Because several medically-based program series are popular in our house, the analysis and discussion is one way that some social issues can be raised and discussed. This, after all, has always been the role of drama and arts in a society – the artists (in this case the TV scriptwriters and producers) reflect back to society some of the implications of all manner of things that they see impinging on peoples' lives in that society.
For example, today mental health is being discussed in Australia, and for several years I have seen some of the issues portrayed in a number of the medical or forensic-oriented programs, from both Australia and America.
This portrayal of medical conditions of all types may be a source of information for our family and the wider community, and it may help Delma to better understand her ministry to elderly people, but for those people who are deeply and intimately involved in similar situations at home, these programs can help them know they are not alone.
Imagine those parents who have someone at home who has a medical condition that demands they give constant care and attention; say an elderly parent or spouse or one of their children. This is not a one hour drama, this is an ongoing and 'forever' draining of their physical and emotional being.
Many thousands of Australians (even some children and teenagers caring for an ill parent) give of their inner self continuously and sacrificially. Some, in the end, fall victim to the constant stress; sometimes the ill family member needs more attention and full time care than the rest of the family can possibly offer.
The decision to place someone you love into 'care', and the stress of working through the health-care systems – not to mention the financial implications – are enormous emotional and physical stresses of themselves. Sometimes, other friends and family members will criticise those who just could not take it any more, saying they have abandoned the loved one.
The airing of these programs, and the discussions "in the lounge rooms" around the world about the issues, help to demonstrate to those family members under such burdens that someone is listening and someone has at least tried to explain some semblance of the stress and strain that they experience every minute of the day.
This in itself is a positive response; but it has always been thus. When I was a child, there were certainly programs illustrating medical issues of their own time (I well remember Dr Kildare and Dr Finlay's Casebook and M.A.S.H.)
After all, even in the Bible we are exhorted to look after the sick and those not so well-off in our society. The discussion about helping the weak is part of our 'humanity', and is a gift from the Lord.
One example is the quote from :Ezekiel 34:16
"I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice."
What is perhaps new today is that the open discussion of the issues with all generations in the household is more open and free.