Anyone else catch themselves in the middle of discussions about the Super Bowl? I'll admit to NOT having watch a bit of it, but because Kansas City is my brother's team and where we were born (he in Kansas City, Missouri in 1978 and me in Kansas City, Kansas in 1975), my sister kept checking the score while we were binge watching Arrow on the CW. A big congrats to Kansas City, by the way!
Okay, but that is not what I was talking about. The half-time show seems to have stole the show - at least where social media is concerned. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira gave a memorable performance leaving literally everything out on the field, so to speak.
So, let me be honest for a second and tell you again, I still have not seen ONE minute of their performance. I didn't have to to know what they were capable of. Nor did I want to because I knew what they were capable of.
Those are two talented and extremely athletic women. BUT they are also two women that don't share in the beliefs I have so it's my choice not to follow their full careers or music. Hear me here when I tell you that does not make me judgmental...it makes me choosy on what I allow in my life. Simple as that.
The loudest comments I heard on both sides of the coins were these:
Pro: their athleticism, their ability compared to their age, women power, strong Latina influencers
Con: raunchy, pole dancing, scantily dressed, poor examples for children and women
So where do I stand?
I stand with the Bible verse below to the best of my ability. First, this part of the verse is where I'm at with doing my best to gently say what I feel without putting anyone else down: Let your gentleness be evident to all. And I'll admit that it's hard at times. It's especially hard when others are writing things and sharing things that make you look like the biggest prude since Ma Ingalls! Yep, I'm not often thought of as "cool" and "with the times"...and that is evidenced by the use of those terms! :)
Second, the next part of this verse that I've focused on is: 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.
And as a Christian, where do your convictions lie? We NEED to be different than the others. Not so we can flaunt ourselves in front of others as holier than all the land. We NEED to be different because Jesus was different. I don't believe He would have sat on the sidelines or watched from home cheering all of that on. I believe He would have been praying for those people performing and praying for those being entertained. He did not blend in; He stood out.
As a Christian, no matter if these women showed off their athleticism on a national stage, no matter if they helped women show they matter, no matter if they blew ageism out of the water - was their performance these things? Did they glorify God? Did the dance moves they performed, the lyrics they sang, the skin they showed, glorify God?
That's what I have to go on. I don't think I've ever sat through a full half-time show. I tried several years ago when Bruno Mars sang because I'd heard a lot about him and thought I'd check it out. I was so appalled at the lyrics he sang that I didn't last two songs. I do not listen to secular music often for this express reason. I mainly listen to Christian music, though I do listen to a lot of Josh Groban and Michael Buble'. No, these two do not profess to be Christians and I've heard interviews with them that confirm my suspicions. Most of their music is older love songs that do not glorify sex, drugs and alcohol. I do not believe those things fall into the list of what we've been told to think about. Sheesh, anymore a lot of country music is about sex and alcohol. And, you could argue with me that I'm just settling and maybe I am. I continue to bring that to the Lord and wait for His guidance, as I leave you to do with your convictions.
I don't share all of this to try to make anyone feel guilty. I share because the Lord didn't stay silent on all the issues either. Biggest difference between Him and me is that He never got it wrong - not once. I'm wrong daily. But I can't always take the politically correct route or remain silent. THAT isn't right, either.
So, here's my take on the Super Bowl half-time show:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4:4-9
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