Although it may be unpopular to admit, I am a fan of quite a few reality television shows. While for the most part, I watch them for the sheer entertainment of it all during the lull in television programming during the summer, there are a few times when I feel like I take an important lesson away from certain episodes.
That was the case last night as I sat down to watch the season finale of the “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” starring the lead singer of Kiss, his longtime girlfriend and their two children. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Gene Simmons, he is a man who has on many occasions mentioned his disdain for marriage. However, in the season finale, he decides to propose to Shannon Tweed, the mother of his two children. The thing that struck me about his decision to marry was that the episode clearly shows his development from a selfish rock star to a man who realizes that he has to put others in his life first.
I think that is such an important lesson. I know from my own marriage that selflessness is crucial. It’s so easy in life to put yourself first and not think about the feelings of others, or how your actions will impact the important people in your life.
If you have watched anything on television lately that startled you in how it made you think about your own life and faith, please share!
Footprints on the Journey 
Wow I can’t believe he proposed to Sharon. I honestly feel at this point int heir relationship its not necessary but kinda sweet. They have been together so long and through their life commitments and the raising of their children have shown enough love the ‘wedding’ is just icing on the cake!
Im sure itll be one great wonderful emotional filled and over the top wedding, or theyll shock us and have a quiet peaceful family thign either way good for them.
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Marriage definitely requires the mental attitude and maturity of knowing that it is a life long commitment. If one cannot come to terms with the sacredness of marriage one should not consider the gift of marriage. It is constant selflessness, unconditional love, patience, kindness, not jealous or conceited, not proud or ill mannered…..Love never gives up, it’s faith, hope and patience never fail.
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As a cynical person – becoming ever more so with the passing years – I find it hard to believe that any action from a reality show is indeed “real.”
However, I agree that selflessness is crucial in marriage.
In a perfect world, if each person puts the other first, than the end result will be getting what you wanted to begin with, only this way, you get it with a clear conscience.
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I can’t wait to see his wedding tux!
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I’m going to guess it will be a leather jacket, silver chains, and of course “spit-shined” dragon shoes!
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A very important lesson indeed, selflessness is a crucial characteristic to have.
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I agree with Loren – it would be ideal for Gene and anyone else in a long-term relationship to have the awareness that consideration for your partner is a crucial element of a relationship. But I can’t help but wonder how much of this new self-awareness is real and how much is generated by the presence of cameras & producers who want a storyline for their TV show. That’s entertainment!
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I love this show and I think it is so funny how it really does teach something about marriage…who would have thought?
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I bet It’ll take him longer to get his makeup on than the bride!
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I keep getting Frank Sinatra’s “Love and Marriage”/The Bundy’s theme song stuck playing over and over in my head. Thanks a bunch for brain worm!
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