This season, they introduced a thing called Redemption Island, where when a person was voted out of the game, they got to go to Redemption Island for a chance to re-enter the game at some unknown point. Matt was on Redemption Island for most of the game, winning duel after duel and continuing on in the hopes of becoming America's Next Top Model. (Uh, sorry, wrong show. That finale is this coming Wednesday.) Unfortunately, he lost the very last duel that would have put him back in the game.
If you have been watching Survivor, Matt is very close to God and has a lot of faith. He kept saying he would do God's will, and he gives all glory to God. Can you imagine being either alone or mostly alone 24 hours a day for 29 days on an island with nothing but a bit of rice to eat? At one point, he was broken. He was a completely broken man. And yet, even while he was crying because of his frustration, loneliness, and despair, he continued to praise God.
Matt is a man full of faith. He has more faith than I do. Religion is secondary. Matt has a relationship with God.
My epiphany (or rather, reminder) was that God is personal for each of us. Or, at least He can be, if we will let Him. You don't have to be a certain religion for God to love you. He just does. Love you, that is. No matter your religion, no matter your gender, no matter your race, no matter your sexual orientation.
So I guess the real questions are - how do we love Him back? How do we let Him in? How do we allow Him to become personal to us?
(Thanks Survivor, and thanks Matt, for giving me this epiphany this morning.)
(And now, back to my ironing.)
15 people wanted to leave a comment:
It seems like Grant had a great epiphany too. I think I need to find my own Redemption Island in my life.
Just tried to post my very long and witty commentary on the Survivor finale and when I hit "Publish comment" my words went into a Blogger black hole. Maybe I'll try again later, or just call you. But for now just imagine a really smart reply. And know that I loved the finale too!
I usually don't like it when people on reality shows talk about God or religion. I usually want to scream at them, "God doesn't care who wins Survivor!" But this post made me feel differently. God may not care about who wins, but He was certainly there for Matt, no matter what his trials were. I was actually quite impressed with Matt as a person this season, although not as a player. On the other hand, I'm happy about the person who won, despite the fact that I'm not impressed with him/her as a person. Hmm.
Weeks ago I figured out who won, when they announced that person as getting their own travel show on one of the cable networks.
Love your perspective.
So true! I love survivor and loved the outcome! Matt it was true, he did make us open our eyes!!
I love this post, I've never watched Survivor, but I love your ideas you've drawn from it. I only wish I could help my mother-in-law understand this.
I didn't watch all that much of the season but my hubby is a big fan (and what was with the crazy "former federal agent" guy? Wacko!) so I caught a few. I liked Matt, too. And I liked that the other girl gave Matt her bible even after he was the reason she had to leave the game.
Beautiful thoughts, Erin!
I haven't watched Survivor in years, but I love anything that makes me think deeper. Even if it's just a random episode.
Great thoughts
I told Kenny that I'm not usually into public declarations of faith on reality shows, but something about Matt really spoke to me. When Julie said that because of his example she wanted to find a church, I bawled. I have a lot of respect for him.
And I'm also happy about the winner. Anything else would have been a travesty.
The way the epiphany hit me was in parenthood. I love all my children, all of the time. It is the same with our Father in Heaven. And that is so reassuring.
On another note, how do you feel about the two finalists on ANTM? I have to say, I'm not thrilled. That, however, won't stop me from watching. (Did I just admit to watching ANTM in a public forum? Crap!)
Great reminder. Thanks.
That is cool! You make me wish I got into that show!
I love Survivor! I think the winner really deserved it too. The other two were in serious denial if they thought they would have won lol
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