by Leanne Cabral (jr. high parent)
I loved the Twilight Series! I hadnʼt read a novel for simple enjoyment in a long time. I
was captivated by the story, and enthralled with the love triangle between the main
characters. Even when I wasnʼt inhaling the story, I found it never left the fore front of
my thoughts or imagination. This saga engulfed an entire week of my life.... and then it was over.....
And that also is why I hated the series… Because it did become my obsession. You
see, I have four young kids and enjoy my role as mom, I adore my husband and the life we have created together. Yet in spite of all that, these books stole all my attention. Laundry, chores and family responsibilities were neglected. I simply wasnʼt available. This obsession was like none that I have ever experienced, there was a strange unnatural energy behind Twilight that preoccupied my thoughts and focus.
I was blind sided reading the final pages with a sudden sadness and acute loneliness. I dreaded the thought of re entering my reality....a reality I found quite fulfilling less than a week ago. I was longing for things that I had never longed for before. Discontent for my life intensified and I felt ridiculously empty. In desperation I asked my husband to pray for me. The twisted emotions dissipated and were replaced with complete calm and peace.
Understandably I have a few concerns about this series, I know what it did to me, a well adjusted, content, spiritually grounded, woman in her mid-thirties. I have also come to realize that my experience with Twilight is not unique to me… Other women in similar life stages also experienced this obsession and all that comes with it. Many of them were left longing and searching for satisfaction outside of their life and marriage, yet this kind of experience is rarely discussed. My hope in showing you another side of Twilight, is that you might consider the possible impact before you pick up a copy or recommend it.
(Parents POV: Twilight 1.2 in 2-Days)
Comments
Thanks so much for your openness and honesty here, Leanne. I really value your thoughts and greatly appreciate the selfless way you shared your thoughts.
Thanks for your 2 posts on Twilight. Below are a few of the lines Bella said that were a little concerning to me. To me it takes the idea of relationship (which I am all for) and takes it to a place of idolatry. When anything gives us what God should give us it is idolatry. In this case it is the relationship.
My 2 cents.
Brett
" If this is about my soul - take it. I don't want it without you"
"The absence of him is everywhere I look"
"It's like a huge hole has been punched through my chest"
"In a way I'm glad - the pain is a reminder that he was real "
"When I am with Jake the whole in my chest is almost healed"
"There's just nothing"