He Said, She Said...But What Does God Say?

The media continues to showcase the implosion of Jon and Kate Gosselin's marriage. Sadly, many continue to take what the media spoon feeds them, accept it as gospel and truth, and react likely in support or judgment of Jon or Kate.

How fickle we can be. Poor Jon, mean Kate. Poor Kate, mean Jon. Poor both. Mean both. Enough already!

God knew when He designed us with emotions that we would be capable of such wonderful fellowship and love. He also knew that we would act like selfish idiots.

Dump Your Anger, Jon

Perhaps you recall my last open letter to Jon Gosselin. In that letter, I shared my support for Jon, how I related to his personality, and encouraged him to stand strong while new rumors were emerging and old ones were tired and true. I took some heat for the note and the post before it but expected as much.

After all, why would I or anyone else defend a man who appeared to not defend himself, who acted so passive, and who just kinda drifted through life? Why defend someone who was faking his faith and running a scam? Basically, why defend - and why pray for - a lying loser?

If you haven't asked yourself those questions, you've likely read the exact words or sentiments somewhere in the tabloid content streams.

Emotions Getting The Best Of You?

We often allow our emotions to "get the best of us." But what does that mean? Get the best of us? Perhaps it's to take our otherwise warm, charming, and rational self (a.k.a. "the best") and slop all that into a blender turned on high-puree.

It doesn't even have to be dramatic. Our emotions can get the best of us in mundane ways.

For instance, you see a certain person at work, in the neighborhood, at church, or where ever. You have this sudden, automatic, uncontrollable reaction to hide, look the other way, or talk to someone else. You try anything to avoid speaking to that person. Your emotions not only have gotten the best of you but you've also handed over control to that person! They're controlling how you respond. Avoiding or coming in contact with them may even determine the rest of your day's pace. Sounds silly, right?

We all have done this.

Creds from Canada!

Who knew that "Jon and Kate Prayers" had such credentials in Canada? Recently, I stumbled across a wonderful review of this blog from Shelley Fralic, columnist for The Vancouver Sun:

Jon & Kate should go on a date. With God.

Her post begins, "Pray for the Gosselins. Well, that’s one solution to the reality couple’s troubled marriage, at least according to Rick Garner, whose Twitter bio says says he’s a “son, brother, husband, father, friend, and hard-workin’ webmonkey from Mississippi who loves Jesus, family and friends!”

The post continues with highlights from this blog including excerpts and details of its features and tools. Since Ms Fralic is syndicated, I've seen her column on a variety of websites. What a wonderful blessing and honor to have such a kind review of this blog shared via multiple websites!

Read Ms. Fralic's blog, Social Studies.

Power of Prayer

What a difference a year makes. Just a year ago, Jon & Kate were enjoying family time at the beach...watching and experimenting with sparklers & Pop Its snapper fireworks. Since then, the fireworks have taken the form of obsessive media reports and the couple filing for divorce. Thankfully, the show is on hiatus this month and the couple has stated: "During this very difficult time we will be working to focus solely on the needs of our family. This includes no longer commenting publicly or reacting to media stories and speculation.”

This is an answer to prayer.

Even before a year ago, many fans have been praying for this couple. Regardless of your reasons or disagreements, you've lifted this family up in sincere intercessory prayer. Interceding for this couple was the genesis of this blog.

So, Now What?

UPDATED: Originally Posted June 19, 2009
For less than a week, TLC videos and headlines swirled pushing viewers and celebrity news readers to a crashing wave of a likely conclusion: Jon & Kate Gosselin are divorcing. TLC's viewership may return to the 10 million from a few weeks ago if only briefly.

So, now what? It's over. That's life...or reality television in this case.

While my wife and I have yet to watch an episode this season, the purpose of this blog hasn't been to encourage you to watch the show. Its purposes: discouraging gossip about this couple, praying for Jon & Kate Gosselin - individually and as a couple, praying for their children, and providing resources for strengthening marriages.

Now, you might think: "Ha! Lot of good praying for them did - they're getting divorced!" God answers prayers in 1 of 3 ways: yes, no, and maybe/wait.

Why Pray For Jon & Kate?

Since this campaign began, I've read so many variations of the question: why pray for Jon & Kate? The implication is that if someone is greedy, selfish, acting foolish, or simply is someone with whom you disagree, they do not deserve your prayers. When did prayers become currency to be begrudgingly given out to certain causes? Let's examine what the Bible says about prayers:

I Can Honestly Say Jon Is My Best Friend

At the beginning of this year, these were Kate Gosselin's words in an interview with Today's Christian Woman: "I can honestly say Jon is my best friend."

Kate also says, "When the babies were born, I was well aware that our marriage could crumble. It was close to doing so at times. But we survived that first year. And then the second one. And then each year after that. Even though the issues have changed, it's never gotten easier.

"But Jon and I are more determined than ever that we're in this together. We've told our kids many times that we're always going to be a family. There are no other options. Sure, Jon and I take our stress out on each other, and no, that's not always good or healthy. But we work hard as a team every day."

Why The Hate For Jon & Kate?

This is a bit odd for me to write a post about "Jon & Kate Plus Eight." The only reason I watch the show is if Kim has Netflixed a season (we don't get TLC) and I'm relaxing with her. Kim's a fan of it and has read Kate's book. But why this post?

This family lives in our neighbor-state Pennsylvania, Kim and I concluded that Jon's personality is very similar to mine, and I'm sick of all the trash about them on the web and in the blogosphere.

One of my talents put to great use while in broadcast TV was that of researching. I love to dig up information, uncover facts, and track down truths. So, I quickly decided to use these skills on Jon & Kate. What'd I find?

That there's a lot of people out there speaking out of jealously, judgment, and ignorance.