05 Apr, 2021 Why Should Kids Ditch Their Hollywood Dreams?
by Bethany Dumbleton
Hollywood Dreams
It isn’t hard to see the truth.
Growing up we always look at celebrities with the mindset that if we could just be where they are, we would be happy. They appear to have great lives. Money, popularity, and for most of them, good looks. And if you don’t have good looks, you can most likely afford to buy them. As a kid, our Hollywood dreams seem like something that will really fulfill our greatest desires! And maybe they do deliver money and popularity…
But at what cost?
The deception of Hollywood dreams.
You may have heard of Demi Lovato. She climbed her way to where she is now from a very young age. First, she was loved on Barney & Friends, was later adored for her role in Disney’s Camp Rock, and eventually made the Billboards Hot 100 with “This Is Me,” a duet with Joe Jonas.
Where have Demi’s Hollywood dreams taken her?
Most recently I saw that she has released a 4 part documentary on Youtube, Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil. I discovered this shortly after researching a few stories released about her drug overdose and an eating disorder. I don’t know about you but neither one of those things really sounds like something I want my children battling in their life.
We could ask Demi if her Hollywood dreams have delivered what they promised her, but we don’t have to. She tells us herself in her newest collaboration with Sam Fischer, “What Other People Say.” Her honesty is raw and I appreciate her being vulnerable with the world. I am sure the same could be said about the documentary, although, I have not watched it. We should thank her for giving her perspective on her Hollywood experience because believe it or not, it can help us be better parents.
We just don’t think about it.
I’m sure the last thing Demi’s parents thought as they were getting her ready for an audition to be on a children’s program, was that their daughter would cave under all of the pressure that was ahead of her. When we see our children and their talent we want nothing more for them than success and fulfillment. Ask your son, who you can’t get to come in from playing football, or your daughter who can’t seem to put down her guitar, what it is they want in life. “I want to be in the NFL,” or “I want to be a top music artist!” is what we all would expect to hear.
However, is being at the top and in the spotlight really in their best interest?
“What Other People Say“ really says it all.
“Thought when I grew up, I would be the same as the ones who gave me my last name
I would not give in, I would not partake in the same old drugs, everyone else takes
I’m better than that, I’m better than that
I’m livin’ my life so I go to Heaven and never come back
But look where I’m at, look where I’m at
I’m livin’ the life that I said I wouldn’t and wanna go back
I used to call my mom every Sunday
So she knew her love wasn’t far away
But now I’m all f***** up out in LA
‘Cause I care more about what other people say
I used to not take chances with God’s name
But it’s been so long since I last prayed
And now I’m all f***** up and my heart’s changed,
‘Cause I care more about what other people say”
And there you have it.
The truth from someone whose Hollywood dream came true. So, yes, my personal stance is that it is a much better option for our children to never make it to Hollywood. One thing that we don’t realize is that Hollywood is not just corrupt because of drugs or all of the issues we are shown in the media. It goes so much deeper than what is on the surface. The father of lies is behind it all. It is actually EVIL.
That’s precisely how Demi, who was once innocent and full of life, got to where she is today.
Hollywood may actually be the greatest hustler known to man. Much like a drug, celebrities, and media get kids hooked on this illusion that they need everything Hollywood has to offer. However, after they “make it,” they come to realize the things it will take to keep this status will ultimately steal all of the life they used to have.
Life more abundantly.
I want my kids to experience life, and not the superficial life of Hollywood lights. TRUE life, and true-life comes from only one place. That place is found in Jesus Christ. All of those Hollywood dreams will never give them the life that they want. Heck, besides Jesus, nothing will give them the life they want. Because ultimately, all people want is a life full of contentment and the biggest Hollywood lie is that once you “make it,” that’s what you’ll have. Whether we listen to Demi to get to that realization, or we go to the word of God, the truth is still very clear…
Hollywood dreams over-promise and under-deliver.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10 ESV
Bethany Dumbleton is the Chief Operations Officer for Counter Culture mom. She is first and foremost a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
Her husband and two children are her main ministry which overflows into her life ministry. She knows that our children follow our example. She strives to help parents grow in Christ, so they may shepherd their children biblically.
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