Every main character in the show is likable in a unique way. Toby has our hearts with his quick wit and sly charm from word one. Jack slays us with his passion, transparency, salt-of-the earth tendencies. Kate moves us with her willingness to expose her real-life journey with courageous authenticity. As Anna Nalick would say, “She’s naked in front of a crowd. The script is her diary screaming out loud.” Literally. If we didn’t feel compassion for those struggling with weight before, but instead judged them as weak and undisciplined, this show better change us. If not, all isn’t well with our soul.
Randall’s keen awareness of his emotions and willingness to tackle life’s greatest challenges head-on keeps us honest and wanting more for him and ourselves. Beth exemplifies strength and deftness as both wife and mother, rooted in a deep love and desire to protect her family. Rebecca is a kaleidoscope of conflicting emotions. For a woman initially afraid and against having children, her genuine love for her kids proves being a mom was predestined in her DNA. Although her convictions about what’s right for her children appear somewhat skewed at times ― off the mark with Randall ― deep down she is trying her best, the most important gift any mother can offer her children.
The entire cast highlights a forgotten truth in today’s society: We haven’t a clue about the reality of any person traveling a life path different from our own unless we make a concerted effort to find out. Seeking to understand requires subjecting our ideas, perceptions, opinions, beliefs to honest scrutiny, i.e., humility and grace.
Failing to distinguish between what’s right or wrong, acceptable or unacceptable, loving or hateful in our evaluation of humanity is the real tragedy swallowing up our culture. And This Is Us masters the art of weaving together individual lives to expose this plight.
Everyday life shows us what’s wrong with the world. This Is Us shows us what’s right. And with every drip of the IV we have an opportunity to heal our own brokenness, allow wisdom to dilute our ignorance, and build up courage to do our part in making the world a better place.
“All of life is a “coincidence of opposites” (St. Bonaventure), a collision of cross-purposes; we are all filled with contradictions needing to be reconciled. This is the precise burden and tug of all human existence.” ― Richard Rohr
#ThisIsUs
Follow more of Shelby’s writings http://shelbyspear.com Twitter @shelspear Facebook shelspear Instagram shelspear
