Extreme Makeover: Soul Edition

DateLine (12/14/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)

A few years ago I happened to tune into a TV program entitled Extreme Makeover. I’ll admit a curiosity with the basic storyline of providing radical cosmetic surgeries to correct physical weaknesses that have contributed to low self images and unmet expectations from life. While I’m sympathetic to the plight of the participants the show seemed pre-occupied with the superficial as the primary focus dealt with surface issues. An “Extreme Team” of surgeons, dentists, hairdressers, personal trainers, and make-up artists were assembled to demonstrate their skills foisted upon the target.

Over it’s history the show seems to be getting more extreme; transitioning from it’s charter to grant relief to the afflicted to providing entertainment that appeals to the twisted interests of the audience. The following scenarios are being recruited for future shows on their web site:

1. An engaged couple who will be married on the show after a double makeover
2. My Fair Lady, where a small town girl will undergo an Audrey Hepburn transformation
3. A dedicated weight loss candidate willing to work off 50 lbs before their makeover
4. Veterans/Firefighters/Police/EMS, etc. who may have been injured in the line of duty

Now contrast the description just given to a spin-off program entitled Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The purpose of this program is to select a nominated family that demonstrates great need to receive a dream house which is constructed in the window of one week while the family vacations away from the area. I’ll admit that this program gives me a warm and fuzzy. I’m drawn to the construction details and it’s quite a blast to see the recipient family react as they take a tour of their dream home for the first time. Often times some corporate sponsor will relieve the family of any obligation for the mortgage, so they move in as owners free and clear.

Extreme change is the common theme to both of the TV shows. Consider for a few minutes about another Extreme Makeover. Mankind has a spiritual deficiency. It’s called sin. It’s genetic. We inherited it from our ancestors. We’re not a lost cause. There is a one who is taking applications for us to receive a correction to the problem. The interesting thing is that everyone who applies will be accepted. The change is so great that the one who performs the makeover will not even remember what we looked like before.

The makeover was planned before we were even born. A team of Three is assembled at all times in order to do the makeovers. The makeover team is very intimate with all aspects of our being. If performed our physical, mental, and spiritual beings will be affected and we’ll receive a satisfaction guaranteed. There is no recovery period, the results are immediate. As recipients our primary obligations are to show our respect for the “Extreme Team” and to guide other people through the application process. I like to call this Extreme Makeover: Soul Edition.

Here’s your invitation to apply. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) If you’ve already received your makeover pass it on to someone else.