Everything is Awesome: Part 2

Who Watches Home Renovation Shows?
If you’re anything like the Dunbars, chances are you’ve spent a good amount of time glued to home renovation shows. Our favorites? Fixer to Fabulous, Maine Cabin Masters, Home Town, and, of course, the iconic Fixer Upper. These shows offer a delightful mix of inspiration, creativity, and a dash of nostalgia—remember Trading Spaces?

A Stop in Laurel
This summer, we decided to take a much-needed break and loaded up our SUV for a road trip to Savannah, GA. The drive was long—1,000 miles, to be exact—so we broke up the journey with a stop in Laurel, MS. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Laurel is the hometown of Ben and Erin Napier, stars of HGTV’s #1 rated show, Home Town. With 2.5 million viewers, it’s clear that people are drawn to more than just renovations—they’re drawn to the Napiers’ mission of revitalizing small towns.

Laurel itself is a charming southern town, with oak-lined streets and cobblestones that seem to echo with history. The revitalization that’s taken place there is a testament to what can happen when people invest in their communities, preserving the old while breathing new life into it.

Why Do So Many Enjoy These Shows?
There’s something undeniably appealing about home renovation shows. But what is it, exactly, that draws so many of us in?

• - Emotional connection: We’re drawn to the stories of the homeowners, the trials they face, and the joy they experience when they see their new space.
• - Educational value: We learn so much about design, construction, and the art of problem-solving.
• - Problem-solving & creativity: Each episode is a masterclass in creative thinking, showing how even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
• - Aspirational: We can envision our dream homes, taking bits and pieces from what we see on screen.
• - Real-life entertainment: It’s reality TV with a purpose—real problems, real solutions, and real transformations.
• - Relatability: There’s comfort in seeing people just like us working to make their homes better.
• - Demo Day: Who doesn’t love the thrill of tearing things apart, knowing that something better is on the way?
• - Transformation: The before-and-after reveal is always the highlight, a visual reminder of what hard work and vision can accomplish.

Demo Day: A Spiritual Lesson
There’s something about Demo Day that resonates on a deeper level. It’s fun, sure, but there’s a reason behind the destruction. Tearing down old walls is the first step in building something better. But not everything can be destroyed—some structures, like load-bearing walls, need to stay in place, especially the foundation.

Demo Day is hard, messy, and tough work. But it’s not the endpoint of the process. Just as in home renovation, the deconstruction of our faith isn’t the goal—it's a step towards something greater.

Deconstructing Faith: A Necessary Renovation
Just like home renovation, deconstructing faith can be transformative. It can lead to a stronger connection with God, a deeper understanding of our beliefs, and the ability to solve spiritual and intellectual problems we might have previously ignored. The goal isn’t to abandon faith, but to clear out the obstacles that block our relationship with God.

Throughout history, Christianity has undergone its own “Demo Days.” From the Protestant Reformation to the abolition of slavery, the Church has continually re-evaluated and reformed its teachings. Even today, we’re called to examine our beliefs and practices, to ensure they align with the life and teachings of Jesus.

The Messiness of Renovation
Renovation, whether of a home or of faith, is never easy. It’s messy, it’s tough, and it often requires more work than we initially expected. But the result is always worth it—a stronger, more resilient faith, built on the foundation of God’s truth.

In the end, our doubts and skepticism shouldn’t have the final word. They’re part of the process, yes, but they should lead us back to a faith that is stronger and more rooted in the truth of who God is.

So, as we watch these home renovation shows and dream of our perfect homes, let’s also consider the state of our spiritual houses. Are there walls that need to come down? Foundations that need to be reinforced?

Remember, deconstruction isn’t the end—it can be the beginning of something beautiful and new.

CONNECT GROUP QUESTIONS:
1. What draws you to home renovation shows, and how do you think those reasons might relate to your spiritual life?
2. The blog mentions that "Demo Day" in both home renovation and faith deconstruction is messy but necessary. What areas of your life or faith might need a 'Demo Day,' and what might you hope to build in their place?
3. How do you relate to the idea that deconstruction isn't the endpoint, but rather a step toward something greater in your faith journey? Have you experienced this in your own spiritual life?
4. In the blog post, it’s mentioned that the deconstruction of faith can lead to a deeper connection with God. What obstacles might be blocking your relationship with God, and how could you begin to remove them?
5. The blog reflects on historical moments where Christianity has undergone significant changes (like the Protestant Reformation). How can understanding these moments help us navigate our own faith deconstruction today?