Is it just me or is entertainment and media becoming even more vulgar, violent and offensive? My husband likes to watch action movies and I haven’t minded them much. Watching movie together has been something we find enjoyable. We were trying to pick one to watch a couple of weeks ago. We’ve been trying a free month of Netflix, and it was hard to decide what to watch. Nothing looked that interesting. We picked one about the Knights Templar and I watched about ten minutes. Then I had to take off. I went to read a book instead. There was just too much gore for me. I told my husband I didn’t have the stomach for it anymore. I really don’t have any interest at all in watching violent movies. I was not sure why I have felt such an aversion to them. My husband suggested that maybe it is because I am a mother and have a greater sensitivity to disturbing images. I’ve done some thinking about that suggestion.
I think that a few things are happening. First, I think that Hollywood is really upping the ante. They keep pushing their content farther over the edge. I think that media has a great deal of responsibility in the violence we see in our culture today. We have seen a lot and heard a lot. In a way we can “shut it off” and as a result become desensitized to it. It’s just become more “normal” and that is just not right. It has definitely influenced people and how they react to situations around them.
So, if that is the case, what is the cause for my own increased sensitivity? My husband suggested motherhood but I think that is not true. I believe that God has heightened my sensitivity to the things I hear and see and I am thankful for that. I’ve been challenged by the verse, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8. This reason came to me this week when I was in the van with the boys. The news was over and we were popping through the radio stations. Recently I have been settling most often on a Christian radio station. I found that I didn’t have an interest in listening to the other stations. I was wondering why that was, and I just felt like I wanted to fill myself with what will bring me closer to Him.
Again, I’m really thankful for this increased sensitivity. I want that. I hope that will be the case for others too as they think about what God wants them to fill their minds with. I am sure I won’t always make the best choices, but I want to have the Holy Spirit pushing me along the way. Now, if only He would guide my footsteps away from the chocolate icecream!!
sharonbernhardt 