We don't need 13 Reasons. We only need one.

Image: Netflix

 

After avoiding 13 Reasons Why since its release a few weeks ago. I sat down and watched it over a few days recently and have been trying to process it ever since. 

The show is told in a gripping and suspenseful way. The young actors all deliver powerful performances, I couldn't stop watching. That, I'm afraid is where any praise for the series ends. Right up front, I should point out that my experience with the material is based on only watching the Netflix interpretation. I have not read the novel by Jay Asher. My biggest criticism of the show goes hand in hand with our biggest opportunity as Christian parents to learn from whatever message we're meant to receive by watching or reading about this series. And here's the best part. You don't need to watch it to get it! (and neither do your kids in spite of what the actors involved are saying.)

Here it is. Are you ready? Take your family to church. Your whole family. Every Sunday. But don't stop there. Embed your family in the life of your church. This is where we have to lead by example guys. Join a committee, organize a service project, sing in the choir, be a greeter. If the thought of talking to strangers makes you sweat there are quiet ways to serve too. Join the altar guild. When I was growing up my Mom served on the altar guild and it was a family affair. While she and Dad quietly worked in the sacristy, my brother and I were each given a dusting mitt and sent forth to vanquish dust bunnies from every corner of the sanctuary. We managed to have some fun too. More importantly, we weren't alone. My parents weren't alone in their parenting either. We had a congregation of people who loved us and cared about us. And we knew it too. Eyes who not only watched over us on Sundays but eyes out in our community watching over us even when we were out on our own or with friends. 

My children are young yet and we are a few years away from social media, texting, parties, gossip, and all the other struggles that make up the teenage years. My biggest take away from every article I've read and conversation I've had about 13 Reasons Why is that it's time to double down on our commitment to our families. The promises we made to our children at their baptisms, to raise them in the faith. Every hour our family spends together involved in the life of the church is an hour less our children will have to face and be tempted into making poor choices that lead to these desperate situations. I couldn't stop thinking while I watched this group of young people who were experiencing tragedy and coping without the help of loving adults or any kind of faith life. Nevermind the fact that none of the parents were monitoring these teenage children on social media or looking at their pictures and text messages for a year! What a difference it would have made. 

We don't need to sit and watch violent portrayals of rape and suicide to wake us up and force us to realize that we are raising our children in a sad and broken world. Now more than ever our children need to know that Christ already endured the greatest burden of all in his crucifixion to save us from having to experience pain that even comes close. There is no problem imaginable that his love and grace can't comfort and guide us to a solution. But Mom and Dad, it starts with us and it has to start right now.