry? Birthdays?How are your children so well behaved?Why do all your children have names that begin with J?Since their first documentary broke viewership records on the Discovery Health Channel, the Duggars have appeared in American and international news media, sharing their rock-solid faith and their overriding belief that "children are a blessing from God." In these pages, Jim Bob and Michelle share their story, beginning with their own childhoods. They reveal how their growing-up years shaped their philosophy of parenting. It continues with tales of their big, busy family, whose televised documentaries and frequent appearances in news shows and newspapers have created an international following.The Duggars share, with humility and humor, the family routines and guidelines they've learned through biblical study and trial and error -- ideas that can help make your home a place of peace, love, and support:Financial lessons for debt-free livingOrganizing systems for a clutter-free homeHomeschooling methods and schedulesTraining tips for little onesRelationship builders for older childrenFavorite Duggar family resources and homemade laundry soap recipeReading The Duggars: 20 and Counting! is like visiting this big, busy family right in their home: fascinating, inspiring -- and fun."

I am so disappointed with this reply. When I sent the e-mail, I felt kinda nervous that a reply would even happen. Then when I tried to read the e-mail, due to the length and content my interest was lost quickly, I was instantly disappointed. The response read like a door to door religious solicitor. I am not against religion. I am against people blatantly trying to push their ideas on you.