I rarely ever listen to my radio anymore. It's not because I don't want to, but it's because nothing worth while is on it anymore. As a kid growing up in Detroit, radio was all the entertainment I had - and I loved it. I could always tune into WJR and be rewarded with some great music and excellent DJ's who knew how and when to talk and when not to. Additionally, they always carried the Detroit Tigers baseball games, and Ernie Harwell (who just passed into glory about a month ago) would keep our teen heads filled with colorful commentary as the game progressed, so much so, that we felt we were in physical attendance.
Now, that kind of radio is gone. AM is filled with all sorts of nonsense designed to appeal to your left or your right leanings and most of what is said is designed to illicit a high level of emotions, most of which do not bring either joy or amusement. And what is typically spoken is done so (in my opinion) to produce a larger audience share. And Christian radio just leaves me totally disappointed. Very few good "ministers" are sharing the word anymore, and the ones I do enjoy, I'm usually not able to listen long enough to reap any benefits. Most of the other Christian Radio is just a plethora of commercialism.
Lately (because I have it as an APP on my computer) I listen to NPR. They have a fairly un-baised news presentation, but it's also a place where books are reviewed, movies and shows are examined, and the American life in all its wonderful facets is presented INTELLIGENTLY!
When I want music, which is most often, I just connect my IPod and listen to my own playlists.
Now, in reading back on this post I suppose I sound old and out of touch. Yearning for the "good ole days," but really, I think we've just gotten our selves to sophisticated and to immersed in news, politics, and drama. I'm not so sure we need to "know" everything that is happening. The stress is killing us. We feel guilty that we can't do something about it - but we're not God. I would love to be able to put the apple back on the tree of knowledge of good and evil. At least then, my life, and yours would be simpler by far. And as a wonderful side benefit - our relationship with the Almighty would be the most important voice we looked forward to each day.
I personally am bored senseless by NPR, so I either look for a relatively calm and middle of the road AM station, or I plug in my iPod and enjoy real music. I grew up on FM radio but was more interested in Sunday night dedications than listening to a baseball game (*snore*). So in that respect, you are slightly "yearning for the good ole days".
ReplyDeleteYour last comment is the most profound and it is humbling and slightly embarrassing to self-reflect and realize how many things we use on a daily basis to drown out the voice of the Almighty, our best friend. Of course it is not intentional, but with all of the noise and distraction, how do we expect to hear? And more importantly, how do we expect HIM to hear if we don't talk.
Great post.
Great post/comments, both of you! I agree.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you post this, Pastor Jerry, b/c lately Tessa's discovered her radio. She listens to Christian music, but it's the fact of listening to "her radio" that is cool for her. and it brings back memories for me (of music, not baseball games - sorry!). She can now tell me the weather forecast, so that's another bonus i guess.
I usually don't - ok, i never - have on news radio or TV so i don't always hear all the yuck that is going on in the world. Sometimes i feel guilty that i'm out of the know - because perhaps i could be helping someone or at least sound intelligent in a conversation with someone over the age of 4 (perhaps a noteworthy goal for some talk show hosts!) ....
but what i've come to discover for myself is sorta what you alluded to .... b/c i don't hear all the breaking news headlines, i am not fearing that stuff or worrying about it. When i DO hear it, i do tend to worry and be fearful. Which is wrong, i know. =)
You are so right-on to make the point about hearing God's voice above all others. Shutting off all the devices that bring in the noises and other voices.
Ooh, but an iPod?. Didn't an apple product start all the trouble back in the garden? just kidding!
Thanks for posting!
YES - APPLE again - how interesting to note that, Heather. I know we drown out God's voice with all the technology we have now. Maybe God will just invade all the iPods and cell phones and computers one day and announce "I am here - notice anyone"???? Then it will be too late!
ReplyDeleteSo, like the old song "Turn your radio on....." you had better begin to listen to HIS VOICE!!!