PB and I just finished watching season one of the NBC hit show “This Is Us”. I know — we’re a little late to the party. With season three in full swing, it will be awhile before we are up to speed on the Pearson clan. Don’t spoil it, please. I’m assuming there are many more tragedies in store, many more gut-wrenching, tear-jerking episodes in our future.
The endearing characters have wormed their way into our hearts. The concept of weaving together the generations is intriguing and compelling. The theme of family and struggle and growth really resonates. The Pearsons try hard to build a good life. They make plenty of mistakes and poor choices along the way, but we forgive them and keep on rooting for them. We hope Jack and Rebecca and Kate and Kevin and Randall find happiness.
But when season 1 episode 18 rolled the credits,
I didn’t feel inspired or heart-warmed.
I just felt sad.
Sad because these dear characters are empty —
yet trying so hard to find fulfillment.
Sad because they are all looking for significance and security —
things only a relationship with their Maker can provide.
Sad because they are seeking freedom from painful pasts —
something only God can redeem.
If “This Is Us” is an accurate portrayal of contemporary life in America, then its depiction should cause us to wonder, “What’s missing here?” Because what’s missing in the show is also what is missing in our increasingly secular culture.
If we are believers in the power of the resurrection to heal and bring hope into people’s lives, then we should be willing to display what that looks like to the watching world.
We need to be couples who take hold of each others’ hands and, in humility, pray together about our problems. We need to be families who seek out the direction and support of pastors and spiritual leaders when things get too hard to handle. We need to be people who understand sacrifice and selflessness in light of eternity.
I get it — a drama like this can capture the television viewing public.
But this is not us.
Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ….
without hope and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2:12
But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, he who formed you:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1
a small drop of ink 
Excellent insight to the truth of our culture today. Oh how we need Jesus!
Thank you for putting it so well, Dinah.
Appreciate your comments, Peggy!
So beautifully written and so incredibly true.
Thanks for reading! Appreciate the thoughts.
Ok.
I have watched just portions of maybe one episode. So far it sounds like I havent missed something good… As in spiritual growth or spiritual lesson..
But you are right. Few if any TV programs today do just that.
Thanks for sharing.
Dinah,
As I read your blog, think about this TV show and listening to the theme from the movie
“The Mission”, I wonder where or what has happened? It is so simple in my mind. Walk hand in hand with Christ, listen and follow his teaching. Do this and the world works!
It is apparent the world must look at this differently, as there is HATE everywhere you look. We all must continue to pray for our TV writers, world leaders and church leaders everywhere. I will get off my soup-box now .
I hear ya! The answer to the problems in the world will never come from TV or politics. Love reading your thoughts!
You are not the only ones “late to the party.” We haven’t finished season 1 yet! And while, like you, we are caught up in the well-represented family love and trials, we had the same thought: where is their God? Why is no one telling them how to find real victory? You are right; this is NOT us. But it is so many of our friends, neighbors, families. May we get as involved in their lives and loves as we do in those of fictional characters 🙂