It doesn’t get any more real, at least not on TV, where 7 young adults live together with their every move shown to the world, a real life Truman Show. What is the big deal? Why are we fascinated with watching the real lives of these people? Are the real lives around us not weird enough, complicated enough, real enough for us?

Today we are inundated with “reality” TV with MTV leading the way. I remember when that station was all about music, but in various areas it has headed to reality world. The fame of its two TV reality shows, The Real World and Road Rules, have spawned a new generation of similar shows. From the crazy-popular Survivor, Big Brother, High School to the various cop shows and justice shows (Is Judge Judy really reality or is it staged?)

It is as if we are not able to enjoy our own lives and the reality they bring. In fact, the real issue is why do we feel this need for fame and finding it on TV. It is telling that the producers of The Real World feel as if the are providing today’s young adult generation with a chance at fame, at being a celebrity. And they might be right as the casting for MTV’s the Real World viewed over 35,000 tapes from 18-24 year olds hoping to hit the big time. One finalists admitted “Our generation thinks being on TV makes you successful.” Well, is she right? I thought that success was someone that you will never meet who spends time each week feeding the homeless or someone who cares for children each week in church. I thought that the thousands of missionaries around the world was the real picture of success. So who is right?

Is that what you want, or are you like others who think that even anonymous, we are valuable. I vote for the later knowing that inside all of us is a soul of immense worth, that each person matters. God said that He knit us together and that we are special. He tells us that he knows us by name and even has our hair numbered. He catches our tears in an individual bottle and He holds us in the palm of his hand. Now that is success. No amount of TV coverage makes any person better than another. Remember that the next time you wish to become famous—you are valuable just as you are. Never let the corporate world coerce you into sucking up in some effort to find value in supposed fame. The Divine One knows you are wonderful just as you are, the anonymous you.