TV Morality

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Confession: I like watching TV commercials.

Partly because I’m an actor and I do a lot of commercials, and so it’s kinda like homework to see what the commercial “trends” are.

Some of these trends include: making dads and men seem like dopes or incompetent, ethnically ambiguous “heroes,” the switching of normal gender roles, and co-branding partnership commercials.

And honestly, most commercials are pretty forgettable. Or standard. Or just kind of…boring. Very rarely do I see something that evokes any sort of emotion, other than, say annoyance.

But not yesterday.

I was watching television, and I saw a commercial for Subaru Outback that literally made me say out loud to myself: Wow, way to go Subaru.

Why?

Because it was an unapologetically prolife commercial.

And you can watch it here for yourself.

But basically, it was this couple, and the wife was probably 8 months pregnant. And they were driving to all these beautifully scenic locations: the beach, the forrest, the mountains, countryside. And at every location, the mom would rub her belly, and say “And this, baby, is the ocean. You’ll love it here.” Or she’d say, “There’s so much I want to show you.” It was just so heartwarming, but also so clearly obvious that she was referring to her unborn child as a baby.

Not a fetus. Not a collection of cells. A baby. A life.

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It’s no secret that I am staunchly prolife. I’ve written a lot about it before. I mean, it is the clear determining factor in how I cast my ballot.

And yes, the fact that I am Christian has a lot to do with my belief. But also for reasons that might not seem related: I am prolife because of the anorexia in my past.

Here’s the thing: when I was in my disease, I was destroying my life. It’s not like I was flat out saying, I’m trying to die, but the truth of the matter is that my actions were communicating just that. I wasn’t eating. I wouldn’t even drink water. I was compulsively exercising. And I was withdrawing and pushing away all the relationships in my life.

I was living on borrowed time.

All because I didn’t believe I was worth love.

And coming out of that hopeless pit of despair was damn near impossible. It took a full out intervention by my family and close loved ones. And even then, I had to be threatened with drastic legal measures in order to cooperate. Times were dire. I was 78 pounds. It was literally do or die.

After many tantrums, tears, and slammed doors, I finally agreed to a three month stay at an intensive inpatient treatment facility across the country in Arizona.

And though I credit inpatient with keeping me alive and saving my life, it in no way healed my anorexia.

I got out of there as fast as I could just so that I could relapse and get back into my disease. I still wanted my eating disorder.

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There was only one thing that truly healed my eating disorder.

And the simple answer, is Jesus. But why? What really does that mean. Because it’s kind of  gross simplification of the actual transformation that took place. And I promise this will all come full circle and loop back to the Subaru Outback. I swear!

My healing came when I finally understood, accepted and embraced that I do in fact have worth.

But not from anything that I did.

Growing up in a family of mega-overachievers, I had always believed that worth was earned. You study hard, you earn a good grade. You practice free throws until you can make it with your eyes closed, thus earning your position as starting point guard. And I liked it that way.

But this time, my worth as a human being did not come from anything I did or didn’t do. Because frankly, we are all way too messed up, and if that were the case we’d all be up a creek without a paddle.

No, my worth came from the mere fact that I was handmade by God. Formed in the womb, and known by name, by voice, by heart, by the number of hair follicles He put there. 

I am a work of art, beautifully designed by the Maker Himself.

And His love for me was made known when He died on the cross…for me. Out of so much love so that we could be together forever in Heaven.

When I finally believed that to be true, I realized that my life is worth something truly great.

My life is worth His death on the Cross.

My life is worth living.

And it was in that moment that I realized that I need to stop killing myself.

I needed to feed and nourish, protect and take care of this incredible gift that is my life.

I was worth life.

So knowing that, who am I to not extend that same worth and value to the life inside a woman’s womb?

A child, growing in the womb is deserving of that same protection as I am. Why? Because he or she was also handcrafted by God. And his or her life was also purchased by Jesus on the Cross.

If I truly love Jesus, then I need to love and protect all lives – from conception to natural death.

It’s that simple.

And seeing Subaru make a public declaration in their commercial that the life inside the mother’s womb was actually a baby – I actually started to tear up a bit.

They get it.

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I was so impressed and excited. There’s so much crap out there. Companies going out of their way to bash the president, or make fun of Christianity or morals, or promote things that go against Christian values. And yet we still support them. We still buy their products or download their music. And every time we do that, we’re sending the message that that “BS” that they’re pulling is okay!!

We need to stop that! We need to start supporting brands and people that promote what we believe, and gosh darn it — I’ve never ever wanted a Subaru in my life. I mean I always thought that a prerequisite to owning one was a highly manicured beard, Birkenstock sandals, and an affinity for hatch back station wagons. But dang it I do now!

Let’s start paying attention to what companies are putting out there, and make a conscious vote with our pocketbooks.

Starting with Subaru.

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255 thoughts on “TV Morality”

  3. Hey Caralyn, I sent this to my daughter who struggles with body image and other issues. I love how your true healing could only come form Jesus. And that healing seems to take time – there is always parts of ourselves that we discover and Holy Spirit comes and says “You are loved, let me take that from you and heal your wound.” We can always say, “No thanks, I think I will hand on to it.” The amazing thing is God loves us so much He will allow us our decision to hang on to our pain, even though He knows it hurts us. But when we decide to let it go, allow Holy Spirit to heal the wound and bring us closer to the Father through Jesus, then we know our true purpose and meaning for our pain. You are such a special person, may the Lord richly bless you with His overwhelming love today.

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    1. Oh awesome, thank you for passing it along. I will definitely keep your daughter in my prayers so true – God loves us so much! Hugs and love xox

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  5. What a beautifully written testimony! I commend you and also pray for your continued success in coming back to reality! Yes, you were magnificently made and in His image, which is by far more perfect than we could have done on our own. Being a retired pastor myself, I’m not excluded from my own imperfections, but I came to realize many years ago that God did love me and had a plan for me. I am fully touched by your testimony and have placed you on my daily prayer list. I read your blogs often and am truly grateful for your writings. May God continue to bless you. Bob

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    1. Thank you Bob! I really appreciate your prayers and kind words. I’m so glad that you enjoy my blog. Amen to that – we are so loved! Hugs and love xox

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  6. You know, it’s funny. Al and I have been talking about buying a Subaru for our next car – A few years from now, of course. We’ve been impressed with their safety features, how well they’re made, and their commitment to green production. Now, I’m sold.

    I like to think Subaru is the car manufacturer for my generation, like Volvo was the car manufacturer when my parents had me. My parents bought their white Volvo station wagon six months before I was born, and it was the most solid, stable, reliable car we have ever owned. It was solid steel, and it technically had a roll cage, the way it was built. My mom was really nervous about me driving it when I got my permit and license, because it didn’t have air bags or cruise control. My dad countered with, “That is the safest car she can be in. I’m not worried about her in it. It bought her home from the hospital all those years ago – It can survive her driving it, too.”

    We all loved that car. We finally sold in to a family friend in 2016, after 28 years of ownership. We have photos of all of us in the driveway before it was picked up – It was that kind of Kodak moment. My parents miss it terribly, and so do I. But, I take comfort that a company like Subaru cares so much about babies and families. That makes me happy.

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    1. Hi Laura Beth! Yeah they really are great cars! And I’m hearing a lot of pro Subaru testimonies on here! Haha aww what a special memory. And 28 years! That’s so impressive!!! That makes me happy too 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  7. Quite possibly one of the most cogent and compelling arguments on the topic I’ve read. I just posted a link on FB and recommend others do the same. This should be shared.

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    1. Oh my gosh Rey, thank you so much. What a kind thing to say. Thanks for passing it along! Hugs and love xox

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  9. Wow! What a wonderful commercial. Way to go, Subaru! It’s funny you said you like watching commercials (understandable in your line of work), we pulled the plug on cable several years ago and just do Roku streaming channels precisely because we hate the seemingly endless commercial breaks when we’re trying to watch something. Of course, if more were thoughtful like this one, we might venture back to cable. 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much Mel! Yes way to go Subaru indeed! Yeah I hear ya on that. How about this, you keep the Roku and I’ll keep ya posted if there are any other good commercials to be aware of 🙂 hehe Hugs and love xox

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  15. I thought this was an excellent piece. I’ve seen this commercial a few times but never thought of it in the way that you did. Subaru did an awesome job with this! My next car just might be a Subaru. 🙂

    As a second point, the decline of morality on TV has accelerated. We are seeing nudity and gratuitous sex and violence in almost every TV show. It saddens me and I fear for the young ones who are subjected to this by otherwise less-than-discerning parents.

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    1. Thank you so much Joe. I really appreciate that. That’s such a powerful perspective. so true. and so sad. Hugs and love xox

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  17. Hey Caralyn, this was a pure joy to read. I too like watching commercials as well. The one that really touched me was about a father standing next to his car holding the door open and seeing a montage of his daughter grow up through his eyes as she heads towards him.
    Wasn’t too sure what product it was because I was touched by it and thought about my own daughter growing up so fast before my eyes. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. oh gosh, thank you so much Mark. What a kind thing to say. I think I’ve seen that one too! Very touching. Hugs and love xox

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  18. Great post. I saw that commercial the other day but didn’t think about the connection as you did. And your connection between your past disorder and prolife stand is great as well. Praying as you work in this lion’s den you stay strong and protected.

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    1. Well I guess both! What I meant was that the “trend” is to have the hero character appear to be from multiple backgrounds. Like someone who has mixed heritage. It’s an awesome trend…I love it! The more diversity we see on tv the better! 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  20. Hi Caralyn,
    Like you, I am a commercial junkie. In fact, if they made a channel with nothing but commercials on it, I would watch it all day. I love trying to figure out the marketing angle of companies. The Subaru ad almost had me crying the first time I saw it about a week ago.
    Being about as pro-life as one can be, let me quote not the Bible, which I could do to support this view, but my favorite blogger, who said, “I am a work of art, beautifully designed by the Maker Himself.” (You might recognize those words). Now for the Bible verse: Genesis 1:26, ” And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
    Wow! You are made in the image of God, Himself! You aren’t kidding when you say you are a “work of ar, beautifully designed…”

    Love and Blessings,
    Jim

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    1. Thanks so much Jim! Haha a commercial channel. Yikes! Oh my gosh you are too kind. Thank you for such beautiful encouragement. You have made my heart so warm. Thanks for being amazing. Hugs and love xox

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  22. Wow. Great stuff! And BBB, I have a quick story I think you’ll enjoy.
    There was a lady that took some strong medicine for a medical problem she was experiencing. The Dr. did the routine test first- she wasn’t pregnant.
    But later, she realized something… she was pregnant!
    A couple close friends suggested she abort. “The baby will be mal-formed!” ETC.
    How could she do that? She did not abort.

    And I’m the proof. The lady is my Mom.
    She didn’t abort; I’m in great health, formed normally.
    Thanks Mom & HalleluYah!

    All lives are important.

    Shalom -Yah’s girl

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    1. Oh my gosh your story is AMAZING. thank you so much for sharing. I’m so glad your mom made that decision. God is so good! Your mom is a rock star in my book. And so are you!! Hugs and love xox

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  23. Thought-provoking ad and post. Some sociologists say that ads tell us more about society than the news. I find them fascinating too… providing they’re not too artistically/ethically rank… 🙂

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  26. This post really spoke to me this morning. I’m also strongly prolife, but I have issues with self worth and not seeking value in my performance. But your words reminded me, why do I care about the lives of unborn babies? It’s not because of their actions or who they may become (although I do want the best for them and their mothers). I care because God created them. He died to redeem them and their parents. That is our true worth!

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  28. Great post Caralyn. I think you’re spot on when you urge us to support those businesses etc… that promote or share our beliefs, values, and attitudes. We’ve got to make some noise if want to be heard. How we spend our $$$ is one way that we can do that. I think that is evidenced in the fresh batch of faith-based films churning out from Hollywood lately. They recognize there is an audience for movies that reflect Christian beliefs and values.

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  29. What a refreshing post you’ve written Caralyn. I too hate how mainstream media try to denigrate men, christianity and everything else in between. . So, I say don’t accept the lies, make your lives uncomfortable, speak the truth, be a ray of hope and never forget the intelligent designer who created you………….the beginning , everything in the middle and the ending……….. I love what you have written ……”so that we could be together, forever in Heaven with God”. That should be our focus and purpose in life. Love you Caralyn

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    1. Thank you so much!! Amen to that — that really should be our focus and purpose in life. Yes!! Let’s be that hope! Thanks again for your support and friendship! Big big hugs xox

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  31. A wonderful post – I love your sharing of thoughts and convictions, and your faith. Your strength is inspiring . . . you’ve made me realize that I need to find and apply some of my own. Thank you. 🙂

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  32. I’m prolife too…but you explained it in a way as to why we should be prolife.

    And I said this a million times…but for some reason this part of the creed stuck out today.

    ‘And we believe in the Holy Spirit,
    the Lord, the giver of life.
    He proceeds from the Father and the Son,
    and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.’

    There’s another reason to be pro-life.

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  33. Thank you for putting your heart out there and being so inspiring! I honestly find it difficult to watch TV just because of all the garbage I see, but thank you for pointing out this gem. It’s so refreshing finding a company or show or commercial that’s wholesome. Thank you!

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  34. “My healing came when I finally understood, accepted and embraced that I do in fact have worth.” “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant shall be healed.” He has spoken the Word; the Centurion and you are worthy!

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  37. Of course it’s a baby at eight months. Very, very few people would argue about that. It doesn’t make you prolife, it makes you scientifically aware; at that point, with a bit of medical help, the baby can live outside the mother (one of my cousin’s kids was born at 7 1/2 months, so it’s definitely possible). We of pro-choice talk about fetuses when they’re in the first and maybe the second trimester because they cannot exist on their own. It doesn’t mean we don’t love them. It doesn’t mean we don’t think of them as blessings. It just means that we recognize we’re going to care for the life of the being that’s already in the world (the mother) over the life of the not-yet-viable bundle of possibility if and only if we have to make that choice.

    I appreciate your support of Subaru and your call to support organizations that align with your values. But please don’t mischaracterize those of us who stand on opposite political sides. We also are Christian, and we also love God’s creativity in the human reproductive process, and we also delight in a woman eight months pregnant. We just think that in the months leading up to that, she has every right to care for her own body as she sees fit.

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    1. Thank you so much Christina for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I definitely respect everyone’s opinions, and I appreciate you joining the dialogue! This is a powerful perspective. Hugs and love xox

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  38. Hello – yes, I saw the commercial too and was stunned by the refreshing quality of it, focusing of course on the quality of life beginning in the womb. Have to admit though, it is amazing, absolutely astonishing, it took a car-advertising company to be so bold in making such a statement to its customers. It is the job of advertising to tug at our heartstrings. So – would it motivate me to buy one, of course, if I the car I wanted fit one of theirs, then that would be the tipping point.

    There was another car commercial, I don’t remember the make, but was along the same line, but not human. It was showing how the dog went through the ages with the owner and the car. I believe it was a car commercial, well I don’t remember exactly right now.

    But in the end, I am in agreement with you about commercials in general, this one is the best I have seen in years.

    Oh, have you ever watched commercials or TV without sound and just tried to analyze what is going on. It’s amazing how music and other things going on distract us from the lousy acting, singing and/or dancing. I would turn the sound off to see if the actors were really able to convince me of their feelings with their acting.

    By the way, congratulations for heading back into the dungeon of the gym. I love working out and tend to stay too long, want to always want to do one more set. When I do, many times I get mad at the gym guy who wanted to do extra sets because the next day guy is super tired and sore and having a challenging day now. 🙂 God Bless you!!

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    1. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this! You’re so right about the commercials – there are a lot of “flaming hoops” and bells and whistles of distraction for sure. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  39. Great job! You are so talented. I have to admit when you said you didn’t believe you were worth love my eyes started to leak. I just can’t imagine how someone as gifted and beautiful as you could feel that way. I am just grateful that you are on the right path now and I am sure your work is touching many that needed a wake up call. God has blessed you with a talent and you are putting it to good work. God Bless you.

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    1. Thank you so much. Gosh what a kind note of encouragement. That really means a lot. Yes! I am so grateful to be in a better place too 🙂 God is good! Hugs and love xox

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  40. I have to say I am happy yo javr read such an amazing post, I love that commercial myself. It was so true and dear to my heart.

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  41. Thank you for visiting my blog! I always appreciate it when you stop by. The “men/dads are dopes” narrative on TV and commercials really gets to me. Great post.

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    1. Thank you so much David! Unfortunately, I don’t have a reblog button right now! I’ve contacted WordPress about it, but sadly that feature disappears when you upgrade to a business profile. I do have other sharing options at the bottom of the post thought – like Facebook, Twitter etc. Sorry about that! thanks for your feedback! Hugs and love xox

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  44. Thank you for sharing your faith. In 2001 when depression destroyed my calling as a pastor, I went through a very real crisis of identify. Not until I realized that I was a person created in the image and likeness of God, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, with intrinsic value did I start to heal. My identify is no longer rapped up in what I do, but who I am through Jesus Christ.

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    1. Thank you so much Jay, I appreciate you sharing your story. I’m so glad you’ve found that identity! Hugs and love xox

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  46. Beautifully said! Thank you for openly sharing your story with us! 🙂 We need more prolife voices like yours – people who don’t shrink back from telling the raw, personal reasons why we believe every life is valuable. Thanks for liking my post – otherwise I wouldn’t have found your blog! 🙂

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  47. Awesome word about TV Morality. Keep standing up for the truth! There is more of us than the secular media thinks. More are coming each day. Kanye West!

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  48. Hey U! Yes, I get mad at how tv adds always show men/dads that have no idea how to make breakfast, or do laundry etc.. the list goes on. I know the Subaru add you are talking about and its a good one. I have this crazy thing about other car adds (other than the one you mentioned). Too many car adds show this mentality that you can get on the road with their vehicle and drive like a NASCAR driver, and then off road into any kind of terrain. All the studpid adds using Star Wars as a comparison to their vehicle is so stupid. Then you have the ones that show inside a dealership with “crowds of people walking around”, as if it was Times Square itself. You go to any dealership, no matter what the population of the area is, and there are NOT people shopping around in droves. You maybe get a couple, then you get those sitting in the waiting area for service. We’re not talking Tanger Outlets here. Hugs and love xoxoxoxo

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  49. Love this post! Well thought and well written. But most of all it points to a life that is lived for God and driven by His love and grace. God bless!

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