life without television?

Television has proved that people will look at anything rather than each other.  

~ Ann Landers (1918-2002)

Some may think that in our modern world it is impossible to live without a television.  Most homes in western civilization have not one, but many televisions.

For many years I lived without a television. I wasn't trying to make a social statement. Circumstances in my life had led to a place where there was no TV in my home and I just hadn't felt an urge to change that. In fact, I kind of liked not having one. I felt as if I had gained hours in my day...more time for rest or to do things that mattered.  I felt soooo productive!

My dad came for a visit (when I was single and living in Kansas City) and decided this was a necessity I could not do without any longer, so he graciously bought me a TV. He would have paid for any TV my heart desired. Large flat screens were (and are) all the rage. I chose a 23". I liked it better because it didn't seem to dominate the room. I unpacked the TV, but it required a cable connection and I never quite got around to doing that. So, a few more years passed where a TV was set up in my home, but only operated when watching movies. After Kenyon and I got married, he moved in to my place. We got cable and I didn't like the results.

Once the TV was hooked up to some programming. Gone were the nightly dinners at the dining table. Gone was conversation over dinner. Time seemed to get away from me. I spent less time on things that mattered.

We have now returned to the States.  The TV my dad bought those years ago was stored in my friends home while we were overseas. Once we moved in, it stayed in the box for months. It is now set up for video watching, but can't run any programming as we missed the free adapter phase of the digital implementation and don't have any paid programming set-up.

I feel no desire to change our circumstance in regard to television.  We follow our favorite shows online - CSI and Amazing Race.  I get the news through an app on my phone or online.  Sometimes in the evening we will watch a movie rented from Red Box or the local library.

Without a TV in the home, I read more. I get outside. We converse more. We find other, more productive ways to spend our time.

Life without a TV was a product of circumstance before.  I think it is going to become a lifestyle choice.

just Sheri, a journalism major (and American) with no working television

The Summit - unexpected influence

Speaker: John Dickson

Have you heard of John Dickson? If not, it's okay, I hadn't either.  One of the great things about the Summit is the wide variety of speakers - they come from all walks of life and all parts of the globe.

John is from Australia. He is a college professor, an author, and a Christian - which is rare in the largely secular Aussie culture. Now, some of my best friends are Aussie's. I will have the pleasure of spending time with one of them soon and being part of her families Australia Day celebrations.  But, that is not the subject of this post.

John spoke on a topic I have been studying for years, actually over a decade.  It is a topic that engages my mind with it's mystery and challenges me to the core of my being. What is it? Humility.

John was asked by his superior at Macquarie University to research the topic as part of his role in the Department of Ancient History. He went at it in a very scientific manner and his finding is worth noting.

Modern western culture does hold humility in high esteem, but that wasn't always the case. In the ancient Roman empire it was looked at as incredibly weak. Granted, there are still those in our modern time who hold this view; but I suspect they would still be disgusted by blatant arrogance which hints at some value given to humility. There was a time that I viewed humility as weakness. That has changed.

What changed the perspective an entire culture from looking down on humility to valuing it? John's conclusion is that "western culture is profoundly shaped by the cross of Christ. A teacher from Nazareth inspired a humility revolution." WOW!

Those who have been exposed to Christian teaching for a while should be familiar with the inversion principles of Christ's message.  This one is nicely summarized in Matthew 20:24:

You've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, how quickly a little power goes to their heads. It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.

I love that an academic researcher of ancient civilizations found Christ's message of humility sparked a revolution that still influences our culture today.


He spent the majority of this talk at the Summit highlighting the benefits of humility in leadership. It was a convincing argument, but I don't have space to outline it here. If you are interested in learning more, he wrote a book on the topic titled "Humilitas."  I have purchased the book. When I get through some of the stack I am currently working on, I will read this and possibly post a review on this blog.


John defines humility as "the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself...the humble person is marked by a willingness to hold power in the service of others."


What do you think of John's definition of humility? Accurate? Is it missing something?


just Sheri, continuously discovering how much character counts

Blog updates

I made some changes to the blog recently. I thought I would highlight them today.

At the bottom of each post, you can share via email, blogger, twitter, facebook, etc.  I also added reaction buttons - click if you thought the post was funny, interesting, or cool.

I know from my stat counter that most people read this blog via RSS - that means there are a lot of voyeurs out there that read, but don't engage. If you are one who likes to engage, then these changes will help you to do that. If you prefer to remain a silent stalker, that is fine too.

just Sheri, creating opportunities for interaction

Everyday Heroes: active father's

This summer I spent a lot of time outdoors. Many days in a week you could have found me exploring our new surroundings on foot...walking, walking, walking.  I think walking is a great way to learn a place.

I noticed something on my walk-abouts...there were lots of dads spending time with their kids. I saw dad's fishing, golfing, playing tennis or riding bikes. One of my favorites was a dad following his daughter around the lake in a kayak. She went through the tall grass intentionally.  He followed behind, trying to keep up.

Those dad's are creating a great foundation for their children to launch in to the world. They are creating a sense of safety and stability. They are fostering a sense of adventure...and of course modeling an active lifestyle.

Mom's get a lot of much deserved credit in raising kids. But, dad's are NOT insignificant. They play an important role too. I was glad to see so many active father's. I decided they deserve a nod of recognition because they are everyday heroes.

just Sheri, applauding from the side-lines (sometimes literally)


NOTE: The Everyday Heroes series is intended to draw attention to kindness. It's purpose is to share stories of normal people engaging in acts of kindness. Why? Because I believe kindness is what changes the world...father's giving their time and attention to their children is an act of kindness.

culture shock: talking to strangers

I realized something recently.  I can strike up a conversation just about anywhere...and it surprises me.

Apparently, I am getting better at overcoming my inability to engage in small talk. We have, after all, been in this country about nine months.  My how time flies!  I still have a huge gap in pop culture knowledge. However, I am not really motivated to overcome that hurdle. But, small talk isn't the topic of this post.

Lately, I have realized that while waiting in line at the grocery store or cafeteria.  While sitting in a waiting room at an office, or really in any public space, I can speak with and understand anyone.  This has not been my reality in recent years. I had become quite good at communicating using gestures and grunting, because I lacked the language ability to converse.  If I was lucky enough to know a word for something I would use it, but my vocabulary was limited.

At the end of a couple of random conversations with strangers in recent weeks, I left thinking what a relief it is to be able to speak with and be understood by anyone.

I remember during the food riots last year in Mozambique what a frustration it was that I could only understand bits of the local news and little of the chatter on the street.  I felt uninformed in important matters because of my weak language skills.

It is a gift to be able to strike up a conversation anywhere, without the barrier of language difficulties. Now that I am aware of this super-power, I may use it more often.

Do you talk to strangers?

just Sheri, suddenly conversational