I recently recorded a TV interview with 3 Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN), and it was turning point for me, a non-TV watcher. For a long time I’ve denigrated TV and avoided it, but as I prepared for my interview, watching the program I was going to appear on, something interesting happened: I realized that Christian programming was filling two important needs for me: One, spiritual uplifting, and two, human contact.
I also realized, like never before, what an important role Christian TV and radio fill at large. As a lifelong writer and reader, I’ve always favored getting my dose of God—and relaxation, and entertainment—through books. But now that I am a mom of small children, AKA a woman who doesn’t get out much, I find myself craving human contact via sights, sounds, faces, and voices—things I don’t find in a book. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m committing to watch more TV these days…and maybe you should, too.
Please don’t take this as permission to just switch on the TV and zone out. That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about watching uplifting, positive programs and filling a void in your life, or bridging a gap, that pertains to family and spiritual life.
In my case, I don’t have family living nearby to just drop in on me and my little ones—and one-year-old nap schedules and three-year-old temperaments make it hard to go out sometimes. So I don’t see other adults much. Additionally, I’m finding it hard to read my Bible and pray like I used to (since the babies)…so I have some voids.
Put another way, it feels hard, sometimes impossible, to build and sustain non-immediate family relationships right now (including with God), with the kids so needy and my energy and waking hours so spoken for. Yet it’s a time when I could really use relationships (and God’s Word) to encourage me and lift my burdens. I need to be around other humans, or at least hear their voices and see their faces through some medium, to remember that my perspective isn’t definitive, and I don’t have an endless supply of hope and joy to draw on. I speak a lot of uplifting things to others (including my kids), but sometimes, I need to hear others speak words of life to me. But when you’re stuck at home, how?
I didn’t quite know how to bridge this gap, until I started watching 3ABN two weeks ago…and discovered TV really does deserve a place in my schedule. At least for now.
Later, of course, when the children are older and it doesn’t hurt my trust levels with them, I need to get back in the saddle of courting friends and social circles and Bible studies and prayer groups—things I love and desperately miss. But for now, flesh and blood human contact is sparse, and I need to bridge the gap. Thanks, 3ABN, and all the Christian TV and radio programs that fill such an important void for so many. I’m honored that this nearsighted writer was able to participate in creating some God-centered TV programming, and I’m tickled that God used my witnessing assignment to witness to me!
If you feel a spiritual void in your life, or a need for human contact, I hope you’ll tune in to some kind of Christian programming that can uplift you. While it’s not a substitute for a relationship with God or anyone else, it can help bridge the gap when we’re literally stuck at home or stuck in a rut spiritually. Happy TV watching!
Lindsey Gendke 
I understand bridging the gap in human contact by watching TV. The times that I’ve been extremely ill and unable to move much less go out, TV has been my source of human voices (as well as radio) and kept me connected to the world. Congrats on the TV interview!
Thank you, Cinda!
I live and work on a boarding school campus. Not much time for outside interests and friendships with other women. I prayed about being able to build friendships with other women and God answered in a huge way!!!! Now I am the volunteer coordinator for small groups and serve on the executive team for Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Studies. We serve over 2000 ladies in small groups for each study and thousands more who follow along with the studies on the blog. God has given me wonderful close friends and tons of acquaintances from all over the world!!! And, I’ve grown in my relationship with God and learned so much along the way. What a blessing! God made us with a need for community. It’s amazing how technology can be used as a tool to build Christian community. Let me know if you would like more info. Love and Prayers,
Beth
Beth, thank you for your note. It’s exciting to read how God connected you with other women through technology, and inspiring to read how he is using you to help others do the same. I am a fan of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Not sure I can get my mind (and schedule) around starting something new right now, but I will keep it in mind for future. Thanks for letting God use you in a powerful way!
I could have written this! I ‘ve thought this many times, especially filling the spiritual void. My mind just cant handle the deep Bible studies I used to do…I’m so worn out w/ the boys, there are barely minutes that are my own… watching Christian programming has definitely helped me have God’s voice in my heart that I probably couldn’t get any other way in this season of my life! I’m so glad I’m not alone on this! Well said, friend! And good for you with your TV cameo! 🙂
Thanks, Kate. I am always encouraged to know that I’m resonating with people. That’s why we need each other, right? We validate each other, remind each other of things we otherwise forget, or we get encouragement when we ourselves are dry. What a crazy time of life we are in! God bless you as you go through it!
I have greatly benefited from uplifting programming on Television. It is a favourite pastime of mine.
Thanks for this comment, Marilyn. I sure am glad I have access to good programming. It definitely fills a need.