Everyone Loves Raymond

I've been watching Everyone Loves Raymond in the evenings, after Cy goes down. Just for the last couple nights - but something really stood out to me. The portrayal of marriage on that show shocks me! Let me explain:

1. Debra: She is constantly putting Ray down, she screams at him in front of people, she disrespects his friends, family, and him. She is always making him feel less than he is, worthless, and someone who doesn't help. NOW NOW before some of y'all say :Well, Sariah you kinda do some of these things. I think we all fall short of being a perfect wife. I am not saying we don't. I definately do! What can I work on? My respect towards Ash, my appreciation and submission. Debra just takes it above and beyond - I am shocked with how many times in this season alone, she has yelled so loud that her face has turned visibly red. Wow - not a wife I'd ever want!

2. Raymond: He is constantly complaining, he picks his friends and golf over camping with the family or spending time with his wife. He does not stand up for his wife to his parents - and lets them walk all over her. He is not intuned with her needs and wants - never showing affection & appreciation like she so desperatly needs (according to what she portrays on the show).

I just sat here tonight thinking: Why do I watch this show? Sure, some parts are funny. Some parts are JUST like my life and what Ash and I go through. But most parts are degrading to both genders and teach people, indirectly, that treating a spouse like that is "ok". The Bible says for wives to be submissive to their husbands - I'm not saying let them walk all over us - if you think that's what submission is, please look up the definition and educate yourself. God also calls for the husbands to LOVE the wife as he loves HIMSELF. WOW! That's a big one! If we have a need, we meet that need. If we are hungry, we eat ASAP. If we are tired, we take a break. So for the husband - they are to love their wife MORE than they do themselves. That's a big task, just like submission is. But how much more wonderful would a marriage be?

Is it hard to follow these guidelines? HECK YEAH! I will be the first to say: I do not submit very well. I am very disrespectful to Ash at times. I love him with all my heart, but I get selfish and lose sight of him and his needs at time. I need to let him lead the household, not myself. Not copy what Debra does and put Raymond down 24/7 or yell at him 24/7.

It's also shocking that this show is called a "family" show. yeah, way to teach our generation growing up what a marriage is supposed to look like (from society's view). I am going to make a more conscious effort to respect and submit to Ash, and to do the opposite of what Debra does :-)