UGLY........?

Desperate Housewives. Prison Break. Ugly Betty. What do they have in common?

1. They are American dramas
2. They have become American exports that dominate television viewing globally
3. They have raked in millions of dollars for the TV networks
4. They deal with the human journey

But what do these shows mean to you? Many would consider them exciting and stimulating to the senses, a rush of blood to the head or a heart warming glow in the heart. What they have in common is the unearthing of the human experience, of course done Hollywood style. Yet, there is some element of truth in its portrayal. It may be a little overexxagerated, it may be a little melancholic, but it still highlights a prevalent truth-we have skeletons that we cannot ignore in our cupboards. Try as we might to hide them, they surface and they may embarass us, or defile us. Facing up to these skeletons is a challenge, especially in today's society that is so quick to judge. People like to make a spectacle out of other people's misfortunes, not necessarily Hollywood style (but Hollywood is a good teacher). Facing these skeletons is something we should learn to do; it's all part of understanding that the journey we undertake requires hard, honest reflection that shouldn't weigh us down, but liberate us to move further.

Time to switch off the TV set and opened the closets?

SELAH

reNEWal

The buzz today in corporate circles and political circles is renewal. We need to find the next generation of enterprenuers, the next set of political leaders. It's a timely buzz, and it shouldn't just start and end there. It should permeate into every strata of society, of life. We need renewal in our marriages, in our friendships, in our perceptions about life. Renewals keep us on our toes, helps us assess where we are on the path we have taken. Renewals also help us keep the dreams alive, and not get so bogged down with the details. Indeed, the details feed the dream, but the renewal, the revisiting of these dreams infuse new life, new hope. Hope...that's a word we need so much to not just hear but see as well.

Think of your life right now.

• What needs renewal?
• Is there an idea that has been left salted on the shelf and needs revisiting?
• Is there a relationship that you are enduring rather than enjoying?
• Is there a challenge that you are not facing because you lack the confidence?
• Is time more of a killer rather than a creative spark?

It's time to think and do renewal!

SELAH