Spacious Buildings

This past Monday night, Corey shared a lesson with the kids about Hollywood and the great and spacious building of Lehi's dream (see 1 Nephi 8:26).

We talked about seeking the praise of the world and if it's hard or not to be righteous in a decaying world. Then we read them this article about Corbin Allred. (He is awesome.) Then lo and behold, I learned Tuesday morning that we had yet another perfect example of what we had just talked about. I have never watched MTV or their music awards, but thanks to facebook I have heard about the awards show this past Sunday. Friends and news articles linked me up to some articles - I agree with Nancy French's article  where she says "There’s nothing original, clever, or entertaining about her slide away from virtue. ...it’s sad but boring. In pop culture, there are no boundaries left to transgress, no consciences left to be shocked." Also this one was spot on. And now, to quote Stephanie Nielsen:

"I heard they were crass, explicit, embarrassing and very disrespectful. Awesome. I like a good song as well as the next person, but if those idiots ever think they can come into my home and mess with my children and influence them with their "shocking" ways; then I say: over my dead freaking body. Nice try world. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. -13th article of faith"

From an interview President Hinckley gave to Mike Wallace in 1995 (5:06-6:34)

Mr. Wallace: “Since World War II, we seem to be splintering; we seem to be becoming more selfish, more self-absorbed, less community minded. Families don’t seem to mean so much, and morality has gone to hell [his expression] in a handbasket. Why?”

Response: “The basic failure is in our homes. Parents haven’t measured up to their responsibilities. It is evident. A nation will rise no higher than the strength of its homes. If you want to reform a nation, you begin with families, with parents who teach their children principles and values that are positive and affirmative and will lead them to worthwhile endeavors. That is the basic failure that has taken place in America. And we are making a tremendous effort to bring about greater solidarity in families. Parents have no greater responsibility in this world than the bringing up of their children in the right way, and they will have no greater satisfaction as the years pass than to see those children grow in integrity and honesty and make something of their lives. …”

All those Hollywood award shows sure do make it look like they're having a lot of fun, don't they? Are you convinced that is where we'll find real lasting happiness? Not me, and I'll strive everyday to give my kids a big dose of what true happiness feels like (aka - babies learning to walk, playing on the beach, or just goofing around at home) so that they won't be duped by Satan's counterfeit.

Nice try.