I’ve been a fan of American Chopper for many years. There were times that it was painful to watch the show and witness the demise of the family. I have found myself down on my knees praying for the Tuettle family more than once.
Like many men I know, the relationship between the father and his sons was rocky. He had unrealisitically high expectations of their willingness to blindly obey, and they had skewed perceptions of his intentions. I am not here to judge these men, but I merely observe that they all thought they had it right and none of them did in the eyes of observers and each other.
As the seasons went by the fighting got more violent, the forgiveness less frequent, and the sadness became profound. They were hurting and it was clear that none of them really knew how to fix it.
And then they quit speaking to each other. And the ugly flashes of discontent and anger became the black cloak of hatred and duplicity. They wanted to hurt each other and they succeeded.
I had decided not to watch any longer as it was too upsetting to see these brilliant, funny, artistic, and interesting men bent on scorching the earth behind them. I watched just long enough to see an episode where there was a glimmer of hope, an iteration of optimism, a crack in the night’s gloom.
Was all of this scripted? Was it a master plan to lure us back to a show that some had fallen away from? How many custom choppers could you build and keep an audience? Was the fighting there just for us?
I don’t think it was fake. Overblown, tragic, out of control, emphasized for the cameras at first, but then they began to live the lie and destroy each other. My prayers intensified.
Yesterday I watched an episode on my DVR before going to bed. I sat and wept as Paul and Paulie were together in the same garage, building a bike together and working so hard to be civil and not ignite the other man with a malign comment, a cutting remark, or a dirty look. They were trying. And it’s working.
I might be a sucker but I have hope and joy for Mikey, Paul, and Paulie. I pray that they reconcile. And as Paulie wisely said, they never mix business with family again.
God is with us in so many ways. He even watches over a bunch of cable reality stars when we pray enough. I know I wasn’t alone in asking for healing for the men of American Chopper. I realize that Jesus does look after all of us. And if he can bring that healing to those men who drove me to weep in desparation and sadness over their ruined lives can you imagine what he can bring to you and your family if you ask for his love and help?
If your family is hurting, start the healing today. Forgive, pray, and love them like you’ve never done before. He’s waiting for your call.
