Adversity Equals Ratings
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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1.
Talk show host David Letterman recently told the world about some troubles in his life, namely a scheme which had been hatched against him in a bid to blackmail a large sum of money from his pockets. The money was to keep David’s questionably extramarital affairs quiet. Allegedly, Letterman had several intimate encounters with several of his staff members.
Unfortunately, this is nothing new. There are many, many marriages that in one way or another are bending underneath the pressure of outside temptation. Both men and women are finding themselves lulled into compromising positions and even if the tryst never becomes physical, lines are crossed nevertheless. The need to be loved, appreciated, and to receive affection is taking as much of a beating as the institution of holy matrimony itself.
So, sadly, for someone of David Letterman’s stature to share with his audience that these events were taking place in his life, while it was sad, was not much of a surprise. Some of us in our cynicism must look at most celebrities and mutter under our breaths ‘it’s just a matter of time.’
What is fascinating is how Letterman has chosen to handle this episode and how the public is reacting to it. Instead of covering it up, he chose, in sober tones, to tell his viewers what was happening. He even went on to make jokes about it during his monologues.
I don’t know about you, but I have a certain admiration for that. Many of us take our faults and stuff them down as deep as we can, hoping no one will ever know or ever venture to ‘go there.’ The embarrassment enough would take us underground.
David Letterman chose a different approach, and maybe he didn’t really have a choice; perhaps the news would have come out some other way. But can you imagine what was going on inside of him, personally? How he must have felt not only having his name splattered upon, but having his wife no doubt dragged into it?
What would you, or I, have done?
Following Letterman’s public contrition, the people who keep track of the Late Show’s ratings reports that the numbers for the episodes following were well into the millions. People were interested as to how this guy was going to function after having a very personal matter come out into the open.
Similarly, the American public was also quite forgiving of President Bill Clinton when he was caught in his inappropriate affair with Monica Lewinsky. I guess we as people, for the most part, aren’t so harsh - actually, we’re attracted - to those who confess their sins as opposed to keeping them hidden.
Everyone is going to mess up, and some of us will be in a position where we will need to explain our failings in a corporate setting. Everyone else will need to tell someone else how they have missed the mark.
And then there will be those who will hear of our weaknesses and will rally around us. These are the people who are perpetually in our corner, no matter what. They could be family, friends, your church buddies, your work colleagues. They are the witnesses to your life that will be your eternal cornermen. When you’re cut, they’ll yell instructions and tell you to keep your head down and your gloves up. When you need a rest and refreshment, they’ll sit you down on your stool and douse your thirst with cold water. They’ll stop the bleeding and massage your shoulders as you get ready for the next round. And your approval rating will grow higher in their eyes for having the humility to receive encouragement and help.
Adultery and fornication are never things to be admired or proud of. No sin is. But how we handle it says a lot about our strength of character. And maybe we could learn a little something from, of all people Mr. Letterman, about that.
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great post as usual!