I have a confession to make. I stumbled across a new-to-me TV show and now I am hooked. Last weekend, on A&E, they were having a "Dog, The Bounty Hunter" marathon. I discovered it while channel surfing late one night. "What is this?" I asked Shawn. He'd seen it a few times and filled me in. It is a reality, documentary-type show. Duane Chapman, aka "Dog", his wife, oldest sons, and daughter own a few bail bonds places in Hawaii. When someone misses a court date or "jumps bond", they hunt him down and arrest him.
That is interesting enough, but what really adds color to the show are the bounty hunters themselves. Dog has a long, blonde mullet, wears his shirts open to the naval, has long earrings and lots of tattoos. His wife has platinum blonde hair, wears her shirts open to almost the naval, and wears stiletto heels...with everything. When they are chasing someone, they let the bleeped-out expletives fly.
Here's the really interesting part: They claim to be born-again Christians. Before they leave on a hunt, they gather in a circle and pray for wisdom and protection. Once caught, a fugitive can expect for them to offer him a cigarette and tell him how to get his life together, usually by finding God. Often, right before they turn him in, they will gather around in another circle, hold hands, and pray for him...in Jesus' name. The first time I saw it I literally laughed out loud!!! What a hoot!
But here's the deal. I think God is pleased. I really do! They are very sincere in their love for the Lord. He saved Dog out of a life of crime and prison. They are reaching people for Jesus that I never could. Even if I came in contact with the fugitives on the show, they would never receive from me, my life is too clean and neat. They have a strong familial bond which is another testimony, given that the children are from different marriages and used to be estranged from their dad. They love people unconditionally, even while handcuffing them and hauling them to jail. While watching that first show, I was blessed. Here is a picture of the grace of God and an amazing reminder that He is so much more interested in our hearts than our behavior.
I want to be like Dog. I don't plan to get any tats or wear my shirts down to my naval, but I do want the fruit of the Holy Spirit to be evident in my life, in spite of my faults. I don't want my struggles with sin or addictions to get in the way of my sharing about Jesus, and I want to extend grace to people in every situation.
Seriously, everyone should see this show once, for sheer entertainment if nothing else! :) |
