Dog the Bounty Hunter

It's a rare thing for me to watch TV. 

It usually only happens when I walk into a room and it's on, which was the case this evening.

Tonight, Dog the Bounty Hunter captured my heart.

(The show. Not the man.)

We watch it, and many of us laugh, find it absurd, think they deserve what they've got coming to them.

And while it is a bit over the top.

And while they do deserve what's coming to them.

All I feel when I look at them is this incredible sadness.

They are so very trapped.

It's easy for us to be judgmental on the other side 

To think they must know there are better ways to live.

To think they know the right choices and are choosing not to make them.

I've lived in that world.

The one where jail time is assumed, drugs are served on the hour, having a good time is all that ever matters (because trying to forget the world you're in is preferable, and there's nothing else to live for anyway).

It's a vicious cycle.

One that's not often broken.

Without vision, people parish.

It's hard to see when there's only one option. 

It's hard to go somewhere different when there's only one sure place you're accepted and not looked down on.

It's hard to leave the comfort of familiarity.

Tonight, my heart is with those who are sick of their current situation but feel trapped and helpless.

Those whose lives have been the furthest thing from easy and who feel the least valued.

Those who just need a huge hug, someone to love them for who they are, someone to support them.

May they know Your love.