Shine Your Light

Today’s post is a little different from my usual book-themed reflections, so I invite you to step away from our regular programming for a moment.

Most Australians will know that two of our major television networks recently cancelled some of their longest-running news and current affairs programs. While I didn’t watch these once-popular shows, I’ve observed the online commentary surrounding their cancellation, and I’ve been grieved by the tone of it.

These networks are known for leaning “left” in their reporting, and they’ve often aired views that clash with the Christian values I hold dear. So, in one sense, I understand why many were quick to cheer and chant, “Go woke, go broke”. However, even as I recognised the frustration behind those comments, I was also deeply saddened. Amongst the noise, there appeared little compassion for the ordinary staff who lost their jobs.

I know someone who was made redundant after twenty-plus years of faithful work with one of these networks. Yet, while the internet buzzed with talk about “fat-cat executives” and culture wars, it’s not the executives who are updating their resumes right now. It’s the stagehands and audience warm-up crew. The hair and make-up teams. Camera operators, floor managers, and lighting and audio crew. It’s the graphics and media playback operators, autocue operators, the technical directors, director’s assistants, and directors themselves. Line-up producers, unit managers, and Master Control operators. Even personal assistants and admin support staff who worked behind the scenes to keep everything running.

These aren’t just job titles. They’re real people. Young and middle-aged adults in our suburbs and communities, suddenly faced with uncertainty about their future.

One person, a Christian friend, is among them. My husband (Mr Wonderful!) has freelanced at the same network, and he worked alongside this man—a polite, kind, generous soul who would often buy him coffee, sometimes with a sweet treat to send home to me.

More than that, our friend was a faithful presence in a workplace that desperately needs the light of Jesus. He shone, loved, and lived with integrity in an environment that didn’t always welcome his faith.

So when I read comment after comment—some from Christians—mocking or rejoicing over these redundancies, my heart hurt. Yes, we may disagree with the values a media outlet promotes, but when did it become okay to celebrate someone’s heartbreak? To ignore the fear, confusion, and pain felt by individuals and families caught in the middle?

Jesus calls us to be light bearers. To preach the Good News not only with our lips, but through the way we live, love, and respond. To work in the marketplace, reflecting His grace and compassion each day.

That’s what our friend did.

And that’s what we’re called to do, too.

Let’s be slow to speak and quick to love. Let’s remember that every person, whether they share our values or not, is someone God loves.

Shine your light.

Until next time,