The Search

Sometime ago, I have seen a series of videos that were produced in the USA by Family Theater and Witnessing to God’s Love Foundation. These videos are reproduced here in the Philippines by Paulines AudioVisuals. I found the videos interesting and educational since the stories touch on different contemporary issues like alcoholism, communication gap between parents and children, AIDS and poverty. One of these series is entitled The Search.

The Search is the story of Darcy, a 14-year old runaway. Feeling misunderstood and restricted by her parents, she left home only to find herself penniless, alone and frightened in the seamy side of a large city.

Although it is the story of Darcy, the viewer is also given the chance to have a fleeting look into the sufferings and almost inhuman existence of the marginalized in our society.

Family Theater productions is a pioneer in family programming. It has produced a score of value laden short films that speak of contemporary issues. The modern-day stories are narrated vis-a-vis particular aspect on the life of Mary and Jesus as told in the Gospels.

I found these short films as good materials for personal reflection and group discussion.

Seeing The Search, I realized how important it is really for family members to have an open communication towards one another. I also understood the pressure our young people have to face up with; their need to be understood and accepted for what and who they are. They want to assert themselves. They desire their independence. Sometimes a loving advice from either parent is even regarded as meddling.

Maybe this issue of teen-agers running away from home is not so much a big problem in our country as it is in other western countries. However, we cannot deny the fact that communication and closeness among family members or between parents and children have deteriorated in the passing of time. Yes, there are many factors that contributed to it – and media is one of them. Television, most especially, has taken over the role of parents in educating their children.