Nothing better illustrates the above quote of actress (and fitness guru), Jane Fonda[i], more completely than the sitcom, The Golden Girls, which aired from 1985 to 1992 on the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). [ii](It is one of my favorite re-runs streaming on Hulu.)
As humorous and provocative as The Golden Girls could be at times,
there were reoccurring scriptural truths that were represented in The Golden Girls (and life in general).
1.
Close friendships are valuable all the time –
“A true
friend loves regardless of the situation, and a real brother exists to share the tough times.” Proverbs 17:17 (VOICE)
2.
Your flaws can be your strengths – “Therefore, I’m
all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful
situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 (CEB)
3.
Life is easier when you’re laughing – “Happiness is
good medicine, but sorrow is a disease.” Proverbs 17:22 (ERV)
4.
Help yourself by helping others – “Make sure you don’t take things for granted
and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others.
God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of
‘sacrifice’ that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.” Hebrews
13:16 (MSG)
5.
Embrace each
other’s differences – “I will praise you, for You made me with
fear and wonder; marvelous are Your works, and You know me completely.” Psalm 139:14
(MEV)
6. Try something new – “What will you gain, if you own the whole
world but destroy yourself? What could you give to get back
your soul?” Mark 8:36-37
(CEV)
7.
Have
confidence in yourself – “Since you are so much more precious to God
than a thousand flocks of sparrows, and
since God knows you in every detail (down to the number of hairs on your
head at this moment) you can be secure
and unafraid of any person, and you have nothing to fear from God either.” Luke
12:7 (VOICE)
8. True friends can
discuss anything – “Love
will never invoke fear. Perfect love expels fear, particularly the fear of
punishment. The one who fears punishment
has not been completed through love.” 1
John 4:18 (VOICE)
9.
The older population
can be useful members of society –“Old people are
wise. Those who live a long time have understanding.” Job
12:12(NIRV)
10.
Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Woman
– “Charm
can fool you, and beauty can trick you. But a woman who respects the Lord
should be praised.” Proverbs
31:30 (ICB)
11.
Always be willing to admit when you're wrong- “So then, confess your sins to one
another and pray for one another (so that you will be healed). The prayer of a
good person has a powerful effect.” James 5:16 (GNT)[iv]
“My mother always used to say: 'The older you
get, the better you get unless you're a banana.'” (Betty White as Rose Nylund, The Golden Girls)
[i] Jane Fonda was seventy-seven at the time of this
quote.
[ii] Former NBC president Brandon
Tartikoff (1980-1991) got the idea for the series while visiting an elderly
aunt. His aunt's neighbor was also her best friend, and he was amused at how
they constantly bickered with one another, but yet they always remained pals.
[iii]The entire female ensemble was considered senior
citizens except for Rue (Blanche). The technical definition is an elderly (or
retired) person over the age of sixty.
Estelle Getty was one
of the younger members of the cast. You may not be aware that makeup artists
actually had to spend forty-five minutes daily applying the wig and facial prosthetics
necessary to make her look like her eighty year-old female character.
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