How I Found Inspiration in a Sleazy T.V Show

I was watching the t.v. show Cheaters last night, a show I never watch. Actually I don't watch much t.v. I was waiting for my a movie to start, and I couldn't find the remote. So there I was, in a lazy Sunday night stupor watching Cheaters of all things.

I had never actually watched a full episode before. I think the host is like the 'devil' lurking, cashing in on syndicating the heartbreak of the couples appearing on the show. In this particular episode, this woman, Shaniqua Jones had all the proof she needed to confront her boyfriend who was cheating on her. It was like watching a car accident on the highway. You don't really want to see it, but you can't help but take a peek.

So the drama unfolds. The 'devil' shows her a surveillance video where her live in boyfriend is kissing a woman in a bar. (He called her and said he as at a Mavericks game.) Her expression changed from surprise, to anger, then a blank stare. The 'devil' was ready for the confrontation. I thought the blank stare meant this guy was in for it. And he was.

As the cheater is hanging out in the back of a restaurant with his new 'secret' girlfriend, the Cheaters camera crew storms in. I was anticipating a girl fight. I admit, I was really getting into the whole story. That's how the 'devil' works. So she confronts them both, speaks her mind, and the new girl (who had no idea she was getting played) throws her drink on Shaniqua's boyfriend. For a moment they exchange "No you can have him!" back and forth. They all storm outside with the whole bar cheering for Shaniqua, and booing her boyfriend.

My fiancé and I are sitting there during the commercial, discussing ethics, and legalities. And why the heck are we watching this; somebody get the remote.

Neither of us had the energy to get up, so the show continues. To my surprise, during the wrap up, or post cheaters review if you will, Shaniqua did a little self counseling. This woman was not crying, but made a very calm and self assured statement. I think everyone should remember this.

She said, and I am paraphrasing, 'My grandfather always said, If you hold a dollar bill so tight in your hand, God can't fit a hundred dollar bill in. When you let go of the dollar, you leave room for God to give you a gift.'

To say the least, I was surprised to hear such an uplifting and inspiring message while watching Cheaters! She summed up in a few short sentences, the lesson every woman (or man) should always remember. Don't cry over a failed relationship. Don't live with self pity. Rejoice in the knowledge that there is more for you out there if you are open to accepting it.